Top 20 Black-Owned Businesses in the UK to watch in 2026

These enterprises, often rooted in Nigerian, Ghanaian, Somali, Zimbabwean and other African backgrounds, face persistent barriers to capital. Black founders start businesses at higher rates than the national average but secure limited venture funding. Extend Ventures reports they received 0.24% of U.K. venture capital from 2009 to 2019, rising to 0.95% in 2023 amid greater diversity focus after the Black Lives Matter movement.

Who Owns Africa presents the top 20 Black-owned businesses to watch in 2026, selected based on recent funding, revenue growth, industry recognition, cultural impact and expansion potential. These scalable companies operate in fintech, beauty, fashion and hospitality.

Examples include fintech platforms facilitating diaspora remittances, beauty brands using West African botanicals for natural skincare and haircare, fashion labels blending African heritage with contemporary design, and restaurants reinterpreting West African cuisine, some earning Michelin-level recognition.

Stronger diaspora networks and rising demand for authentic, ethical products are expected to drive growth in 2026. Black-owned businesses remain underrepresented, with most small-scale and facing greater challenges securing loans and scaling.

Their resilience appears in specialized directories, accelerators like Barclays’ Black Founder programs and rankings such as the Powerlist 2026. These enterprises illustrate diversity’s role in innovation and economic progress, with greater support potentially helping close funding gaps.

1. Zepz (formerly WorldRemit)

Somali-British entrepreneur Ismail Ahmed launched Zepz, formerly known as WorldRemit, in 2010 after encountering high fees from traditional money transfer services while sending remittances to family in East Africa.

Ahmed, who arrived in the United Kingdom as a refugee from Somalia, previously served as a compliance adviser for the United Nations. Motivated by the inefficiencies he faced, he established a digital platform offering low-cost, near-instant transfers via mobile devices, with a focus on high-volume routes to sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.

Zepz operates through two main brands, WorldRemit and Sendwave, which the company acquired in 2021. It achieved unicorn status with a $5 billion valuation after raising $292 million in a Series E funding round in 2021. More recent financing includes a $267 million Series F round in October 2024 led by Accel, LeapFrog Investments, TCV and the International Finance Corporation, as well as debt facilities such as $165 million in growth financing in April 2025 and a €152 million combined revolving and term facility.

The company processes billions in annual transactions, with monthly send volumes exceeding $1.3 billion across more than 5,000 corridors in 150 countries. It serves millions of users — previously reported at over 11 million across its brands — and acquires approximately 100,000 new customers each month. Transfers support bank deposits, cash pickups, mobile money wallets and airtime top-ups, with fees generally lower than those of traditional providers due to digital operations and faster settlement times, as 85% of transactions complete in minutes.

Zepz is recognized as the United Kingdom’s first Black-founded fintech company to reach unicorn status. It has challenged established players like Western Union by emphasizing accessibility, speed and cost efficiency in the remittances sector.

Ahmed’s path from refugee to founder and chairman of a multibillion-dollar payments group has attracted attention and served as an example for entrepreneurs in the African diaspora.

As of 2026, Zepz continues to pursue growth through expanded integrations with financial systems in Africa, additional corridors and technological advancements, capitalizing on increasing smartphone use, regulatory developments and sustained demand for cross-border payments in migration-driven markets. The company maintains operations in dozens of countries with a global workforce.

2. Lenkie Technologies

Nigerian-British entrepreneur Nnaemeka Obodoekwe co-founded Lenkie in 2021 with Sanjeev Jeyakumar to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with alternatives to traditional bank lending for managing cash flow challenges.

Obodoekwe serves as chief technology officer, and Jeyakumar is chief executive officer. The London-based fintech company offers a “Grow Now, Pay Later” credit facility that allows businesses to pay suppliers immediately while repaying the amount over one to 12 months. It provides access to up to £1 million in funding for working capital needs such as inventory purchases, marketing or subcontractor payments. The platform uses proprietary underwriting technology, real-time performance data and open banking integrations to process applications, often in minutes, and directs funds directly to suppliers.

In March 2025, Lenkie announced a £49 million Series A funding round, which included £4 million in equity and a £45 million debt facility. The round was led by a large U.S. private credit fund focused on supporting international lenders. Prior to the round, the company had facilitated over £70 million in funding to hundreds of underserved SMEs and supported payments to more than 2,000 suppliers across 40 countries.

Lenkie targets sectors such as construction, logistics, retail and manufacturing, where businesses frequently face upfront costs that constrain growth. The company cites a reported £22 billion funding gap for the U.K. SMEs, attributed in part to reduced bank lending.

