We proudly acknowledge the exceptional achievement of women across Africa who have not only broken barriers but have also emerged as visionary leaders, catalyst for change and innovators in their respective fields. This celebration honours their significant impact in shaping the narrative of progress and advancement across Africa.
From breathtaking innovations in Science and Technology to transformative leadership in business to changing the narratives, these women have played pivotal roles in shaping the African continent as a whole. Their dedication and commitment have not only given them a name for themselves but have inspired positive change in Africa. This acknowledgement underscores their impactful contribution across diverse sectors making them true beacons of progress.
As we celebrate these trailblazing women, let us collectively recognize the importance of fostering an environment that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusivity. By doing so, we not only honor their individual accomplishments, but also pave the way for a future where every woman in Africa has the opportunity to thrive and make meaningful contributions.
Join us to celebrate and acknowledge these outstanding women in Africa whose achievements stand as a testament to the limitless potential that resides within the hearts and minds of women across Africa.
Kindly find below 100 outstanding Women recognized across Africa;
1. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia); First female African head of state
2. Wangari Maathai (Kenya); Environmentalist and Nobel laureate
3. Amina J. Mohammed (Nigeria); Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
4. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria); Director-General of the WTO
5. Graça Machel (Mozambique); Humanitarian and former First Lady of Mozambique
6. Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) – Nobel laureate for peace activism
7. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria); Renowned author
8. Jewel Taylor: 30th Vice President of Liberia
9. Dr. Mrs. Genevieve Duncan Obuobi: SME Consultant, Speaker and Author
10. Hon. Kanshima Pelham Raad; Representative Aspirants Liberia
11. Mrs Harriet Ovwiegho Omofezi; CEO Ace Support, registered member of the Fine Gael Women Network, A social Care practitioner
12. Sahle-work Zewde: Ethiopia first female president
13. Aisha Shettima Yusuf; Founder Emirati Innovative Services and President Emirati Women Entrepreneurs co-operative (EWEC)
14) Oby Ezekwesili; Founder and President of Human Capital Africa(HCA)
15. Angelique Kidjo (Benin); Grammy-winning singer and activist
16. Thuli Madonsela (South Africa); South African Advocate
17. Irene Titilola Olumese; founder, Feet of Grace Foundation, Nigeria
18. Fatou Bensouda (Gambia); Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
19. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; 6th President of Mauritius
20. Salwa Bugaighis (Libya); Human rights and political activist
21. Lady Gladys Hauwa Shaahu; Director Glow Integrated Global Resources Limited
22. Ezinne Kufre Ekanem; CEO Rosemary’s soft furnishing company, Public speaker and Writer
23. Theresa Kachindamoto; paramount Chief of Dedza district, Malawi
24. Maggy Barankitse (Burundi); Founder of Maison Shalom for orphans
25. Tegla Loroupe (Kenya); Renowned long-distance runner and peace ambassador
26. Edna Adan Ismail (Somaliland); Healthcare advocate and first female Foreign Minister of Somaliland
27. Dambisa Moyo (Zambia); Economist and author
28. Aisha AI Mansoori: UAE first female Emirati Captain
29. Mary Robinson (Ireland); 7th president of Ireland
30. Amina Hersi (Uganda); Businesswoman and real estate developer
31. Juliana Rotich (Kenya); Tech entrepreneur and Ushahidi co-founder
32 Winnie Byanyima (Uganda); Executive Director of UNAIDS
33. Amsatou Sow Sidibe (Senegal); Women’s rights and democracy advocate
34. Hanna Tetteh (Ghana); UN Special Representative for the African Union
35. Gcina Mhlophe (South Africa); Storyteller and children’s author
36. Vicky Ntetema (Tanzania); Investigative journalist and human rights activist
37. Chems Doha Alaoui Ismali
Secretary General of the General Union of Arab Women
38. Zeinab Badawi (Sudan); BBC journalist and presenter
39. Hafsat Abiola (Nigeria); Women’s rights and democracy advocate
40. Gladys Igbinosun; Philanthropist and convener of lifted Women
41. Takyiwaa Manuh (Ghana); Academic and gender studies expert
42. Leyla Hussein (Somalia/UK); Activist against female genital mutilation
43. Margaret Kenyatta (Kenya); First Lady and maternal health advocate
44. Ory Okolloh (Kenya); Tech entrepreneur and civic activist
45. Jaha Dukureh (Gambia/USA); Anti-FGM activist and UN Women Regional Goodwill Ambassador
46. Stella Nyanzi (Uganda); Feminist academic and activist
47. Amira Yahyaoui (Tunisia); Activist and founder of Al Bawsala
48. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (South Africa); UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women
49. Ada Osakwe (Nigeria) – Agribusiness entrepreneur and investor
50. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (South Africa) – Minster in the presidency for women, youths and people with disabilities for South Africa
51) Agnes Binagwaho (Prof): Vice-Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity
52) Agnes Matilda Kalibata (Dr): CEO, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
53) Ahunna Eziakonwa: Director, UNDP Africa
54) Evelyn Tobore Nomayo; Senior software engineer, Blockchain researcher and technology entrepreneur
