…proffering solutions for health, beauty and agriculture in Africa
A powerful revolution rooted in sustainability and science, Rijona Biochemicals, a woman-led Ghanaian company, is putting a fresh spotlight on one of Africa’s most underutilised natural resources: the neem tree.
Co-founded by Mufida Mohammed and supported by the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) and the Mastercard Foundation, Rijona Biochemicals is reshaping local economies and promoting sustainable living by turning neem seeds into high-impact products in health, skincare and organic agriculture.
“At Rijona Biochemicals, we believe nature holds the key to Africa’s most pressing challenges; and by transforming neem – a resource we have long overlooked – into health, skincare and agricultural solutions, we are not just creating products; we’re creating possibilities for people and the planet,” Mufida Mohammed said.
From local tree to global impact
Neem, known for its antibacterial, antifungal and insect-repellent properties, has long been used in traditional medicine. Rijona is leveraging modern biochemistry to produce:
- Natural mosquito repellents
- Eco-friendly skincare under the brand NourishNest
- Organic and neem-enhanced fertilisers for more sustainable farming
This innovation supports healthier lifestyles, environmentally safe farming practices and, most importantly, inclusive economic growth – particularly for smallholder farmers and rural women who are engaged in neem seed collection and processing.
Backed by innovation and purpose
As an organisation focused on sustainable entrepreneurship and job creation for young people in Ghana, KIC has played a key role in Rijona’s development and scaling. “Rijona Biochemicals is a clear example of how home-grown innovation, when nurtured, can transform a natural resource into a vehicle for impact. It is about linking agricultural value chains to jobs, sustainability and, ultimately, dignity for future of young people,” Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC.
Beyond product innovation, Rijona is deeply committed to women’s empowerment, working with women cooperatives to create jobs, training opportunities and income streams within rural communities. Their model represents a scalable solution that intersects gender equity, climate resilience and entrepreneurship.
With plans to expand production, improve packaging for international markets and introduce new neem-based product lines, Rijona Biochemicals is poised to take Africa’s green gold to the global stage, offering clean, nature-based alternatives that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals on health, environment and gender.