The platform emphasizes data-driven credit assessments to enable faster approvals and greater financial inclusion for businesses that may not qualify for conventional loans. Customer feedback often highlights the speed of the process and improvements in supplier relationships.

Reports indicate Lenkie achieved profitability in 2024. With the additional capital, the company plans to refine its underwriting models, expand partnerships and consider entry into new markets.

As alternative financing options continue to address SME needs in the post-recovery economy, Lenkie positions itself to support broader access to capital for U.K. businesses.

3. Ruka Hair

Zimbabwean-British entrepreneur Varaidzo Tendai Moyo co-founded Ruka Hair in 2020 with Ugo Agbai to address the limited availability of high-quality hair extensions and tools suitable for textured Afro hair.

Moyo, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business mathematics and statistics from the London School of Economics, drew from personal experiences with synthetic products that often failed to match natural curl patterns ranging from 3C to 4C and caused damage.

The direct-to-consumer brand provides premium human hair extensions, biodegradable synthetics, wigs and accessories designed for textured hair. It focuses on ethical sourcing, frequently from women in India and Bangladesh who sell hair as a source of income, while prioritizing sustainability and product safety.

In response to 2025 reports highlighting potential harmful chemicals in traditional synthetic hair, Ruka introduced lab-made alternatives using proprietary collagen protein fibers produced in Japan, which the company describes as non-toxic and more environmentally friendly.

The company has raised nearly $10 million in total funding, including a crowdfunding round that exceeded £1 million (with a high proportion of female investors), investments from Big Issue Invest (including a £500,000 commitment), grants from Estée Lauder initiatives and support from partners such as Henkel.

Ruka operates through its e-commerce site, business-to-business channels and a concession at the upscale London department store Selfridges, where it became the first Black-owned hair extensions brand to secure such a presence.

In 2025, Ruka received the Breakthrough Positive Impact Award at the Business of Beauty Global Awards for its proprietary human hair alternative fiber, recognized for addressing needs in non-toxic and ethically sourced products.

The brand serves thousands of customers across the U.K. and runs an academy to train stylists in textured hair care, in a market where fewer than 1% of salons specialize in Afro-Caribbean styles.

Community support, endorsements from celebrities and efforts to promote representation for Black women have contributed to the brand’s visibility.

As demand increases for textured hair solutions — with global hair extensions and wigs market projections showing growth from approximately $8 billion in 2026 onward — Ruka plans international expansion in 2026, including potential entry into new markets, while continuing education on healthy and sustainable haircare practices.

4. Alonuko

Alonuko, a luxury women’s fashion brand specializing in bespoke bridalwear and evening designs, was founded in 2012 by British-Nigerian designer Oluwagbemisola “Gbemi” Okunlola when she was 17.

Okunlola, who is self-taught, began learning to sew at age 11 by observing her mother create gowns in Peckham, London. She launched the business with 15,000 pounds from personal savings, later supplemented by additional funds including 250,000 pounds from friends and family in 2021. The brand focuses on made-to-measure designs that combine British luxury craftsmanship with African-inspired elements, such as intricate hand-embroidered details and illusion tulle matched to diverse skin tones.

The London-based company prioritizes serving women, particularly those of color who have often been underrepresented in high-end bridal fashion. Gowns retail from around 3,500 pounds, with custom pieces reaching up to 25,000 pounds.

According to reports from 2024 and 2025, Alonuko generated annual revenue of approximately 1.3 million to 1.4 million pounds, with one account citing 1.4 million pounds from fewer than 150 dresses sold in 2024. The brand has targeted 3.5 million pounds in revenue for 2025. Sales are predominantly international, with about 70% from the United States, 25% from the United Kingdom and smaller portions from Africa and other regions. It maintains an in-house team of 20 skilled professionals at its London headquarters.

Alonuko has expanded through trunk shows and pop-ups in cities including New York, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta, as well as a strong digital presence with over 600,000 followers on its main Instagram account. Growth has relied largely on organic channels without heavy paid advertising. Okunlola has received recognition, including being named a finalist in the Female Founder of the Year category at the British Business Excellence Awards.

The company has appointed a chief financial and strategy officer to support scaling. Earlier reports indicated plans to seek about 1 million pounds in funding for further U.S. expansion and to introduce more ready-to-wear collections.

Alonuko illustrates the growing presence of African diaspora-led businesses in the U.K. fashion industry through its emphasis on inclusivity, cultural elements and high-quality bespoke service.

