Pioneering the Future of African Bio-Innovation
At AfriNativa, we believe nature holds some of the world’s most powerful solutions for human health and wellbeing, but unlocking that potential requires both scientific rigor and innovation. Inspired by Africa’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems, we work at the intersection of biotechnology, functional foods, and natural bioactives to transform promising natural resources into validated, safe, and impactful solutions.
Through advanced fermentation, analytical screening, and bioactive extraction technologies, we evaluate and characterize functional food ingredients while ensuring quality and safety through rigorous scientific assays. Our mission is to bridge the gap between nature and science, creating trusted, evidence-based innovations that contribute to healthier people, stronger food systems, and a more sustainable Zimbabwean agro-food industry.
We are a next-generation African bio-innovation company reimagining how science transforms natural resources into high-value solutions for society. By combining advanced scientific expertise with Africa’s rich biodiversity and functional bioactives, we accelerate the development of validated products across health, wellness, and sustainable materials.
Our vision is simple yet ambitious: unlock the full potential of African nature through rigorous science and innovation. From bioactive discovery and product development to evidence-based validation, we challenge conventional timelines and bridge the gap between indigenous resources and global scientific standards.
The future of African bio-innovation is not coming, it is already unfolding, and AfriNativa is shaping it.
Our Founders
Brunette Katsandegwaza
Dr Brunette is a co-founder and the Chief Scientific Officer of AfriNativa, where she leads AfriNativa’s scientific and innovation strategy. She oversees the development of biotechnology-driven solutions that bridge research, product safety, and commercial readiness across the agro-food sector. AfriNativa is an agro-food biotechnology company focused on advancing fermentation, natural bioactives, and pre-clinical product evaluation for the food and wellness industries. The company supports businesses in screening and validating food products and natural compounds prior to market access, with expertise in bioactive extraction, analytical testing, and contaminant assessment. Dr Brunette holds a PhD in Clinical Sciences and Immunology from the University of Cape Town and has extensive experience in the agro-alimentary research industry from Belgium.
Charity Kadema
Charity is a co-founder and the Chief Product Officer for AfriNativa, and she is responsible for defining, building, and managing AfriNativa’s product strategy and execution. Charity is a Food Scientist and holds an MSc in Food Technology. With over 10 years’ experience in food product research, development, and production, she specializes in food product formulation and process engineering, turning scientific insights into innovative, functional products that are both market-ready and consumer-focused.
Pamidzai Dzomba
Dr Pamhidzai Dzomba is a co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at AfriNativa, where he turns concepts into scalable technical products. Pamidzai is a Professor of Chemistry at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) in Zimbabwe. He holds a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from BUSE. Pamidzai is an expert in organic chemistry, particularly in the study of natural products, functional foods and drug discovery. He brings with him expansive experience in finding medicinal value in traditional plants, including antidiabetic antiobesity agents, antimicrobial and antifungal bioactives, as well as natural bioactives for the potential management and treatment of malaria.