2024 has been a year that soared to breathtaking highs and tumbled through moments that tested every ounce of our resolve. But through it all, one truth stood unshaken—the power and resilience of African women. They held the line. They pushed boundaries. They refused to let dreams of gender equity remain just that—dreams.
It wasn’t easy. Change never is.
Yet, here we are. Celebrating the steps we’ve taken, the milestones we’ve reached, and the conversations we’ve sparked. Let’s be clear: we didn’t do it alone. Behind every post that went viral, every story that stirred hearts, and every voice that demanded change, there were women standing tall beside us. Women who raised the banner, amplified the message, and carried the vision forward.
We see you. We honor you.
This one is for you—the women who liked, shared, and commented. The women who poured their energy, belief, and time into this mission. You reminded us that this work is bigger than any single person. That we’re building something real.
A just, equitable, and inclusive world for African women and girls? It’s no longer a distant dream. It’s happening—because these women showed up.
This one is for the women of our community. Meet the women of Leading Ladies Africa.
Odejobi Ayomide Oluwayinmi. Lagos, Nigeria. 24
What did you learn about yourself in 2024?
There was this post LLA made about Cynthia Erivo’s quotes recently, and one of them is: “I don’t believe that many things are impossible to achieve. So long as you put your mind to it and take the time to get it done.” I decided to put that to the test, and with consistency, I have learnt that I can truly achieve whatever I set my mind to. I became aware of this when I started creating content, especially in the health field, and discovered how much I enjoyed imparting knowledge that may help others. I also became more aware of my life’s mission, realizing that my goal to work as a public health content creator, researcher, and advocate is about more than just pursuing my own goals; it’s about contributing significantly to society.
Aderonke Allimson. Canada. 42
What was the biggest challenge you had in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was navigating a career change. I overcame this by upskilling and building my professional network. Though networking remains an ongoing process for me, I am grateful for the progress I have made.
Preye Okorodas. Warri, Nigeria. 21
If you could collaborate with any woman or woman-owned/led brand in 2025, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any woman or woman-owned brand in 2025, I would love to work with Peace Itimi, as I’m transitioning into a career in marketing and communications. Her expertise and experience will be of great value during my journey.
I would also be overjoyed to collaborate with Lady Biba as I’m building a corporate handmade bag brand. The brand’s desire to create elegant pieces that do not sacrifice practicality aligns with my brand’s value.
Janet Nyarko. Ghana, Accra. 20.
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025?
In 2025, my brand will be producing the most luxurious lip care products rooted in Africa to the Global world and I’m really looking forward to that.
Motunrayo Mufutau. Lagos, Nigeria. 27
What did you learn about yourself in 2024?
I would absolutely love to collaborate with Chiamaka Obiekwe of @Social Prefect. She’s been an inspiration to me through my transition into the Travel and Hospitality industry. Having her as a mentor would be the best Christmas present.
Moffin Opilio. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 25
What was the biggest challenge you had in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges in 2024 was the daunting task of reinventing myself in a completely new city, far from my familiar surroundings and support system. For some reason, I had been deeply dissatisfied with my previous life and yearned for a fresh start. With a leap of faith, I decided to leave everything behind and embrace the unknown.
Navigating this new territory has not been easy. With no established connections, I have had to rely on my skills and unwavering belief in myself. It has been a journey filled with countless challenges, setbacks, tears, loneliness, homelessness, hungry days, sleepless nights, and self-doubt. However, I have persevered through it all, driven by the knowledge that my destiny is in my own hands.
Aaliyah Dube. South Africa. 18
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025?
As the new year approaches, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead. I look forward to deepening my passion for technology, advancing my skills in computer science, business and leadership. I am eager to continue advocating for girls’ rights and collaborating with women-led organizations to create impactful change. Traveling the world to explore diverse cultures remains a cherished goal, and I hope to gain new perspectives that will inspire both personal and professional growth. In 2025, I aim to harness the power of technology and innovation to create real-world impact, inspire others, and make strides toward a brighter future. With a heart full of ambition and a desire to make a difference, I am ready to embrace every challenge and triumph the coming year will bring.
Kosisochukwu Chinakwe. Onitsha, Anambra State.
What did you learn about yourself in 2024?
I have learned that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to, as long as I remain persistent and refuse to give up. I’ve also come to understand the importance of never placing limits on myself or my potential.
Ruth Ogun. Toronto, Canada. Early 30s
What was the biggest challenge you had in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing my personal and professional life while scaling my travel beauty business was one of the toughest challenges I faced this year. By reevaluating my priorities, focusing on self-care, and finding smarter ways to work, I was able to turn chaos into clarity. It was a year of growth, resilience, and unexpected wins!
Alawiyya Iliyasu Mohammed. Kano State, Nigeria. 40
If you could collaborate with any woman or woman-owned/led brand in 2025, who would it be and why?
I really want to collaborate with Chef Maryamah, because I enjoy and I’m inspired by her content.
Taneshia Naa Kooko Quaye. Accra, Ghana. 20
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025?
As a feminine tech enthusiast, I’m really looking forward to seeing more initiatives and programs aimed at encouraging and supporting women in tech, especially for women who show interest in tech.
Amina Elias Danjuma. Abuja, Nigeria. 35
What was the biggest challenge you had in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
Shifts in prioritization between personal growth, career, and academics. My biggest challenge was regulating these schedules, as I often slipped into procrastination, which I realized was an unhealthy escape.
I overcame this challenge by taking some time off to recharge and refresh my spirit, body, and mind. This way, I was able to unpack mentally and re-strategize proper time management and a better self-routine that helped me navigate these facets of my life seamlessly.
Angela Aku-Sika Tagbodza. Ghana. 25
What did you learn about yourself in 2024?
2024 taught me that opportunities, disappointments, rejections, and struggles—both mental and physical—are all part of shaping me into a more confident and assertive person. Leaving unhealthy work environments and relationships isn’t the end; though the urge to return may arise, it’s essential to face the pain, see it as growth, and refocus on the vision board.
Realign with your dreams, set boundaries, and prioritize building and maintaining strong sisterhoods. Work on becoming the best version of myself—someone my younger self would admire. The rest of my 20s are for growth, lessons, and exploring talents, ambitions, and the world.
N’zallah Zamani-Haro. Lisbon, Portugal. 31
If you could collaborate with any woman or woman-owned/led brand in 2025, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Arami Essentials. I have used their products for a while. I own a home fragrance business called @wyorkscandleco and do awareness of PCOS, which I have lived with for over a decade now.
The main idea behind the brand is self-care. Self-care is skincare, a zen environment, peace of mind, and everything you want it to be. Arami x Wyorkscandleco can deliver that.
Sarah Banda. Johannesburg. 28.
What was the biggest challenge you had in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge this year was overcoming my anxiety and the need for control. I overcame this with staying consistent with therapy, self-introspection and prayer. I had to surrender to something bigger than myself and understand that life will keep being unpredictable even when I think I am in control.
Cassandra Brownell Zoe. Monrovia. Liberia.
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025?
I was unexpectedly laid off from work recently. However, I am not disappointed, as I have felt for some time that I needed a change of environment and a more challenging role in my career.
I am grateful to God for the years I have spent with this organization and for the privilege of serving in the humanitarian sector, a role that has brought me great joy.
I am looking forward to taking a break for a while and finally pursuing my Master’s degree in International Relations or International Development, fields that align with my experience over the years.
Additionally, I am hopeful and trusting God for a new job in the field of communications.