5. Yendy Skin

ulian Boaitey launched Yendy Skin in 2022, creating a clean skincare brand powered by ethically sourced African superfoods from women farmers in northern Ghana.

Named for a district near its ingredient origins, the company partners with more than 200 small-scale female farmers through fair-trade cooperatives. It pays premium prices for shea butter, moringa oil, baobab, hibiscus and other botanicals, while funding community projects and ensuring transparent supply chains.

The lineup features standout products like the Super Shea Moisturiser, Antioxidant Power Serum, Moringa Jelly Cleanser and Aloe Hibiscus Toner. Vegan, cruelty-free and clinically backed, the formulas hydrate deeply, repair the skin barrier, fade dark marks and acne scars, soothe irritation and deliver a natural glow — ideal for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive or maturing ones.

Yendy Skin quickly built momentum, reaching multi-six-figure revenue and attracting over 10,000 customers with a 4.8-star average from more than 200 reviews. British Vogue repeatedly praised the Super Shea Moisturiser, alongside features in Harper’s Bazaar, Hello! and the Evening Standard. Boaitey earned the CVC Capital Partners Young Innovator of the Year award for his social entrepreneurship, plus grants and competition wins.

The breakthrough came in 2025 with Adobe’s major UK-US small-business campaign spotlighting the brand, sparking 300% sales growth and wider global recognition.

By early 2026, Yendy Skin had forged retail partnerships across multiple countries, scaling fast while staying committed to ethical sourcing and real results.

Boaitey’s vision proves high-performance skincare and meaningful social impact can thrive together — a fresh model for an industry often shadowed by unclear origins.

6. Kugali Media

Kugali Media, a Pan-African entertainment company co-founded in 2017 by Hamid Ibrahim, Olufikayo “Ziki” Adeola and Toluwalakin “Tolu” Olowofoyeku, focuses on authentic African storytelling through comics, graphic novels, augmented reality and animation.

The company achieved global recognition with “Iwájú,” a six-episode animated science-fiction miniseries set in futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. Produced in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, it premiered on Disney+ in February 2024 as the first original long-form series from Disney Animation created with an external partner and the first major animated series to spotlight Nigerian culture on the platform.

The project began after Kugali’s founders expressed ambition in a 2019 BBC interview to challenge Disney in Africa, which led to the partnership.

“Iwájú” earned three nominations at the 2024 Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, including for Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series, along with nods at the Annie Awards for Best Limited Series and the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Animated Series.

As of early 2026, Kugali is advancing with initiatives including a selective mentorship program for emerging talents, announced by co-founder Olowofoyeku in late 2025, and ongoing creative projects. The series has additional tie-ins, such as the mobile game “Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef.”

Headquartered in London with a team of 11-50 employees, the company emphasizes fair pay for creators and opportunities for underrepresented African narratives. Under CEO Hamid Ibrahim, Kugali continues to expand its influence in Afrofuturism through partnerships and storytelling that respects Africa’s past, embraces its present and envisions its future.

7. Nubian Skin

Ade Hassan launched Nubian Skin in 2014 with a mission to provide lingerie and hosiery in nude shades designed to match darker skin tones, addressing a longstanding gap in the fashion industry.

Hassan, a British entrepreneur of Nigerian heritage, started the company after struggling to find undergarments that blended seamlessly with her complexion. What began as a small online collection quickly gained attention when a social media post went viral, boosting the brand’s Instagram following from 50 to more than 20,000 in a matter of weeks.

Since then, Nubian Skin has expanded into a global brand offering bras, briefs, shapewear, hosiery, swimwear and, since 2022, soft breast prostheses in four shades developed in partnership with the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. The company’s signature tones — Berry, Cinnamon, Caramel and Café au Lait — aim to reflect the diversity of melanin-rich skin.

The brand is now carried by major retailers in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and the United States, with worldwide shipping available through its website. Among its notable supporters are Beyoncé and her dancers, who wore Nubian Skin pieces during the 2016-2017 Formation World Tour.

Despite remaining a small operation with a team of two to 10 employees, Nubian Skin has influenced the broader lingerie market, encouraging larger companies to introduce more inclusive shade ranges.

Hassan’s work has earned widespread recognition. In 2016 she received the Great British Entrepreneur Award, and in 2017 she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to fashion. The honor was presented by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

In 2024 the company marked its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of growth driven by a commitment to representation and quality.

Nubian Skin continues to operate as an advocate for inclusivity in fashion, proving that addressing overlooked needs can sustain long-term success in a competitive industry.

