The word ‘influence’ is said to be the art of causing change, and in celebration of #AfricanWomensDay, we proudly present the 50 Most Influential African Women list, as an ode to 50 visionaries, and catalysts for change who have reshaped the world with their influence.
Featuring leaders of global finance and philanthropy, CEOs of multinationals, entertainment moguls, activists, actresses, and more, this powerful list highlights women who are architects of progress, bringing about positive changes that have impacted millions of lives, within Africa and in the diaspora.
Here, you’ll find leaders who have successfully negotiated the cancellation of huge national debts, champions who have taken a stand against racism in the fashion and entertainment industry, advocates who have influenced laws to protect young girls from becoming child brides, artists who use their voices and talents to bring joy and inspiration, and many more.
These women solidify our belief in the small places of influence that snowball into massive transformations. They inspire us and they challenge us. They’re not just names on a list; they’re lives of influence that have been lived to the fullest. So, let’s celebrate them. Let’s recognize their power. Let’s introduce you to the 50 most influential African women.
Abosede George Ogan — Abosede is an unstoppable force in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, passionately dedicated to ensuring that women have strong political representation and governance. As the founder of the Women In Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), and co-founder of ElectHer—both organisations tackling the chronic under-representation of women in elective offices across Nigeria—she is on a mission to create a seismic shift toward gender-balanced leadership in the country.
You can’t miss her vibrant presence on panels, TV shows, and podcasts. Abosede speaks with an infectious passion about the non-negotiable need for female representation in political spheres, viewing it as crucial for national development. Ever the relentless advocate for women’s leadership advancement, she is currently a fellow on the Eisenhower Fellowship’s 2024 Women’s Leadership Program and Vital Voices.
Abosede has developed dynamic partnerships with the National Head Girl Conference, and Zikoko’s HERtitude Festival—’Hot babes are leaders too!’— that reaches out to young girls and women, nurturing leadership right from the grassroots.
Adenike Oyetunde – When Adenike was appointed General Manager of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) in December 2023, it was a furthering of her mission to empower the disabled community, championing initiatives that promote education, employment and social integration. This powerhouse lawyer, media personality, and human resources expert has always been a champion for the underdog, with certifications in special needs education, autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD from the University of Derby, that reinforce her expertise.
After a diagnosis of bone cancer caused one of her legs to be amputated, Adenike personified the word ‘resilience’ and founded the Amputees United Initiative, a social group specifically for amputees, using her influence to bring attention to issues that concern them, hosting events and moderating sessions that drive important conversations.
Adenike’s first appointment with the Lagos State Government as the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Persons With Disabilities (PWD), was marked by significant strides in policy and advocacy that improved the lives of people with disabilities, and her commitment to ensuring that they are not only heard but also celebrated, makes her a superhero(ine) in our books!
Adjoa Andoh – We strongly believe that casting the ‘Queen of Audio and Radio Drama’ Adjoa, as the indomitable and elegant Lady Danbury is arguably the best decision the producers of the Netflix regency romance series, Bridgerton have made in their four-season run. The brilliant actress, writer, producer, and director is a cultural phenomenon from the stages of the Royal Shakespeare Company to the glitz of Hollywood. Her portrayal of Brenda Mazibuko in Invictus—which was her Hollywood debut— was nothing short of iconic.
What makes Adjoa truly exceptional is her commitment to using her platform for good. Her co-direction of Richard II with an all-women-of-colour cast was a bold, necessary statement. Adjoa also co-founded the Future Worlds Prize for Science Fiction writers of colour, advocating for diverse voices in literature. With a keen eye for talent, she has nurtured countless artists through her roles as a mentor and judge.
Adjoa received an Honorary Fellowship from the British Shakespeare Association in 2021 and was elected to the Royal Society of Literature in 2022, and we ‘doth thinketh’ these recognitions are very much deserved!
Ayra Starr – 2024 has been all about the ‘Sabi girl’ herself! The super-talented Nigerian singer and model, Ayra Starr rose to fame when she released the track Damaged, which caught the attention of Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy on social media, leading to her signing with the label. She’s an original, whose creative talents show her dedication and ambition to her craft. She’s steadily defying stereotypes and negative narratives used to box in African women thriving in entertainment. For this reason, she is much loved by the younger generation worldwide. Ayra’s first studio album, 19 & Dangerous, was released on August 6, 2021, with the lead single Bloody Samaritan becoming a standout hit. The track climbed the TurnTable Top 50 chart and eventually reached the number one spot, making Ayra Starr the first female artist to achieve this with a solo single.
Ayra Starr’s musical career has since gained significant attention. She ranked number two on Billboard’s Next Big Sound and was named ‘Up Now’ by Audiomack in March 2022. Ayra also became the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on YouTube with her hit single ‘Rush’, earning her a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, among other notable achievements. On April 30, 2024, she released her sophomore album, ‘The Year I Turned 21’, which was released in May. The album debuted at number 195 on the Billboard 200 chart on June 10, 2024, making her the first Nigerian female artist to appear on this chart. Most recently, she announced the release of Ayra Starr dolls, said to launch in Lagos, US, UK, and France.
Anok Yai — We’ve seen her grace the covers of noteworthy magazines and the red carpet of the prestigious Met Gala, and every time, we are stunned by Anok’s beauty. Since she made history as the first Sudanese model and the second Black model since Naomi Campbell in 1997 to open a Prada runway show, Anok has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has led campaigns for Prada and Nike’s collaboration with Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy’s former creative director.
