Bolaji Akintola - Visionary Woman Founder to Watch — 2026

Women Story
Jan 13
3 min read

Category: Retail · Ethnic Grocery · Community Enterprise · Immigrant Entrepreneurship

Bolaji Akintola

Founder, Divine African Market

📍 Based in: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

“Food is more than nourishment—it is belonging, dignity, and home.”

When newcomers arrive in a new country, the first thing they often miss is home food—the flavours that ground them emotionally while everything else feels unfamiliar.Bolaji Akintola understood this deeply.

What began as a single African grocery store in Fredericton has evolved into a trusted cultural hub for African families and food explorers alike. Through Divine African Market, Bolaji has built more than a retail business—she has created access, dignity, and welcome for immigrant communities while introducing the richness of African cuisine to Canada’s broader population.

Her work places her firmly among the Visionary Women Founders to Watch in 2026.

Company Overview

Company Name: Divine African Market

Industry: Retail Grocery · African Foods

Headquarters: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Website: www.divineafricanmarket.com

LinkedIn Profile URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divine-african-market/

What the Company Does:

Divine African Market is a specialised African grocery retailer offering authentic, hard-to-find foods and household essentials from across the African continent—both in-store and online.

Key Product Categories Include:

🌾 Starches & Flours: Yam, cassava flour, garri, fufu mixes
🌶️ Spices & Seasonings: Traditional African spice blends
🍜 Specialty Foods: African noodles, snacks, beverages
❄️ Frozen Foods: Leafy vegetables, meats, seafood
🧴 Beauty & Household Essentials: Shea butter, soaps, hair care

Beyond products, the store is known for its warm, knowledgeable guidance, helping customers discover ingredients and recipes rooted in African culinary traditions.

Community Impact at the Core

Bolaji’s leadership stands out because of her immediate response to human need.

A Defining Act of Compassion

During her journey as a business owner, Bolaji personally supported newly landed immigrants by providing free bags of rice—a simple yet powerful gesture that offered relief, dignity, and welcome during vulnerable first days in Canada.

This ethos continues to define Divine African Market as a business with heart, not just shelves.

Key Achievements & Growth

🏪 Established one of New Brunswick’s leading African grocery stores
🌍 Created access to authentic African foods in an underserved region
🤲 Supported newcomers to Canada with direct food assistance
🛒 Built a multi-category retail and online shopping platform
👥 Became a trusted community anchor for African families

Awards & Recognition

🏅 Canadian Choice Award – 2024
🌟 Top 100 Women to Watch – 2024
🏛️ Fredericton Chamber of Commerce – Business Award Nominee

These recognitions affirm both business excellence and community contribution.

Why She’s One to Watch in 2026

Bolaji Akintola is one to watch in 2026 because she is building at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community resilience.

Looking ahead:

📈 Demand for ethnic and global foods continues to surge across Canada
🌍 Immigration growth increases the need for culturally relevant retail
🛒 Divine African Market is positioned to expand digitally and geographically
🤝 The brand’s trust-driven reputation creates strong customer loyalty

Most importantly, Bolaji represents a new generation of founders who believe profit and compassion are not opposites.

In 2026, her model stands as proof that small retail businesses can create outsized social impact—one family, one meal, one neighbourhood at a time.