8. No Knot Co / Kurl Kitchen

Keshia East, a British entrepreneur of mixed Ghanaian and white British heritage, has built two prominent haircare brands focused on textured hair: No Knot Co and The Kurl Kitchen.

No Knot Co, founded by East, offers premium yet affordable hair tools, including gentle detanglers and brushes designed for waves, afros, kinks and curls. The brand emphasizes minimal damage and has received recognition, including a Glamour Beauty Award for its hair brush.

East co-founded The Kurl Kitchen with her sister, singer Fleur East. The line draws inspiration from West African kitchen staples, incorporating natural ingredients such as okra, baobab, wild yam, plantain, shea butter and African black soap. Products include deep-cleansing shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, curl creams and nourishing oils, formulated in Ghana to meet the needs of curly, coily, wavy and tight-textured hair.

The brands prioritize community engagement, education on natural hair care and authentic representation of cultural heritage. Their products are now available in more than 800 stores across the U.K., reflecting strong consumer demand for inclusive, high-quality options rooted in tradition.

East’s work has earned industry praise and notable recognition, underscoring her contributions to diversity in beauty. With rapid growth since their launches, the companies are preparing for further expansion in 2026, including new product introductions and increased international presence.

Through these ventures, East and her sister promote self-love, innovation and the celebration of West African traditions in modern haircare.

9. Chishuru

Adejoké Bakaré, a British-Nigerian chef, has made history as the first Black woman in the U.K. to earn a Michelin star for her restaurant, Chishuru.

Bakaré launched Chishuru as a pop-up in Brixton Village in 2020, earning acclaim including praise from critic Jay Rayner, who described the food as full of heat, vigor and zest. The pop-up ran until 2022, after which she opened a permanent location in Fitzrovia, central London, in September 2023 at 3 Great Titchfield Street.

In February 2024, less than six months after opening, the Michelin Guide awarded Chishuru one star for high-quality cooking, highlighting Bakaré’s unique style and the restaurant’s reflection of her personality. She was also named Chef of the Year at the 2024 National Restaurant Awards. Bakaré is only the second Black woman worldwide to earn a Michelin star for her own restaurant, following Georgiana Viou in France. Further recognition includes her inclusion on the Powerlist 2025 of the most influential Black people in Britain, a spot among the Financial Times’ most influential women of 2024, and a feature in British Vogue’s Vogue 25 list for 2025.

Chishuru specializes in modern West African cuisine, rooted in Nigerian traditions with vibrant, flavorful dishes. It offers set menus only: a four-course lunch currently priced at 50 pounds per person (rising to 55 pounds from late January 2026) and a dinner menu at 105 pounds per person. The intimate, relaxed space seats about 65 guests across two levels, featuring an open kitchen, music and a selection of low-intervention wines and cocktails. It operates Monday through Friday, with reservations available up to 60 days in advance and walk-ins welcome. The restaurant maintains a homely atmosphere despite its Michelin status.

Chishuru continues to receive strong reviews and high demand, with the Michelin Guide confirming its one-star status in 2025. The venue will close briefly for refurbishment in March 2026.

With sustained acclaim, a loyal following and ongoing influence in London’s dining scene, Chishuru demonstrates strong potential for 2026, including possible menu developments and continued growth in recognition for innovative West African cuisine.

10. The Village People

Nigerian-born Clement Ogbonnaya, raised in the diverse South London neighborhood of Peckham, has built a pub group aimed at countering gentrification by creating inclusive community spaces.

In 2017, Ogbonnaya quit his job, sold his flat and opened the Prince of Peckham, describing it as a direct response to the area’s rapid changes. Long-established shops had shuttered, cultural landmarks disappeared and many longtime residents were priced out. The pub combined the traditional atmosphere of a British local with multicultural energy, serving as a welcoming spot for old and new residents to gather, exchange ideas and celebrate milestones.

Inspired by the 1990s British sitcom “Desmond’s” and his own upbringing, Ogbonnaya envisioned pubs as more than drinking venues — as cultural hubs hosting live music, discussions and events from joyous occasions to community memorials.

The Prince of Peckham’s success prompted the 2022 launch of The Village People, a pub group dedicated to reviving neglected venues and transforming them into modern, multi-purpose community spots. That year, the group acquired and refurbished the Queen of the South in Tulse Hill.

The Prince of Peckham has generated nearly £4 million in revenue in a single year, according to multiple reports on Ogbonnaya’s business, demonstrating both financial viability and social impact in an industry where pub closures remain common and Black ownership is rare.