When she’s not gracing high-fashion spreads with her stunning visuals, she is using her influence to combat racism in the fashion industry. Anok boldly calls out brands and designers for creating subpar working environments for Black models compared to their white counterparts. Her industry and fan acclaim has earned her the recognitions, ‘Model of The Year’ and USA Top Model 2024 by Models.com.
Asma Khalifa — A Libyan activist at the intersection of social activism and academic research, Asma is the co-founder of the Tamazight Women’s Movement, a powerful organisation researching and advocating for women’s rights across Libya and North Africa. Asma also co-founded the Khalifa Ihler Institute, further solidifying her commitment to social progress.
Since the 2011 Libya uprising, she has relentlessly tackled gender issues and capacity building within Libyan peacebuilding efforts. With a dedication to research that is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in conflict zones, Asma is one of Northern Africa’s loudest champions of women’s participation in governance and a relentless combatant against gender-based violence. Her exceptional work earned her the prestigious Luxembourg Peace Prize in 2016 and a place among Africa’s 100 most influential young people in 2017.
Aya Chebbi — Aya caught the world’s attention during the Tunisian revolution in 2010-2011 that ended a 23-year dictatorship, as a political blogger and activist. A pan-African feminist, she is the founder of Nalafem, a multigenerational alliance of women politicians and activists pushing for transformative feminist change. Nalafem recently hosted its 3rd Summit in Windhoek, Namibia, in collaboration with the Namibian government. The summit focused on the empowering theme ‘Women’s Right To Lead’ and featured an impressive lineup of speakers and partners, including former presidents, diplomats, and other influential figures. The event aimed to foster and mobilise transformative feminist leadership across Africa.
Aya is staunchly dedicated to the liberation of African women and girls, Her advocacy has reached over 30 Heads of State and Governments and 190 global leaders, resulting in significant policy changes and increased youth appointments. Aya also served as the African Union’s first Special Envoy on Youth and was the youngest diplomat in the Chairperson’s Cabinet, and despite being blacklisted from Egypt since 2014.
Bouchra Karboubi — Being the first North African and Arab woman to officiate a men’s AFCON match, Bouchra didn’t just break a gender, cultural and religious barrier. She also made a bold statement that said, ‘Women belong here, at the highest level’.
Bouchra has been no stranger to barriers as she was also the first female referee in Morocco’s top men’s football league. She has officiated numerous national and continental fixtures, including the historic 2019-2020 Football Throne Cup final between AS FAR and Moghreb de Tétouan, where she became the first Moroccan woman to lead a title decider in this competition. A woman with multifaceted talents, Bouchra also serves as an Inspector in the Moroccan Police Force. In January 2024, Bouchra’s outstanding achievements were recognized with the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Sports Creativity for Best Arab Football Referee at the award’s 12th edition in Dubai.
Baroness Dambisa Moyo — A member of the British House of Lords, global economist and author, Dambisa is renowned for her cutting analysis on macroeconomics and international affairs. Moyo began her early career as a consultant at the World Bank and later served as a research economist for Goldman Sachs. She has also held board positions at several multinational corporations, including Chevron and 3M.
Now an author of five best-selling books, her first book Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa, was considered controversial by the International Aid scene for its extreme arguments. Dambisa’s writing on global development regularly appears in economic and finance-related publications such as the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Global Economic Imbalances, The Trilateral Commission, and the Bretton Woods Committee.
Blessing Adesiyan — Realising the need for a support system for working mothers, Blessing founded Mother Honestly, known as MH WorkLife, a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to building a robust care infrastructure for today’s workforce. Under her leadership, MH launched WorkLife & Care Equity, a national non-profit committed to advancing workplace equity by advocating for the needs and aspirations of vulnerable workers, including Blacks, Latinos, immigrants, and service and hourly workers. With a passion for Africa and its potential, Blessing established Caring Africa, an NGO focused on elevating care on the continent for women, working families, and economies.
She is an accomplished leader in the corporate, tech, and manufacturing world with a background in Chemical Engineering, where she led operational, energy, and global business solutions for prestigious Fortune 100 companies such as PepsiCo, Cargill, DuPont, and BASF. Throughout her career, she has been a driving force behind the establishment of multiple employee resource groups, supporting parents and caregivers in the workplace.
Cynthia Erivo — Cynthia is a star, on stage and on-screen! A singer, songwriter, and actress, she is renowned for her versatile talents and electrifying performances. She made her acting debut in a 2011 stage production of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, but it was her show-stopping performance in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple that catapulted her to international fame, earning her the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Cynthia made her transition to the big screen in 2018, with notable roles in the heist film Widows and the thriller Bad Times at the El Royale. She has become a household name for her powerful depictions of iconic black women in history. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet was nothing short of iconic, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and for Best Original Song with Stand Up, which she co-wrote and performed. Cynthia also received critical acclaim for her role as Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s anthology series Genius: Aretha (2021), which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. We’ll be seeing her on the big screen in November as Elphaba in the film adaptation of Wicked, opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda.
Ekene Onu — The visionary Ekene is the founder of Iconic Womanhood Circle and Retreats, where she has crafted a vibrant sanctuary for high-achieving women to recharge and network. As a former UN Women Empower Women Global Champion, she is internationally acclaimed as a leadership and executive strategist, diversity and inclusion consultant, and women’s lifestyle coach, with a practice stemming from her varied experiences living and working across the globe.
As the lead coach for the Iconic Womanhood mastermind, a transformative 12-month leadership and business accelerator, Ekene skillfully marries soulful guidance with tactical strategies. This program is designed to help women transition from success to significance, crafting powerful thought leadership brands and platforms. Ekene coaches executive women who are ready to elevate and improve their performance through self-mastery, feminine leadership strategies and authentic life design. Her clients often describe her as a master coach and a catalyst for powerful positive change in individuals.
