NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 1 – In a resounding recognition of exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in the manufacturing sector, Mary-Ann Musangi, Managing Director of HACO Industries, emerged the overall winner of the Woman Industrialist of the Year at the Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Awards 2025 held at the Nairobi Serena Hotel.
This accolade, presented by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), celebrates trailblazing women who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to industrial growth, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
Under Mary-Ann’s leadership, HACO Industries has evolved into a model of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, strengthening its industrial footprint in Kenya and beyond. Upon receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude to her team, industry stakeholders, and the wider community of women in manufacturing. “This award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience, creativity, and tenacity of women in manufacturing. It reaffirms the power of leadership, sustainability, and value-driven business practices in transforming industries and empowering communities,” she remarked.
Her leadership at HACO has been defined by bold and strategic decisions that have reshaped the company’s trajectory. She led the shift from contract manufacturing to localized production, ensuring greater control over quality and efficiency while supporting Kenya’s industrialization agenda. With a keen focus on innovation, she oversaw the establishment of an in-house Research & Development department, enabling homegrown formulation capabilities that enhance product competitiveness. Further solidifying HACO’s commitment to sustainability, she commissioned a plastic manufacturing plant fully reliant on solar energy for its day operations, reinforcing circular economy practices by reducing reliance on imported plastic components and integrating post-consumer recycled materials into the production process. Beyond driving operational excellence, Mary-Ann has played a pivotal role in expanding HACO’s market penetration through strategic distributor partnerships, allowing the company’s brands to reach 10 key and emerging markets across East and Central Africa.
Her influence in the manufacturing space goes beyond HACO Industries. As Chairperson of the Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Program at KAM, she has been instrumental in advocating for increased participation of women in the sector, pushing for access to financing and market linkages for women-led businesses, and driving capacity-building initiatives through technical training and mentorship. Her leadership continues to inspire more women to break barriers, step into leadership roles, and shape the future of African manufacturing.
As Mary-Ann Musangi takes home this well-deserved honour, her journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring industrialists and business leaders. Her unwavering dedication to manufacturing excellence, sustainability, and gender inclusivity is not just transforming HACO but also shaping the future of Africa’s manufacturing industry.