The Queen of the South, which opened in May 2023, faced significant challenges, including an unexpected freehold sale to a larger pub company and a subsequent £500,000 ultimatum to purchase it. Despite community support and efforts to secure funding, the venue ceased trading in December 2025.

Through The Village People, Ogbonnaya has promoted social impact by regenerating spaces, educating locals on community issues and fostering belonging. His work highlights how pubs can preserve local identity and bring people together amid urban change.

11. feYi Flowers

Eni Awoyemi, a British entrepreneur of Nigerian heritage, has built feYi Flowers into a fast-growing floral brand that challenges traditional industry norms with a focus on wellness, self-care and cultural identity.

The company, named after Awoyemi’s daughter — Feyi, a Yoruba word meaning “my joy” — launched in early 2024 after she taught herself floristry as a form of personal healing. Frustrated by what she saw as generic, overpriced and male-dominated offerings in the sector, Awoyemi created vibrant bouquets wrapped in distinctive prints, including her signature newspaper-style packaging.

What started as a home-based operation, funded in part by renting out her house as an Airbnb while working from a shed in her mother’s garden, gained momentum through social media. A viral incident in which Awoyemi publicly called out a larger brand for allegedly copying her unique wrapping style drew widespread support, including from celebrities such as British rapper Stormzy, who ordered more than 100 bouquets.

The exposure propelled monthly revenue to between £60,000 and £70,000 within months, according to accounts shared by Awoyemi and business observers. The brand has since secured collaborations with major companies including Nike, Blank Street Coffee, NYX Cosmetics, Holland & Barrett and Disney.

feYi Flowers positions itself not just as a florist but as a lifestyle brand promoting self-love, with customers encouraged to buy arrangements for themselves as acts of emotional nurturing. Offerings include subscription boxes for regular self-care deliveries and customizable bouquets, many featuring bold, recyclable wrapping.

Awoyemi, who previously worked in social media at organizations such as Sky and Channel 4, has expanded the team to around 13 people. The company is preparing to introduce what it describes as the first personalized wrapping paper for flowers, an innovation expected to significantly boost profits and influence industry standards.

Recognized on lists such as the 25 Top Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025 by the UK Black Business Show, feYi Flowers reflects a broader push to amplify underrepresented voices in creative sectors while turning everyday blooms into symbols of joy, resilience and cultural pride.

12. Kílẹ̀ńtàr

British-Nigerian designer Michelle Adepoju founded Kílẹ̀ńtàr in 2019, drawing inspiration from West African textile traditions and market culture. The brand name comes from the Yoruba phrase “Kílẹ̀ńtà?” meaning “What are you selling?” — a common greeting among traders.

Adepoju, raised in a Nigerian immigrant household in the United Kingdom, developed an interest in thrifting and restyling vintage clothing as a teenager. After college, she traveled through Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and other countries, where she encountered traditional techniques that shaped her vision for the brand.

Kílẹ̀ńtàr collaborates with more than 40 artisans across several West African countries to produce limited-edition womenswear. Materials include handwoven Aso Oke, indigo-dyed Adire, beaded fabrics, patchwork textiles and naturally dyed fabrics sourced from plants and minerals. The brand emphasizes ethical production, circular design practices that repurpose textile scraps to reduce waste, inclusive sizing from UK 4 to 22, and free made-to-measure adjustments.

The label has received several recognitions. Adepoju, 29, was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Art & Culture category in 2025. Kílẹ̀ńtàr has been featured in Essence magazine, received support from the British Fashion Council, and presented collections at London Fashion Week, Lagos Fashion Week in 2024, and New York Fashion Week in 2024. Designs have been worn by celebrities including Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Osaka, Victoria Monét and Temi Otedola.

Multiple sources, including media reports from late 2025, estimate the company’s annual revenue at approximately $1 million. The brand maintains a focus on sustainability, artisan support and cultural preservation.

Kílẹ̀ńtàr offers collections including gowns, statement swimwear and jewelry that blend traditional African methods with contemporary feminine silhouettes.

13. Black Ballad

Black Ballad, a media platform focused on amplifying the voices of Black British women, has developed from a newsletter launched in 2016 into a membership-based community with thousands of paying supporters.

Founder Tobi Oredein established the venture to share authentic stories on careers, relationships, culture, health and activism from the perspective of mixed-race and Black British women. The company has published around 2,000 original articles by Black women and non-binary contributors since 2014.