Ellie Diop — Featured on all the major financial publications—Forbes, Business Insider, Black Enterprise, Inc. Magazine— Ellie is the founder of Ellie Talks Money and a business and strategy coach. Following the loss of her corporate job during the pandemic, she seized the opportunity and used her $1,200 stimulus check to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. In just one year, she transformed this initial investment into a thriving multi-million-dollar online coaching business.
Today, Ellie’s online academy, Ellievated Academy, boasts a community of over 50,000 students. Through her platform, she empowers individuals to overcome adversity and achieve entrepreneurial success. Ellie is passionate about sharing her expertise and experiences to inspire others to build their own prosperous ventures, regardless of their starting point.
Fatima Maada Bio — When H.E. Fatima became the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, she immediately went to work advocating for women, girls, and gender equality issues from the grassroots level right to the United Nations. Her flagship campaign Hands Off Our Girls reduced sexual and gender-based violence (SGVB), early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and child trafficking, increased awareness of HIV, AIDS and cancer, improved access to justice, and provided free sanitary pads for school children.
With Sierra Leone having one of the highest rates of FGM, Fatima avidly campaigned and called for an end to this act, despite criticisms and pushback. Because of her influence, the country adopted a landmark law banning child marriage in 2024. She also championed the adoption of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. Her passion for improved healthcare outcomes motivated her to transform Sierra Leone’s 34 Military Hospital, increasing its capacity from 70 beds to 600 beds, along with the creation of a Centre of Excellence for SGBV Survivors. In 2023, UNAIDS appointed her Champion for Adolescent Girls and Young Women.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers — A writer, composer, and actress, Francesca is a powerhouse in the dramatic arts. Her recent portrayal of Juliet in Jamie Lloyd’s West End production of Romeo and Juliet made headlines and solidified her status as a star. With previous credits ranging from Shakespearean classics like Othello and Macbeth to contemporary works like the BBC’s Bad Education and Antigone at the Mercury Theatre Colchester, she’s proven time and again that she’s incredibly versatile.
However, her casting as Juliet brought on a firestorm of online hate. Yet, in the face of this unwarranted difficulty came a powerful sense of solidarity. Over 800 Black actors rallied behind her, signing an open letter condemning the abuse and spotlighting the broader issue of Black female performers facing online attacks, extending their support to these women who have endured harsh criticisms. Amewudah-Rivers’ casting and the overwhelming support she received from the community of Black entertainers speak volumes to the need for race and representation in theatre.
Ibukun Awosika — A revered leader on both the corporate and philanthropic fronts, she commands respect across Nigeria and beyond. As a prominent figure, she holds influential positions on several boards, including First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI), and the Nigerian Sovereign. She chairs the Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC), an initiative she founded to tackle the pressing issues of youth employability and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
An ordained pastor, she is the founder of the Christian Missionary Fund, a faith-based organisation that collaborates with missionaries across Nigeria to provide vital medical, educational, and other support. Her commitment to national development extends to her active participation in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the National Job Creation Committee (NCJC). Additionally, she contributes to global business education as a member of the International Advisory Board at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. Her dedication to improving lives and fostering growth is truly commendable.
Ife Durosinmi-Etti — In a world where women are increasingly seeking financial freedom, she stands out as the visionary founder of Herconomy, a groundbreaking community shaped by her own journey. With a mission to empower women, she created Herconomy as a multifaceted platform that integrates financial services, capacity building, job opportunities, and networking. Her ambition is to establish Herconomy as the most trusted financial institution for women in Africa, with a bold goal of economically empowering one million women by 2025.
Her groundbreaking work has earned her significant recognition. In 2022, she was honored as the ‘Tech Entrepreneur’ at the Globant Awards and named one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by Advance Media. Recently, she was appointed to the Youth Advisory Group for Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE), a global coalition led by the World Bank. This initiative aims to provide catalytic support to create productive work and employment opportunities for 150 million youth by 2030. Selected from a pool of over 250 visionary Nigerian businesswomen, Ife emerged as one of the top 3 finalists for the prestigious Bold Woman Award in Nigeria in 2022.
Jade Osiberu — She is a trailblazing Nigerian filmmaker who is reshaping Nollywood through her unique vision and innovative approach. Her recent film, Gangs of Lagos, gathered tremendous success on Amazon Prime, amassing over a billion views and earning multiple accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, proving once again that women always win. This achievement highlights her ability to captivate audiences and elevate Nigerian cinema on a global stage.
In 2019, Jade made waves with her comedy film Sugar Rush, which she co-wrote and produced. Despite its impressive performance as the top film at the box office, the movie faced an unexpected suspension, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the industry. Her contributions to Nollywood were further recognized in 2023 when she received nominations for Best Writer, Best Director, Best Movie West Africa, and Best Movie Overall at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Jade Osiberu continues to be a powerful force in Nigerian cinema, and her work is a testament to her creative prowess and commitment to advancing the industry. We eagerly anticipate her future projects and the continued impact she will make.
Jokate Mwegelo — She is a politician and the Secretary General of the Chama cha Mapinduzi’s Youth Wing in Tanzania. Before her appointment, she had made a name for herself as an entrepreneur and media personality. She served as District Commissioner for Kisarawe district in 2018, followed by appointments to Temeke district in 2021 and Korogwe in 2023. She was the first beauty Queen and the youngest officer to hold such a position in Tanzania. As Commissioner, Jokate focused on improving local infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Her initiatives, such as constructing new schools and health centres, have had a lasting impact on Kisarawe residents. She also launched campaigns promoting environmental conservation and women’s empowerment. Her hands-on approach and dedication earned her widespread respect and admiration. Jokate was named among the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017 and was recognized by the Africa Youth Awards as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans. In 2018, she was listed as the third most influential Tanzanian youth by Avance Media. More recently, she joined the Club de Madrid’s Network of Young Decision Makers, solidifying her status as a rising leader.
