Rahel Randy is the CEO of Raspowers Ltd, a leading supply service company based in Cameroon that also manufactures Era’a Bleach and Era’a Max—trusted cleaning products widely used across the country. In 2024, Rahel was featured in Global Woman Magazine as one of the Top 100 Global Women Entrepreneurs, a testament to her remarkable achievements in the industry. She was also among the 200 female entrepreneurs selected for the prestigious Women in Boardroom initiative, which has played a significant role in shaping her business strategies.
From Demand to Innovation: The Birth of Era’a Cleaning Products
Rahel told Just4WomenAfrica that her journey into manufacturing began when she identified a growing demand for effective and affordable cleaning products among corporate clients. Instead of relying on external suppliers, she took the initiative to produce her own cleaning solutions. This led to the creation of Era’a Bleach, a powerful liquid disinfectant, and Era’a Max, a multipurpose liquid soap designed for both household and industrial use. Today, Raspowers Ltd produces over 10,000 liters of these cleaning products monthly to meet the rising demand.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
Like many entrepreneurs, Rahel faced funding challenges in the early days of her business. When she started her factory, she was producing just 50 to 100 liters of fabric bleach per batch. However, as demand grew, she needed additional funding to scale up production. She eventually secured financing from a microfinance institution, which helped her expand operations significantly. Today, Era’a Bleach and Era’a Max are household names in Cameroon, supplying supermarkets, hospitals, and hotels.
Brand Positioning and Market Strategy
When asked how she successfully positioned her products in the market despite branding and marketing challenges, Rahel highlighted the power of word-of-mouth marketing. She leveraged her Christian community in Cameroon, using speaking engagements at various conferences to introduce and promote Era’a Bleach. Her grassroots approach paid off, allowing her brand to grow organically while building a loyal customer base.
Barriers to Female Entrepreneurship in Cameroon
Rahel emphasized that women in Cameroon face several barriers to entrepreneurship, including lack of funding, cultural biases, and limited institutional support. Many women struggle to secure loans because they lack collateral, making it difficult to expand their businesses. Studies show that less than 30% of women in Cameroon have access to formal financial services, a major constraint on female-led enterprises.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Being featured in Global Woman Magazine as one of the Top 100 Global Women Entrepreneurs was a proud moment for Rahel. “It felt great because it showed that my hard work is paying off,” she said. The recognition has opened new doors for her business, including potential partnerships and expansion opportunities.
Future Plans: Expanding Beyond Cameroon
Rahel is currently working on producing eco-friendly cleaning products to meet global sustainability standards. However, setting up and expanding her factory came with its own set of challenges, including sourcing the right equipment and obtaining government approvals. Despite these hurdles, she remains focused on her long-term vision.
Her ultimate goal is to take Raspowers Ltd beyond Cameroon and into other African markets. She is already planning to set up a branch in Uganda, tapping into the growing demand for high-quality and affordable cleaning products in East Africa.
Conclusion
Rahel Randy’s journey from small-scale production to becoming a recognized industry leader in Cameroon is a powerful example of resilience and strategic growth. Through persistence, innovation, and smart financial decisions, she has turned Raspowers Ltd into a household name. As she looks to the future, her expansion into eco-friendly products and new markets will further cement her place as one of Africa’s leading female entrepreneurs.