Black Ballad uses a subscription model in which members pay less than £1 a week for exclusive content, events and benefits. It maintains tens of thousands of email subscribers and hosts regular in-person and virtual gatherings, including panel discussions, book clubs and annual events. In 2024, to mark its 10-year anniversary, the company organized the Black Ballad Weekender, which drew more than 1,500 attendees for a weekend of inspiration and community.

The platform has faced challenges common to Black female-led businesses in securing investment. It raised more than £335,000 in 2021 through private investors, venture capital and an equity crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs supported by more than 1,300 individuals, predominantly Black women. An earlier crowdfunding effort in 2016 raised over £10,500 to support the shift to a paid membership model. Total funding raised has been reported at approximately $458,000 across rounds.

Revenue comes primarily from advertising, sponsorships and events, which account for about 95% according to statements from Oredein. Membership contributes a smaller share but is described as central to community accountability. The company reported an estimated £450,000 in revenue for 2023, with first-quarter 2024 figures at £160,000 — a 150% increase over the same period the previous year. It has been profitable since 2020.

Black Ballad has positioned itself as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in British media. By emphasizing community ownership and authentic storytelling, it has built a dedicated following in the niche digital media sector.

As it continues beyond its 10-year milestone, Black Ballad serves as a space for connection and empowerment among Black British women through content, events and collective support.

14. Afrocenchix

Rachael Twumasi-Corson and Joycelyn Mate, two women of Ghanaian heritage, founded Afrocenchix to develop natural haircare products for Afro, coily and curly hair after experiencing issues such as alopecia, breakage and scalp irritation from chemical-based alternatives.

The pair began experimenting in 2008 with roughly 100 pounds ($143) in natural ingredients and sold their initial homemade oils at a local community fair. They formally registered the company in 2010.

Afrocenchix offers vegan, ethically sourced formulas that exclude sulfates, silicones, parabens, artificial fragrances and other potentially harmful chemicals. The product line includes sulfate-free shampoos, silicone-free conditioners, moisturizing creams and scalp oils featuring ingredients such as fair-trade shea butter. Manufacturing takes place in sustainable facilities, with an emphasis on science-backed results and eco-friendly packaging.

The company has reported reaching customers in 54 countries, including the United States, Ghana, Nigeria, Canada and India, according to its website. Earlier reports from 2021 indicated sales in 27 countries, with more than 65,000 to 70,000 bottles sold and about 70% of revenue attributed to word-of-mouth recommendations.

Afrocenchix became the first Black-owned haircare brand available in Whole Foods UK and secured placements in retailers such as Superdrug and Holland & Barrett.

In 2021, the company raised $1.2 million in a seed funding round supported by Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund, contributing to a total of more than $1.85 million across multiple rounds from investors including Impact X and Backed.

The founders have described fundraising challenges, including instances of prejudice and skepticism about the market potential for Black haircare products.

Funds from the 2021 round supported product development, team expansion and initiatives such as community engagement tools. As of recent records, the company maintains its retail presence in the U.K. and continues to focus on safe, effective options for natural hair textures in a competitive market.

15. Labrum London

Labrum London, a menswear brand founded in 2014 by Sierra Leone-born designer Foday Dumbuya, combines West African cultural narratives with British tailoring to explore themes of migration, heritage and diaspora.

Dumbuya, who spent his early years in Sierra Leone and Cyprus before moving to London at age 12, launched the label after roles at Nike and DKNY. The brand name, derived from the Latin term for “having an edge,” emphasizes practical clothing focused on fit, simplicity and detail. Collections typically include bold prints, graphic illustrations depicting Sierra Leonean daily life, relaxed suiting, cropped trousers, safari shirts and streetwear items such as bucket hats and cargo pants.

The brand has formed notable partnerships, including an ongoing collaboration with Adidas. In 2024, Labrum became the first independent designer to create an on-field kit for a Premier League club, designing Arsenal’s 2024/25 away jersey. The design incorporated pan-African colors and patterns symbolizing movement and cultural exchange, with a capsule collection extending the theme.

The collaboration also included a runway presentation at Emirates Stadium during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025.

Labrum presented its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, titled “Osmosis,” at London Fashion Week, examining cultural exchange through immigration. The show, held at Central Hall Westminster, featured live music from the Balimaya Project and blended West African references with British tailoring.

In 2023, King Charles III presented Dumbuya with the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, recognizing the brand’s community engagement and efforts to bridge cultures.

The company operates a flagship store in London’s Princes Arcade, opened in 2022, and is available through retailers including Selfridges and Farfetch. It has 2-10 employees, with direct-to-consumer sales previously representing about 40% of the business.