Kemi Ajumobi — She is the dynamic Editor of WOMEN’S HUB, a standout weekly magazine featured in West Africa’s top financial daily, BusinessDay. Every week, she captivates audiences with her talk show, “Inspiring Woman Series With Kemi Ajumobi,” on Instagram, where she delves into the stories of remarkable women, showcasing their journeys and triumphs. Her role extends to curating the influential “Women In Business” column, where she spotlights exceptional women making waves across various industries.
She is also the convener of the annual Inspiring Woman Series Conference, now celebrating its 12th year, she has created a vibrant platform for distinguished women to connect, learn, and inspire one another. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; as a ForbesBLK member, she was honored with the Smart Stewards Award for Excellence in Media in 2023 and celebrated as one of the “100 Women Creating a Better Africa” by WEFORGOOD INTERNATIONAL. Her work continues to resonate, making a significant impact on women’s empowerment and professional growth.
Kemi DaSilva-Ibru – On her return to Nigeria from the U.S., Kemi was faced with the startling statistics of 1 in 4 girls below age 18 experiencing gender-based violence in Nigeria. An obstetrician and gynaecologist, she was determined to make a change in the deeply patriarchal Nigerian society, and founded the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Nigeria’s leading anti-sexual violence nonprofit raising awareness about gender-based violence and providing crucial support to survivors, with the innovative ‘WARIF Approach’. This strategy, which encompasses health, education, and community service, has been instrumental in offering medical care, psychosocial support, and social welfare services at the WARIF Rape Crisis Centre.
With a fierce determination against SGBV, Kemi, through WARIF, has launched impactful initiatives, such as community service engagements in rural areas, educational programs for adolescents, and the first online classroom in Nigeria focused on preventing campus sexual violence.
Every first Sunday of December since 2019, Kemi has led the ‘WARIF No Tolerance March,’ advocating for zero tolerance to rape and sexual and gender-based violence. In the 2023 edition of the No Tolerance March, over 2000 people, in 10 cities across three continents, lent their voices to a resounding ‘No!’ against the pervasive issue of sexual violence.
Lesego Chombo — She is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, and the reigning Miss World Africa, having achieved a remarkable Top 4 placement at the Miss World competition in March 2024. Prior to this, she was crowned Miss Botswana 2022. Her accomplishments extend far beyond the pageantry world; she practices law at Kebabonye Business Law and is actively involved as an entrepreneur, speaker, model, and philanthropist.
She is also the founder of the Lesego Chombo Foundation, which encompasses her charitable initiative, the Genesis Project. This project is dedicated to developing programs for children in rural communities, offering them opportunities to engage in artistry, arts and crafts, and music, thereby fostering their educational and creative growth. Her impactful speech at the Forbes Under 30 Summit 2023 resonated deeply with the audience, as she eloquently discussed leveraging one’s talents for both personal and societal advancement.
Lynn Ngugi – She is the CEO of Lynn Ngugi Network, a leading media company that oversees one of Kenya’s largest YouTube channels. Her media journey began at TUKO Media in 2017, where she worked as a reporter for over four years. In September 2021, she launched her own media company, Lynn Network, which has since become one of the most prominent in Kenya.
Through her educational talk shows and live interview series, she has made a profound impact on the lives of families and ordinary individuals. Celebrated as one of Kenya’s foremost journalists, she earned recognition as one of BBC’s Top 100 Women in 2021 in the Culture & Education category. Furthermore, she was listed among Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya in 2023 and received the Gender Championship Award in 2023, along with other significant accolades in the media industry.
Lupita Nyong’o — She is a Kenyan actress and filmmaker who gained international acclaim for her powerful performances in film and her advocacy for diverse representation in the entertainment industry. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood. She has used her platform to address issues of representation and has become a fashion icon known for her elegant style and support for African designers.
Aside from acting, she supports historic preservation. She is vocal about preventing sexual harassment, and working for women’s and animal rights. In 2019, Nyong’o wrote a children’s book named Sulwe, which became a number-one New York Times Best Seller. She also received nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Narrator for narrating two episodes of the docu-series Serengeti. In 2020, Nyong’o was named one of Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women by Forbes.
Michelle Ntalami — She is the founder of Marini Naturals, a pioneering natural hair company dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace and care for their natural hair. Through Marini Naturals, she champions a mission to promote healthy, nourished hair using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.
The brand not only offers a range of high-quality hair care products but also fosters a community where individuals can celebrate and take pride in their natural hair textures. As a visionary entrepreneur, she has not only transformed the hair care industry but has also inspired a movement towards embracing natural beauty and self-confidence.
Millie Odhiambo — She is a leading figure in Kenyan politics, renowned for her passionate advocacy for women’s rights and social justice. Her now-viral “Be a bad girl like Millie” video, exemplifies the importance of women speaking up, and not being afraid to make the much needed changes and impact in the society. Millie Odhiambo’s unwavering dedication to social change and equality has fueled a remarkable political career. As a Member of Parliament, she has distinguished herself through a steadfast commitment to advancing women’s rights, pushing for gender equality in political representation, education, and healthcare. Her advocacy extends to combating gender-based violence and empowering marginalized communities.
