Maguette Ndiaye crowned Best Entrepreneur in Sweden 2026

Maguette Ndiaye, founder of the Afia Organic cosmetics brand, has just won the title of Sveriges Bästa Företagare 2026 in the “Entrepreneur of the Year” category. The award, presented by Bokio, crowns a company that combines sustainable beauty products and African traditions, while supporting the economic empowerment of women in Burkina Faso.

Out of approximately 10,000 votes cast in its category, Afia Organic collected nearly 2,000, a decisive score since the final result combines the popular vote and the jury’s evaluation in equal parts. Reacting to her victory, the entrepreneur confided that this recognition gives her the courage to continue and see bigger.

A double-impact business model

The jury praised a business developed without loans or subsidies, in parallel with an activity in the care sector. Collaboration with a cooperative of Burkinabé women makes it possible to locally finance projects linked to education, access to drinking water and health. In Sweden, in Bandhagen, Maguette Ndiaye also runs spaces intended for other entrepreneurs wishing to make themselves known and develop their activity. Reacting to this distinction, the Senegalese declared: “ It really feels great to win. It gives me the courage to continue, dream bigger and take new steps. The fact that a company like Bokio wants to shine a light on what I do and show that my work has value means a lot to me. »

In addition to the title and a diploma, Maguette Ndiaye receives 20,000 Swedish crowns (around 1,800 euros, or nearly 1,200,000 CFA francs), which she plans to invest in renovating her premises and storage space.

OBN