In a year defined by unprecedented global challenges and transformative social movements, Africa’s women leaders have emerged not just as respondents to change, but as its architects. Our curated list of 15 Changemaker Leaders spotlights women who refuse to accept the world as it is, instead reshaping it through strategic compassion, bold vision, and unwavering commitment to human dignity.
From grassroots community development to policy advocacy, from healthcare innovation to educational empowerment, these women have demonstrated that social impact is the very core of progressive leadership.
These women challenge us to reimagine what’s possible when passion meets purpose, when empathy becomes a strategic tool for societal transformation.
As you read about these powerhouses, we hope that you are reminded that the most powerful revolutions are not fought with weapons, but with vision, persistence, and an unshakeable belief in human potential.
Abosede George Ogan— Abosede George-Ogan is a dynamic tri-sector leader with over 20 years of transformative experience spanning non-profit, private, and public sectors. As the Founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), she has made significant contributions to development work, beginning her career with ActionAid International and subsequently leading Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability efforts for prominent organizations like Keystone Bank, FirstBank, and Samsung Electronics West Africa.
Her passion for social impact is most notably demonstrated through her role as the Co-founder of ElectHER, an innovative initiative dedicated to increasing women’s political representation in Nigeria. By addressing the under-representation of women in elective offices through behavioral change communication, skills development, and funding mobilization, Abosede has been instrumental in engaging, encouraging, and equipping women to participate more actively in political processes.
Amdiya Abdul Latiff —Amdiya Abdul Latiff is a dynamic social entrepreneur with extensive experience in menstrual health, gender advocacy, and community development. She is the founding director of RuGirlz EMS and Eco-Me Africa, two socially conscious organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls through innovative and sustainable solutions.
By developing the EcoPeriod sanitary pad, Amdiya has made significant strides in addressing both environmental sustainability and educational access. She is committed to creating employment opportunities for socially disadvantaged women and youth, thereby fostering economic empowerment and community resilience. Her efforts have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the 2022 Female-Led Green Business Award and multiple accolades from the Young African Leaders Initiative.
Dr. Solange Swiri Tumasang — Dr. Solange Swiri Tumasang is the founder of the Network of Women Led CSOs in Cameroon (NEWOLEC), she has created a powerful collective of over 100 women leaders dedicated to socio-economic, professional, and personal development. Through this network, she has directly impacted the lives of more than 500 young girls, providing critical mentorship in career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
Her philanthropic work extends across multiple dimensions of social care. The Dr. Tumasang Swiri Foundation annually supports over 1,000 orphans and internally displaced children by providing back-to-school materials and organizing community Christmas celebrations. In an innovative approach to addressing period poverty, she has shifted from simple pad donations to empowering 500 girls with skills to manufacture their own sanitary products, a project implemented across Cameroon and Nigeria.
Dr. Tumasang’s commitment to community welfare is further demonstrated through Kids for Kids Cameroon, an organization entirely focused on child protection. Her humanitarian efforts include annual free medical consultations in physiotherapy, general medicine, and cancer prevention, culminating in a landmark awareness walk that brought together 400 women to address breast cancer.
Fadila Fuseini — Fadila Fuseini is a compassionate humanitarian and healthcare professional whose work shows a comprehensive approach to community development and social empowerment in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities.
As the Executive Director of Tiyumba Hope Foundation (THF-GH), Fuseini has dedicated a decade to transforming lives across the Northern Region and beyond. Her foundation has reached over 10,000 people, providing critical support including basic necessities, medical assistance, and targeted outreach programs for underprivileged women and children.
Fuseini’s approach aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, implementing initiatives that feed the hungry, clothe widows and orphans, and provide free health screenings. Her multifaceted work extends beyond direct assistance, encompassing systemic change through education and awareness.
Francesca Uriri — Francesca is a passionate advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, working at the critical intersection of equity, social impact, and international development. As the Founder of Leading Ladies Africa, she has dedicated herself to advancing gender-inclusive leadership, equity, and economic justice for African women and girls.