Millie Odhiambo’s fearless approach to tackling critical issues has set her apart. She is a vocal critic of corruption and impunity, relentlessly championing accountability and transparency in governance. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her numerous awards and accolades. Through her resilience and determination, Millie Odhiambo continues to inspire young women and future leaders, striving to build a more just and equitable society in Kenya.
Modupe Olusola — She is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels plc, a leading hospitality company based in Nigeria and a subsidiary of the Transnational Corporation Plc. Appointed in March 2020, she became only the second woman to lead the organisation, marking a significant milestone in its history.
A dynamic and transformative leader, she is dedicated to driving meaningful change across multiple sectors. Prior to her role at Transcorp Hotels plc, she served as the Group Head of Marketing at United Bank for Africa (UBA), where she spearheaded marketing strategies across UBA’s presence in 23 countries. Her career also includes a notable tenure as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Teragro Commodities Limited, an agribusiness subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc. Her extensive experience and leadership continue to make a profound impact in the hospitality and agribusiness industries.
Modupe’s keen fashion sense and style show that women can occupy positions of authority and influence and still look phenomenal.
Mogau Seshoene — She is the founder of The Lazy Makoti (translated to mean the Lazy Wife), a food solutions company in South Africa, that offers cooking lessons, bespoke catering, and recipe development. Mogau’s platform celebrates the diverse flavours of South African and African cuisine, also selling contemporary handcrafted kitchen accessories. With a commitment to preserving South African culture through food, she hosted a season of the TV show Cooks For Life, where she showed healthier and simpler ways to prepare traditional dishes. Mogau’s work with The Lazy Makoti emphasises inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment, advocating for small-scale producers and sustainable practices within the food industry.
Recognized for her contributions, Mogau was listed in the M&G Top 200 Young South Africans in 2015, participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders at the University of Wisconsin, Stout, and made the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list. As a Brand SA Play Your Part Ambassador, she received the USIBA Creative and Cultural Industries Award in May 2018. Mogau also serves as a contributing food editor for the Sunday World newspaper and has won the Gourmand World Cookbook Award three times, most recently in 2022 for her cookbook Hosting with The Lazy Makoti.
Murugi Munyi — She is the founder of Wild by Murugi, a clothing and accessory brand designed to empower women to embrace their confidence through fashion. Murugi is a digital content creator whose content focuses on pregnancy, parenting, marriage, and personal style. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast The Messy Inbetween, which delves into love, money, work, life, and advice drawn from real-life experiences.
Before her venture into content creation, Murugi had a successful career in PR and communications. She has worked with top brands such as East African Breweries Limited (EABL), British American Tobacco (BAT), Uber East Africa, and various Unilever product brands. Her background in PR has significantly influenced her ability to connect with her audience and create relatable content. Murugi is a prominent figure in the digital content space, creating a platform for open and honest discussions on the complexities of life.
Nadia Ahmed Abdalla — She is a trailblazing force in communications and policy strategy, currently serving as the Director of Africa Communications at Corps Africa. Her career is marked by historic achievements, including her role as the youngest Deputy Minister (Chief Administrative Secretary) at Kenya’s Ministry of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs, where she made a lasting impact over three transformative years.
An accomplished author, Nadia has penned thought-provoking books such as Of Dreams and Whatever and The Feminist In Us, which delve into pressing societal issues and personal empowerment. She is the driving force behind the #KenyaNiMimi (#KenyaIsMe) Campaign, a vibrant initiative that unites youth and young women to tackle crucial issues, foster dialogue, and connect with stakeholders offering growth opportunities across various industries. As the founder of #SheBreaksBiasAfrica, Nadia is dedicated to advancing gender equality and quality education throughout the continent. Her podcast, Truth Is, features candid conversations with African women who are reshaping narratives and making significant strides in their fields.
Nana Akua Addo — She is a dazzling Ghanaian actress, fashion icon, and social media sensation who has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry with her unique style and magnetic presence. Nana Akua Addo captivates her audience not only through her acting but also as a leading voice on social media, where she showcases her glamorous outfits and shares her fashion inspirations with a global following.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Nana Akua Addo is deeply committed to philanthropy. She passionately supports causes related to women’s empowerment and education, making a meaningful impact in Ghana and beyond. Her influence transcends the world of entertainment, as she continues to inspire her fans with her creativity, fashion-forward thinking, and unwavering dedication to positive change in her community.
Nawal El Moutawakel – She made history as the first female North African Muslim from Morocco to win a gold medal in the 400-metre hurdles at the inaugural women’s event during the 1984 Summer Olympics. Nawal El Moutawakel’s groundbreaking victory not only represented a major milestone for Moroccan women but also challenged stereotypes about the potential of athletes from predominantly Muslim countries. Her success opened doors and set a new standard in athletics.
In 1995, El Moutawakel joined the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a council member, and in 1998, she became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), later serving as vice president from 2012. She had the honour of carrying the Olympic flag at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin and the Olympic torch at the 2012 London Olympics. Additionally, she played a key role as an ambassador for Morocco’s bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Her contributions to sports and her ongoing involvement in Moroccan athletics and government have been widely recognized. In 2015, she was awarded the Légion d’Honneur by French President François Hollande. On December 21, 2017, she received the National Order of the Southern Cross (Commander Class) from the Brazilian Government in a ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, marking the highest honour Brazil can bestow on foreign nationals and acknowledging her exceptional achievements.