55. Allen Kagina: Executive Director, Uganda National Roads Authority.
56. Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh: Regional Head, IBM North, East and West Africa
57) Angèle Makombo: President, League of Congolese Democrats
58. Athaliah Molokomme: Permanent Representative of Botswana to the U.N.
59) Awa Ndiaye-Seck: Resident Representative UN Women, Democratic Republic of the Congo
60. Zodwa Mkandla; International business woman of the year,Zimbabwe
61. Charity Ngilu (H.E.); Governor, Kitui County
62. Chebet Chikumbu: Africa Director, Global Citizen
63. Damilola Ogunbiyi; CEO, Sustainable Energy for All
64) Djamila Ferdjani (Dr): Medical Doctor, MedCom
65) Dorothy Ghettuba: Director, Original Series for Africa at Netflix
66. Elizabeth Mrema; Deputy Executive Director United Nations Environment Programme
67) Emma Theofelus; Deputy Minister of Information, communication and Technology, Namibia
68. Eve Bazaiba: Minister for the Environment of the Democratic Republic of Congo
69. Fatima Kyari Mohammed (H.E.): Permanent Representative, African Union Mission to the U.N.
70. Fatoumata BA: Founder, Janngo Africa
71. Faustina Fynn-Nyame: Executive Director for Africa, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
72. Filsan Abdullahi: Ethiopian Activist and Politician
73. Frehiwot Tamru; CEO, Ethio Telecom
74. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Dr): CEO, Conservation Through Public Health
75. Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim: Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Nigeria
76. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim: Coordinator, Association of Peul Women and Autochthonous Peoples of Chad
77. Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu: CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation
78. Irene Asare: Global H.R. Director, CarvinClay People Development
79. Natasha Akpoti; Senator for Kogi Central
80. H.E Amb Dr. Smelly Dube: Group CEO, Rivervalley Group of Companies, Zimbabwe
81. Jeannette Kagame (H.E.): First Lady, Rwanda
82. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (H.E): Vice President, Uganda
83. Julienne Lusenge: President, Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development
84) Julitta Onabanjo (Dr): Regional Director, UNFPA East and Southern Africa
85) Kaba Nialé: Minister of Planning and Development, Ivory Coast
86) Hon. Anastancia Ndhlovu: Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe(2016-2019)
87. Laureen Kouassi-Olsson: Founder & CEO, Birimian Holding
88. Letty Chiwara: Representative to Ethiopia, A.U. & ECA, U.N. Women
89. Louise Mushikiwabo: Secretary General, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
90. Mamokgethi Phakeng (Prof.): Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Town before Retirement
91. Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.): Vice President, Benin
92. Martha Ama A. Pobee (H.E.): Assist. Secretary-General for Africa, UN
93. Mary-Jane Morifi: Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Tiger Brands
94. Matshidiso Moeti (Dr): Regional Director for Africa, WHO
95. Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi: CEO, MTN Rwanda
96. Monde Muyangwa (Dr.): Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Africa
97. Monique Nsanzabaga (H.E.): Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission
98. Musonda Xoliswa Mumba (Dr): Secretary General on the convention of Wetlands
99. Mwele Malecela: Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO
100. Nafissatou Jocelyne Diop: Chief of Gender and Human Rights, United Nations Population Foundation