Through its comprehensive programs and strategic advocacy interventions, Leading Ladies Africa has achieved remarkable impact since its inception, directly touching the lives of 320,000 women and 80,500 girls across 250+ communities in Africa. By leveraging powerful content and targeted storytelling, the organization has built a robust online community of nearly 400,000 African women and girls, consistently providing them with essential tools, skills, and resources to overcome negative societal and cultural gender norms, challenge existing power structures, and pursue more fulfilling and impactful lives.
Beyond her nonprofit work, Francesca is also a distinguished corporate and inclusive communications leader with nearly two decades of demonstrated experience in leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability, and policy communications. Currently, she serves as the Communications Lead and Advisor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Product Equity at Meta (formerly Facebook), where she develops and implements strategic communications programs and campaigns to advance the company’s equity, diversity, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts.
Glanis Changachirere — Glanis Changachirere is a trailblazing women’s rights activist from Zimbabwe who has dedicated her life to challenging systemic gender inequalities and empowering young women through education, political participation, and social advocacy.
As the founder and director of the Institute for Young Women’s Development (IYWD), Changachirere has transformed her personal challenges into a powerful collective movement. The organization has grown to encompass 7,000 young women members across rural and mining communities in Zimbabwe, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and enhancing women’s participation in socio-economic and political justice issues.
Through IYWD, she is actively collaborating with the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to introduce a Gender Equality Bill, challenging cultural inequalities and creating pathways for systemic change.
Gugu Khathi — Gugu Khathi is a dynamic South African entrepreneur and entertainment industry veteran with over 21 years of experience, renowned for her multifaceted contributions across music, television, entrepreneurship, and event management. As the founder of the “I Am A Woman of Influence” Network, she is dedicated to empowering women to lead, inspire, and thrive, while also establishing transformative ventures like Bling Productions, Falcon Group Global, and Spear at Afrotainment.
Her career is distinguished by a remarkable commitment to innovation, creativity, and uplifting local talent, with each of her projects and initiatives reflecting a profound passion for fostering collaboration and promoting cultural diversity in the entertainment and entrepreneurial landscapes.
Janet Mbugua— Janet Mbugua is a prominent Kenyan media personality and passionate gender equality advocate, best known for her groundbreaking work in menstrual health and education. As the founder of the Inua Dada Foundation, she has dedicated herself to creating supportive environments for girls and women in Kenya, conducting critical research to identify and address barriers to learning and personal development.
Through her multifaceted approach, Janet has transformed the Inua Dada Foundation into a powerful platform for change, implementing the #InuaDadaVoices program to train young people in digital advocacy and establishing the Inua Dada Center to provide psychosocial support and menstrual health resources to women and girls in informal settlements. Her impactful work has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the World Association for Sexual Health Innovation in Education Award in 2021 and being named among the Top 25 Women in Digital Media in Kenya and Top 40 Under 40 by Business Daily Africa.
Murendeni Makhado — Murendeni Makhado is a seasoned professional in the mining industry, with over a decade of expertise as a corporate water specialist at Implats Holdings. She plays a critical role in developing and implementing the company’s comprehensive water management strategy, ensuring that policies and plans are effectively designed and executed.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Murendeni is deeply committed to advancing women’s roles in the mining sector through her leadership as the Membership Lead for Women in Mining South Africa. Through her work at Implats and her involvement with Women in Mining South Africa, Murendeni demonstrates a holistic approach to professional excellence that goes beyond technical skills, emphasizing social responsibility and inclusive progress in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Nkem Onwudiwe — Nkem Onwudiwe is a dynamic communications professional who has transformed her passion for storytelling and women’s empowerment into a powerful global platform that celebrates and elevates women’s achievements.
As the founder of Her Network, Onwudiwe has created a groundbreaking global inspirational and lifestyle platform dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and amplifying women’s voices across diverse sectors. Her vision extends beyond traditional networking, focusing on creating meaningful spaces that encourage women to embrace their authentic selves and recognize their potential.
With an impressive background in marketing and communications, Onwudiwe brings extensive corporate experience from leadership roles at prestigious organizations including the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Transcorp, Easy Taxi Nigeria, and Hello Food Nigeria (now Jumia Food). Through Her platform, Onwudiwe is not just documenting women’s stories, but actively creating spaces that encourage women to live authentically, pursue their ambitions, and support one another in their personal and professional journeys.