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli — She is the President/CEO of the ONE Campaign. She has over 25 years of international development experience and has been deeply involved in fostering impactful solutions in the global social innovation landscape, with a focus on Africa. She is also the founder of LEAP Africa, a non-profit committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders and African Food Changemakers, which provides support for African entrepreneurs to start and scale resilient and sustainable agribusinesses. She is also the co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. and AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd.
She continues to be a visionary leader dedicated to international development and social innovation, particularly in Africa. She has extended her influence across several prestigious boards, including the Rockefeller Foundation, Stanbic IBTC Group, the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, and the Bridgespan Group. Ndidi has also written extensively on entrepreneurship, social innovation, and resilient agriculture in Africa. Her works include Social Innovation in Africa: A Practical Guide for Scaling Impact, Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses, and Walking for God in the Marketplace.
Nkiru Olumide Ojo – She is the founder of the Light House Network, a social development initiative that is dedicated to empowering young women by providing them with a formal mentoring structure. She is also the Executive Head, Africa Regions Corporate Communications Marketing & Corporate Social Impact of Standard Bank Group. Her commitment extends to providing career mentorship for young women through the Working Girl Circle.
With the lighthouse network, she focuses on marketplace readiness for youth, in which she and her team visit underserved schools to help upskill young people. Her efforts to champion workplace readiness are complemented by her #ForTheWorkingGirl Series on Instagram and LinkedIn, where she offers valuable guidance and support to working women navigating their professional journeys.
An accomplished corporate maven with nearly 3 decades of corporate experience, Nkiru is the author of “The Pressure Cooker: Lessons From A Woman At Work”, which offers advice to women in the workplace, that comes from her lived experience-of motherhood, workplace politics, and climbing up that corporate ladder
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is steadily occupying our hearts as a legendary leader on the global stage. She functions as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), making her the first woman and African to hold this prestigious position. She also sat as the Chair of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance from 2016 – 2020. Ngozi is an influential economist and international development expert with a remarkable career spanning over three decades. Her career is highlighted by her tenure as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, where she implemented critical economic reforms that stabilised Nigeria’s economy and significantly improved financial transparency. Her unmatched negotiation skills led to the historic cancellation of $18 billion of Nigeria’s external debt.
Additionally, she held key roles at the World Bank, including Managing Director, where she managed operations across Africa, South Asia, and Europe. We also speak highly of her massive contributions to global health and climate change which brought about her being named an AU COVID-19 Special Envoy and WHO COVID-19 Special Envoy. Ngozi’s accolades include being named Forbes African of the Year in 2020 and consistently ranking among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World by Forbes.
Nomazibulo Tshanga — She is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ziyana Group, a consultancy that assists organisations in building value-based working environments, embedding values and culture, and designing organisational development interventions. She constantly raises the bar as a seasoned businesswoman, humanitarian, and multi-faceted speaker, known for her expertise in strategy development, gender transformation, leadership, and people management. She is also the Producer and Host of ‘Leaders in Conversation,’ which ignites corporate value through intentional and authentic leadership conversations.
Under her non profit organisation Ziyana Foundation, she exercises her commitment to gender transformation, women’s leadership growth, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and youth development which led her to convene the initiative Brunch With Noma in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth, impacting over 250 women’s lives. Nomazibulo also co-founded the Non-Profit Organisation ShePowers SA, which collaborates with strategic partners to advocate for women’s empowerment in Africa by ensuring their participation in the economic structures of society. Her dedication earned her the title of Standard Bank’s Women Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
Osayi Alile – Osayi challenges the negative narratives about Africa, while portraying the best potential of Africa to the world. Representing Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation (ACT), a non-profit organisation that provides funding to social sector organisations focused in the areas of Health, Entrepreneurship, Environment and Leadership as its CEO, she has been dedicated to building sustainable societies and empowering the most vunerable people in society. Her hard work championing social impact and development as a professional business leader in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), International Development, Business and Philanthropic Management, Fundraising and Sustainability, contributes immense value to African communites. With her support and high impact initiatives, over 2 million lives cut across education, health, enterprise development, job opportunities, the socially disadvantaged women of society and people of disabilities have been impacted.
Staying up the ladder, Alile also functions as a member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria, and serves on various committees and boards, some of which include the CIBN Mentoring Advisory Committee, the ANDE Executive Committee, and the LCCI Council. Furthermore she is an active member of The Boardroom Africa, an Executive Member of the Access Women Network, and a Trustee of the Alaghodaro Economic Summit. Always wielding the mantle as a visionary leader, she has held significant roles at FATE Foundation, WIMBIZ, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Access Bank Plc and the World Economic Forum Global Agenda. Due to her magnificent contributions to the World Economic Forum, she was honoured as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Owen Omogiafo – In a country where male counterparts dominate reputable leadership positions, Owen Omogiafo has made her mark as President and Group CEO of Transnational Corporation Plc, Nigeria’s leading listed diversified conglomerate with investments in power, hospitality, and energy. Being the first female to hold this position, creates a positive outlook for gender inclusivity in prominent leadership roles in society. Prior to her current appointment, her leadership footprint can be traced way back to when she served as the Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, in which she was responsible for driving positive transformation at Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Transcorp Hotels Calabar.
Furthermore, before joining the Transcorp Group, she served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, where she oversaw the $100 million program aimed at identifying, mentoring, and funding 10,000 entrepreneurs over 10 years. In addition, she also worked as the Director of Resources at Heirs Holdings Limited, a family-owned investment company chaired by Tony O. Elumelu. Under Avon Healthcare Limited, she serves as a non-executive member. Standing tall as a beacon of inspiration to the African woman, her history of leadership cannot be unsung as it has driven massive impact to various organisations, enriching the lives of people home and away.