Notable supporters include Arsenal players such as Declan Rice, along with figures like Ian Wright, Idris Elba and John Boyega.

More than a decade after its founding, Labrum London continues to use fashion to highlight inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.

16. Liha Beauty

LIHA Beauty, a British-Nigerian skincare brand co-founded in 2014 by Abi Oyepitan and Liha Okunniwa, develops natural, multi-purpose products using ingredients such as raw shea butter and cold-pressed oils, drawing from Yoruba traditions.

Oyepitan, a former Olympic sprinter with Nigerian heritage, and Okunniwa, who has a background in art publishing and aromatherapy influenced by her mother, began creating formulations in their kitchens after meeting at university in the late 1990s and discussing natural hair and skincare. The brand prioritizes ethical sourcing, sustainability and cultural elements, including the Yoruba concept of Asé, described as a life force connected to personal energy.

Core products feature Ivory and Gold raw shea butters from Ghana and Nigeria, noted for moisturizing properties due to vitamin content, and Idan Oil, a tuberose-infused body oil produced through traditional enfleurage in cold-pressed coconut oil. The formulations are designed to be minimal, often water-free, and use recyclable packaging.

The brand started with pop-up events and direct sales before securing retail placements at outlets including Liberty, Le Bon Marché, Net-a-Porter, Sephora UK and Thirteen Lune. In 2023, it raised £1 million in a private equity funding round, following a smaller pre-pandemic investment of about £200,000, with funds directed toward team growth and brand visibility.

Business data sources indicate the company employs 11-20 people and has estimated annual revenue of $1 million to $5 million. Direct-to-consumer sales continue to represent a key part of its operations.

As of early 2026, LIHA Beauty remains available internationally through selected retailers and its website, maintaining a focus on ethical practices that support shea cooperatives in West Africa.

More than a decade after its start, the brand integrates traditional African botanicals into modern clean beauty.

17. Grassfields

Twin sisters Christelle and Michelle Nganhou, originally from Cameroon, launched Grass-Fields in 2013 with a £50 investment, seeking to modernize African print clothing and make it accessible worldwide.

The brand focuses on vibrant garments for women, men and children, featuring Ankara and wax prints. Production occurs primarily in Africa — including Cameroon and Nigeria — with an emphasis on ethical practices, such as paying artisans above-average wages and sourcing fabrics locally.

The company experienced rapid growth, reporting $5 million in sales by 2018 and expanding production to multiple factories. At its height between 2019 and 2022, it achieved eight-figure revenue and supported approximately 2,000 jobs across African facilities.

In 2022, the brand faced major setbacks when Michelle Nganhou became seriously ill, leading to a temporary closure announcement. The company entered administration amid financial difficulties, including accumulated debts.

Control shifted to new investors who acquired the business out of administration. The period sparked public disputes: Christelle Nganhou alleged a hostile takeover targeting the Black-owned company, while the new management cited mismanagement and financial misconduct by the founders.

In early 2024, Christelle Nganhou regained full control of the company. A message from her on the brand’s website described the loss of control as a challenging chapter and expressed commitment to resuming operations with renewed focus.

As of late 2024 and into 2025, the brand has continued releasing collections, including new items showcased on grass-fields.co.uk. The “About Us” page on the site notes the 2023 loss of control during Michelle’s illness and the 2024 recovery, reaffirming the mission to redefine African fashion globally through elegant, culturally inspired designs made in Africa.

Grass-Fields highlights its ethical manufacturing and community impact, with products shipped worldwide. The brand’s trajectory illustrates both the opportunities in scaling African-inspired fashion internationally and the complexities involved in investment, governance and recovery for founder-led enterprises.

18. Charlotte Mensah

Charlotte Mensah, a British-Ghanaian hairstylist, has gained recognition for her work in textured, Afro and curly hair care through her London salon, haircare product line and educational initiatives.

Mensah, born in London in May 1970 and raised partly in Ghana, began her career in the 1980s after training at the London College of Fashion. She apprenticed at Splinters, described as Britain’s first luxury Afro-Caribbean salon in Mayfair, under stylist Winston Isaacs.

In 1999, with funding from The Prince’s Trust, she opened Hair Lounge on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. The salon, which initially served about 50 clients, now welcomes thousands annually and specializes in Afro and curly hair. It attracts a clientele that includes authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Zadie Smith, musicians Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu, and actress Michaela Coel, among others from business, entertainment and politics.