Ojoma Ochai — Ojoma Ochai is the Managing Partner of the Creative Economy Practice at Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) Africa, where She drives a mission to stimulate innovation and technological application in Africa’s creative sectors. Her work encompasses comprehensive strategies including research, advocacy, ecosystem development, and investment readiness programs designed to build capacity, attract capital, and support collaborative efforts both within Africa and globally.
Additionally, Ojoma is a member of the UNESCO Expert Panel on the 2005 Convention on Cultural Expressions, where she has led projects in diverse locations, with a particular focus on African and Caribbean contexts.
Ochai is also the co-founder of Pixel Ray Studios, a groundbreaking company developing film and audio-visual content infrastructure across Africa and the Caribbean. Her role as Board Chair of the African Tech and Creative Group further underscores her commitment to ensuring the Africa Continental Free Trade Area delivers tangible value for African businesses.
Phyllis Chepkemboi — Phyllis Chepkemboi is a distinguished Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 15 years of legal experience, serving as the Managing Partner at P & A Advocates in Kisumu City. Holding a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Laws, she specializes in Commercial Law, focusing on Cross-Border Trade, Contracts, Procurement, Conveyancing, Employment Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Beyond her legal practice, Phyllis is deeply committed to social impact, serving on multiple boards and advisory committees. She is a Council Member of Alupe University, Chairman of Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company, Board member of Green Zone Kenya, advisory board member of WISE-KENYA, and sits on the Board of FIDA-KENYA – a women’s rights organization. Her leadership extends to chairing audit and risk committees, and she actively contributes to empowering communities through her strategic governance roles.
Rahel Randy — Rahel Randy Eyong, the Executive Director of Lead Girls has pioneered innovative initiatives that directly address barriers to girls’ education. Her Red Dot Project provides sanitary pads to girls in need, ensuring that menstruation does not become an obstacle to learning. Through scholarships and targeted support, she has opened educational pathways for countless young women.
Her leadership extends to the Priceless Women Network, a non-denominational platform that supports over 3,000 women. As a board member of Jangiccul, a microfinance institution, she actively promotes financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among women in Cameroon.
Rahel’s impact has been widely recognized. Named one of the Top 100 Global Women Entrepreneurs of 2024 by the Global Woman Club, she has also completed the UNITAR Advancing Gender Equality, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Literacy Training Programme. Her work embodies the transformative power of education, entrepreneurship, and unwavering commitment to empowering women.
Wendy Anna Egyirkoom — Wendy Anna Egyirkoom is a versatile professional with a diverse background spanning administration, textile and fashion design, and healthcare support. Her six-year career demonstrates a remarkable commitment to social impact and community development across multiple sectors.
Currently, Wendy serves as the Head of Protocol and Coordinator for Destination Africa, working alongside Ghanaian photographer Steve Ababio to promote tourism and enhance rural economic opportunities across the continent. Her entrepreneurial spirit is further exemplified through her founding of the Wenette Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social and economic relief to underprivileged individuals.
A key highlight of Wendy’s community work is her collaborative Skill Up project, developed in partnership with the Aseda Foundation. This innovative initiative focuses on empowering single mothers and vulnerable youth by providing critical vocational training. The project’s pilot at the Nyamedua Children’s Home in Accra showcased practical skills training, including soap making, bead crafting, hair styling, and nail care services for both orphanage youth and their caregivers.
Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo-Wondieh — Zoneziwoh is a passionate and dynamic humanitarian activist dedicated to transforming social landscapes through feminist advocacy. She is the founder and executive director of Women for a Change, Cameroon (WFAC), where she focuses particularly on women’s sexual and reproductive rights, girls’ education, and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Her work is distinguished by a profound grassroots approach, regularly traveling to rural communities in Southwest Cameroon to conduct essential on-the-ground initiatives. As an award-winning humanitarian reporter and community mobilizer, Zoneziwoh brings heightened visibility to critical issues often overlooked. Her activism centers on advancing women’s sexual rights, promoting political leadership among women, addressing youth and election-related violence, and creating educational opportunities for girls with disabilities.
