In the vibrant world of African entrepreneurship, Dineo Lioma shines as a trailblazer at the forefront of biotechnology.
As co-founder of three pioneering biotech companies—CapeBio Technologies, Deep Medical Therapeutics, and Incitech—she’s not just transforming healthcare across the continent; she’s rewriting the playbook for scientific innovation and entrepreneurial leadership in Africa.
Lioma’s academic achievements speak volumes: a BSc in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand with a staggering 24 distinctions, followed by an MPhil in Micro- and Nanotechnology Enterprise at the University of Cambridge with distinction. But it’s her passion for turning science into real-world impact that truly defines her.
“My ultimate vision for Africa is to transform it into a world-class economy — a global leader advancing science and creating wealth,” Lioma told Forbes Woman Africa.
And she’s well on her way to making that dream a reality.
From 2018, Lioma set her sights on harnessing Africa’s unique biodiversity for groundbreaking biotech solutions.
Through CapeBio Technologies, her team produces vital laboratory reagent enzymes locally, cutting South Africa’s dependency on costly imports and establishing the country as a key player in the global biotech supply chain.
When COVID-19 hit, CapeBio swiftly developed a homegrown qPCR diagnostic kit delivering results in just 65 minutes—slashing testing times and strengthening South Africa’s pandemic response.
Lioma’s innovation doesn’t stop there. At Deep Medical Therapeutics, she’s leveraging AI to tackle drug-resistant diseases like tuberculosis by personalizing treatment strategies based on patient data—a game-changer in resource-limited settings.
Meanwhile, Incitech is pioneering rapid diagnostic devices, including easy-to-use at-home HIV testing kits, enhancing early detection and treatment access across Africa.
Lioma’s visionary work has earned her a spot among Forbes Africa’s Top 20 Wealth Creators and the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans.
Beyond business, she champions emerging talent as Vice President of the Ventures portfolio at the Association of Allan Gray Fellows, nurturing the next wave of African innovators.
Facing Africa’s health challenges head-on, Dineo Lioma blends scientific brilliance with sharp entrepreneurial spirit, proving that homegrown solutions can drive sustainable progress.
A powerful role model and one of Africa’s leading female entrepreneurs, she’s inspiring a new generation to dream bigger and innovate boldly at the crossroads of science and society.
