2025 Leading African women in Food Fellowship (LAWFF) Program

The Leading African Women in Food Fellowship is an ambitious program aimed at supporting changemakers who are making outstanding contributions/impact in the African food ecosystem. This initiative amplifies, celebrates, champions, and advances the work of these female food changemakers.


...
Maryam Yanah Yakubu
FELLOW

Maryam Yakubu Yanah is the Founder and CEO of Mainstream Lime-Light Ltd, the producers of Ma’Zaine Foods, an agro-processing company dedicated to providing nutritious, preservative-free ready-to-cook foods sourced from Nigerian farmers. Her products address critical health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and malnutrition, offering healthier alternatives to consumers. Her impact extends beyond business—she is a passionate advocate for women and youth empowerment. 

In February 2021 alone, she trained over 7,000 women and youth for free on producing long-lasting tomato paste, with many now earning from the skill. She also sponsors women’s fish farming businesses and supports sustainable livelihoods. Recognized for her contributions, Maryam has received the SensXAfrica Impact Xchamp Award and a Meritorious Award from Portfolio 9 (Community). 

She also represents Kebbi State in the ACT4Food Act4Change movement, advocating for food security and sustainability. As she expands her business toward global exportation, she remains a key figure in Nigeria’s agro-processing landscape, holding memberships in multiple industry associations. Maryam is a trailblazer driving change in food systems, economic empowerment, and health-conscious agro-processing.

ORGANIZATION

Mainstream Lime-Light LTD

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Nigeria

PROGRAM YEAR

2025

Personal Website

null

Personal LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-yakubu-a4965844

Personal X

null

Personal Instagram

https://instagram.com/iammaryamyakubu/

Personal Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/maryam.m.7

...