Peace Hyde — A beloved darling of the African continent and a force to reckon with in the creative space. Peace is the Head of Digital Media and Partnerships for Forbes Africa. She is also an award-winning producer, TV host, creator, journalist, and activist dedicated to empowering African youth and fostering education. Peace has created groundbreaking digital content such as Forbes Africa’s first TV platform, featuring the show My First Day, which reached 60 million households.
She had the entire world glued to their tv screens with ‘Young, Famous & African,’ Netflix’s first African reality series produced by her, which showed Africans and the African continent in a very positive and powerful light. Her documentary Inside Nigeria’s Push to End Police Brutality received critical acclaim.
Peace is a business leader, mentor, coach and is fiercely committed to telling African stories. We love that very much!
Rosemary Zimu — Rosemary Zimu’s character, Zinhle in the hugely popular Netflix drama series, ‘Savage Beauty,’ kept us all at the edge of our seats with nail-biting anticipation. The trained lawyer showed an impressive range, with a depth of acting chops that have secured her spot in the second season of Savage Beauty. Her journey as an actor started in 2014 with a movie named Champagne, an Emem Isong-directed movie, in which Zimu played the lead role in this film. She has since featured on so many television shows, among her many features is the 2017 Netflix mini-series Shadow in which she featured in a supporting role Crystal. Another of her notable work is seen in the movie Isidingo, where she played the character ‘Veronica’ on Isidingo before the SABC3 show came to an end.
Asides being an international award-winning actress, she is also a singer, writer and the founder of RZ Eyewear. Confident, fashionable, and stylish, Rosemary’s commitment to her craft and her versatility with diverse roles, breaks the unfair narratives surrounding African women in film and also broadens and promotes the possibilities of women-led acts in the film industry.
Samke Mhlongo — We love Samke because of her passionate drive in teaching and empowering coaches on ways to monetize their online communities. A multi potentialite, she’s the Founder of The Next Chapter (TNC) Wealth Partners, a consultancy focused on personal and small-business finance coaching. She’s also a sought-after corporate speaker, MC, and panel moderator. She is definitely making us proud as the resident finance columnist for BONA magazine, a business anchor on The Fresh Breakfast show on Metro FM, and a regular media commentator on eNCA. Additionally, she champions financial inclusion as part of the Graca Machel Trust and has authored the book, Ring Fence, a book on financial inclusion for women and the children’s entrepreneurship book titled Zuki & Friends. Samke currently serves as the youngest board member of the state-owned agency MINTEK, where she sits on the Audit & Risk Committee.
Sara Gamal — When you think about inclusivity and female representation in sports, Sara comes to mind. She is an Olympics Hijabi Referee, who set a record in African basketball as the first African female referee to officiate at a 3×3 basketball game at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first female official in Africa to take charge of a FIBA basketball world cup African qualifiers game. She is a civil engineer in a male-dominated industry, who has gotten many hearts of other Egyptian referees for breaking the stereotype and barriers, also inspiring other hijab-wearing Arab females.
Gamal broke into the sport’s top level in 2017 when the International Basketball Federation lifted its ban on headgear, allowing the Islamic headscarf. Since then, she has officiated at several international tournaments, continuing to referee games at the highest level and officiate male athletes on hardwood courts.
Sophie Ndaba — A businesswoman and a celebrated actress, Sophie Ndaba rose to fame for her two-decade portrayal of Queen Moroka in the beloved soap opera Generations. Beyond this iconic role, Sophie has also showcased her talent in films such as She Is King and Gog’ Helen. Let’s not forget she’s a vibrant mental health advocate, who founded ‘She is a Wonder’, an organisation devoted to the healing, restoration, and empowerment of women. Even as a person living with diabetes, she remains committed to raising awareness and providing information about this disease. When you talk about a versatile professional, she bodies that brilliantly, excelling as an MC, event organiser, and motivational speaker.
Sophie has shown a strong hand in entrepreneurship founding Sophla Media, a production company specialising in road shows and reality TV shows. She made her mark in the business world with Sophla Events, a luxury event management company. In addition, she launched the Sophie Ndaba Collection, a clothing line that offers stylish and affordable fashion. Dedicated to philanthropy, she established the Sophie Ndaba Foundation to support underprivileged children.
Titilope Sonuga — Titilope is a renowned poet, playwright, and performer whose genre-defying work has led to a vibrant career in the arts. With three collections of poetry—Down to Earth (2011), Abscess (2014), and This Is How We Disappear (2019)—and two spoken word albums, Mother Tongue (2011) and Swim (2019), Titilope is a powerful presence in the literary world. She has scripted campaigns for global brands such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Google, and the White Ribbon Alliance, and served a two-year term as an ambassador for Intel Corporation’s She Will Connect campaign, empowering women and girls through technological literacy.
As a playwright, Titilope has explored themes of womanhood and resilience in her works The Six, Naked, and Ada the Country, and she captivated audiences as a lead actor in the hit Nigerian television series Gidi Up. Her historic performance as the first poet to perform at a Nigerian presidential inauguration in 2015 marked her as a significant cultural figure. It gets richer as she is the 9th Poet Laureate of the City of Edmonton (2021-2023), and has facilitated poetry workshops around the world, enriching the global poetry community with her expertise and passion. In 2024, she was announced as a member of the Recording Academy, an exclusive group voting on GRAMMY Award winners. Her recent EPs “Sanctuary” focuses on sisterhood and highlights the power and purpose of women-led friendships and bonds.