Mensah has been named Afro Hairdresser of the Year three times at the British Hairdressing Awards, in 2013, 2014 and 2017. In 2018, she became the first Black woman inducted into the awards’ Hall of Fame. She has received more than 20 awards in hairdressing and business, including multiple honors at the Black Beauty/Sensationnel Hair Awards.

In 2016, she launched the Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil haircare range, featuring sustainably sourced Manketti nut oil from Namibia along with other natural ingredients such as argan, castor and Ximenia oils. The products — including shampoos, conditioners, oils, pomades and mists — are formulated without sulfates, parabens or silicones and are designed for Afro, mixed-texture and curly hair types to provide moisture, shine and frizz control.

Mensah is the author of the book “Good Hair: The Essential Guide to Afro, Textured & Curly Hair,” published by Penguin, which includes practical advice, cultural history and her personal experiences. Through the Charlotte Mensah Academy, she offers training for stylists and workshops, including programs for young people in Ghana.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Mensah remains active in the industry, contributing to discussions on hair trends and natural hair maintenance.

19. Akoko

Nigerian-born restaurateur Aji Akokomi’s Akoko, an upscale restaurant in Fitzrovia, serves refined West African cuisine inspired by the traditions of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Gambia.

Opened in late 2020, the restaurant features tasting menus that emphasize bold spices, live-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients sourced from British and African suppliers. Dishes draw from regional classics, reinterpreted with contemporary techniques.

The intimate dining room seats approximately 30 guests and includes terracotta walls, an open kitchen and ceremonial touches such as a table-side hand-washing ritual.

The dinner tasting menu is priced at £130, with optional wine pairings at £100. A shorter lunch menu is available for £65, and the full tasting menu at lunch is also £130.

Akoko received its first Michelin star in the 2024 guide for high-quality cooking and retained the award in 2025. It has appeared in the National Restaurant Awards list, including at No. 52 in recent rankings.

The restaurant, which operates under founder Akokomi alongside his related venture Akara in Borough Market, highlights West African culinary heritage in London’s fine-dining landscape. Reservations are required, often with extended waiting lists.

20. Kunda Kids

Kunda Kids, a children’s media company founded in 2020 by married couple Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi and Oladele Olafuyi, produces books, animations, music and digital content focused on African heritage to address underrepresentation in children’s literature.

The London-based company, with teams in Lagos and Kampala, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic after the founders, who are parents, identified a shortage of educational material reflecting African culture, history and values such as confidence, teamwork and kindness. Its products include the “Africa’s Little Kings and Queens” book series, the Kunda Kids app offering interactive stories, audiobooks, quizzes and lessons in languages including Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo, Luganda, Twi and Wolof, and the 3D animated YouTube series “Kunda and Friends,” which features preschool adventures in African settings with Afrobeats-inspired music.

The company states that its award-winning content has reached millions of children since launch and is trusted by families and educators in over 400 schools. Its books are available in more than 130 countries, according to earlier reports from 2023, though more recent figures were not independently verified. The app is accessible on major platforms with subscription options.

Kunda Kids raised $700,000 in pre-seed funding in 2023 from investors including Zrosk Investment Management, Argentil Capital, HoaQ and Kaleo Ventures, along with additional support from grants and partnerships. It operates as an independent, founder-led business.

In 2025, co-founder Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi was named among the Top 20 African Business Heroes, and the company was featured as one of London’s Top 100 Startups in the June edition of Entrepreneur Magazine.

Books are currently published in English. The company has announced plans to translate titles into French, Portuguese, Yoruba and Kiswahili by 2026 to expand access. Revenue comes from book sales, app subscriptions, digital content and collaborations, with ongoing growth through partnerships and events such as live readings.

Kunda Kids illustrates the expanding role of African diaspora-led ventures in the U.K. children’s media sector, emphasizing cultural representation and early education.

Conclusion

In 2026, Black-owned businesses led by African-heritage entrepreneurs continue to show resilience despite funding barriers.

Spanning fintech, beauty, fashion and hospitality, these enterprises—from diaspora remittance platforms to West African-inspired beauty brands, heritage-infused fashion labels and acclaimed restaurants—are reshaping sectors and meeting rising demand for authentic, ethical products.

Stronger diaspora networks position them for further growth and economic impact.

Most remain small-scale, facing greater challenges securing loans and scaling than white-owned firms, yet their endurance is clear in directories, accelerators like Barclays’ Black Founder programs and recognitions such as the Powerlist 2026.

These 20 businesses to watch demonstrate diversity’s power to drive innovation and prosperity.

Increased consumer support, investment and policy action to close funding gaps could accelerate their rise and foster a more inclusive U.K. economy.