Tumi Chamayou – Tumi is the Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Business South Africa. She joined MTN in 2018 as the General Manager for large enterprise sales. Her talent quickly shone through, leading to her role as Acting Executive in July 2020. She was then promoted to Chief Group Enterprise Officer, a position she held from 2020 to 2023. During her time as General Manager, Tumi managed teams focused on different client segments and led various programs across MTN’s markets. Since 2023, she has been the Chief Enterprise Business Officer, where she drives the company’s strategy and growth for enterprise clients.
Tumi’s experience includes work in Nigeria, Senegal, Southeast Asia, and Europe. She was also a member of the Ericsson Young Advisory Board in 2010/2011, where she advised Ericsson’s CEO and leadership team. Today, she continues to use her vast experience to advance MTN Business South Africa’s enterprise client strategy.
Thandiwe Muriu — Creativity is clearly embedded in the hands of Thandiwe Muriu, the self-taught photographer who discovered photography at age 14. Muriu broke boundaries as Kenya’s first female commercial photographer, and began developing her personal work onto the arts scene in 2020 with her “Camo” series: vibrant photos of women enrobed in colourful wax fabrics, blending portraiture and optical illusion.
Her “Camo” series creates surreal illusions without digital manipulation, addressing issues of identity and self-perception. She is a creative genius who seeks to redefine female empowerment through her choice of materials, such as textiles and common household items. The ‘camo’ series topped the interest of local and international media outlets, taking top features with CNN and Vogue. Muriu’s artistic creativity incorporates African proverbs to show the depth of tradition grounds around her images, as she explores historical beauty narratives in the modern identity.
Uche Pedro — Captivating the entertainment and lifestyle scenery is Uche Pedro, founder and CEO of BellaNaija, a media tech brand known for entertainment and lifestyle content. Under her leadership, BellaNaijas’ social footprint has grown through its collective brands – BellaNaija.com, BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style – to be the largest on the African continent with more than 200 million impressions each month. In March 2019, Uche was honoured with the Forbes Woman Africa New Media Award for her innovative impact on media in Africa.
With a passion for the progress of youth in Nigeria and across Africa, she is a founding member of Future Work Africa (FWA), an initiative of the Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Accelerator Programme, launched to address youth unemployment in Africa and prepare them for the jobs of the future. This project also seeks to leverage the changing global employment landscape, using technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve skill and productivity across Africa.
Vanessa Nakate — We stand in awe of the length of intentionality and support Vanessa Nakate, the climate justice activist from Uganda, has given to control the issue of climate crisis to human existence. Her inspiring climate activism led to her starting the Vash Green Schools Project, aimed at providing solar power and eco-friendly stoves in schools. This project impacted about 11,000 children. She leads as a climate activist under Tard Foundation, one which she co-founded. Vanessa is an environmentalist who amplifies the voices of African activists through her organisation Youth for Future Africa and the Rise Up Movement. Standing as a prominent voice at international forums, raising awareness about climate change, its causes, and impacts, she led the campaign to save Congo’s rainforest from massive deforestation, which later spread from Africa to Europe.
Her leadership as a young environmentalist led to her being selected to speak at COP25 in Spain, she was also among the 20 activists who wrote a letter to the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging an end to fossil fuel subsidies. She has been appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and was named on the BBC’s 100 Women list in November 2020. Vanessa also featured on TIME’s 100 Next list, published on February 17, 2021, and appeared on the cover of TIME’s November 8/15, 2021 issue.
Varaidzo Kativhu — We applaud the leadership and global change Varaidzo Kativhu brings to youth and girls worldwide. The world knows her as the Girl’s education activist extraordinaire, who also serves as a young leader for the SDGs at the United Nation, and founder of Empowered By Vee, an organisation aimed at bridging the gap between academic ability and self-belief. It doesn’t stop here, as in March 2023, she was selected to join the Global Partnerships for Education as a United Kingdom Youth Leader. Still crushing it actively in all her roles, she serves as the Youth Engagement Adviser for UNICEF office of Innovation. Her organisation (EBV), equips young people with the tools and skills they need to take up space, own their talents, and seize opportunities. Her social media platforms, with over 500,000 followers, has become a powerful medium to uplift and inspire unsupported and underrepresented students to realise their academic potential. Vee also holds degrees from both Oxford University and Harvard University, and has written a book titled EMPOWERED, a practical self-help book for young people.
With her remarkable contributions to diversity and female empowerment, she has earned several prestigious awards, including the Diana Award Legacy Award from Prince Harry and Prince William, the United Kingdom Rare Rising Star recognition from Members of Parliament, and the title of Diversity Champion by Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor. In January 2023, she joined Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation as an Advisory Board Member. Most recently, in July 2024, Vee made history as the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Bradford.
Yavi Madurai — Speak of African prosperity then you must be speaking of Yavi Madurai. She stands tall as the Chair of YM Holdings Group, a portfolio of global companies that include Black Box Theory, a prominent management consultancy; AfGTN (Africa Global Trade Network), known for fostering African-global trade relations; and African Prosperity Projects, the operational arm of African Prosperity Fund (APF) which focuses on women and youth empowerment, advocating for sustainable economic growth across the continent. Being a digital transformation strategist committed to improving the Africa economy, she founded TechEqual, with the aim to close the digital divide and empower the world’s poor, with a special focus on Africa. She is also the Executive Director of the Pan African Business Women’s Association (PABWA), where she fights for economic gender parity in Africa.
Yavi’s expertise in trade and economic policy, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), has established her as a trusted advisor to heads of state, governments, the African Union, and private sector entities globally. You can’t miss her work as a media analyst for prominent broadcasters such as eNCA, CNN Africa, SABC, and SAfm.
