2026 is the year of boldness, echoing the spirit of the 2022 Bold Voices. As we celebrate the Top 30 Bold Voices, we also recognize the powerful contributions of African Female Voices in shaping this narrative.
2022 Bold African Female Voices in Entertainment
Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles
South Africa
Lungelihle Zwane (above), known as Uncle Waffles, is a South African DJ from eSwatini celebrated for her amapiano beats. As one of the prominent African Female Voices in the music scene, she made headlines when Drake shared her on his Instagram stories, causing social media to go wild. This recognition has propelled her beyond just a social media sensation, especially after her recent EP, Red Dragon, was released in 2022 as part of the Top 30 Bold Voices in the industry. She continues to tour the world, showcasing her talent.
Tems
Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles
Nigeria
Nigerian producer, singer, and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made her mark as a musical force to be reckoned with, earning her a spot among the 2022 Bold Voices. From learning how to make beats through watching YouTube videos to collaborating with iconic music superstars such as Drake, Future, and Wizkid, Tems has established herself as one of the top 30 Bold Voices in the music industry and a leading figure in African Female Voices.
Thuso Mbedu
Uncle Waffles
Elsa Majimbo
South Africa
South African actress Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu, who made her international debut in the Amazon Video limited series The Underground Railroad, has emerged as one of Hollywood's most prominent black female voices in 2022. As part of the 2022 Bold Voices, she starred in the hit movie The Woman King alongside Viola Davis, further solidifying her place among the Top 30 Bold Voices of the year. Additionally, she has won the Independent Spirit Award, Gotham Award, and Hollywood Critics Association Award, showcasing her talent as one of the leading African Female Voices in the industry.
Elsa Majimbo
Osas Ighodaro
Elsa Majimbo
Kenya
Elsa Majimbo rose from being an internet sensation, entertaining us during the COVID-19 lockdown with her satirical monologues, to becoming a celebrated figure among the 2022 Bold Voices. She made history as the first Kenyan to appear on the cover of Forbes 30 under 30, showcasing the power of African Female Voices and earning her place among the Top 30 Bold Voices.
Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro
Nigeria
Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro recently celebrated 10 years in the entertainment industry and was recognized as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices at the 2022 AMVCA, where she won the award for "Best Actress in a Drama" for her remarkable performance in "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story." Beyond her acting career, she has emerged as a prominent humanitarian, utilizing her foundation to raise funds and awareness in the fight against Malaria, amplifying the importance of African Female Voices in social causes.
Anne Kansiime
Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro
Uganda
Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime Kubiryaba, widely known as Anne Kansiime, has transitioned from sharing her sketch comedy skits on YouTube to making a significant impact as a philanthropist. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the 'Top 30 Bold Voices' and was also featured on Beenie Gunter’s ‘Elevated’ album, which was released on 18th April 2022, showcasing the rising 'African Female Voices' in the entertainment industry.
2022 Bold African Female Voices in Corporate and Enterprise
Mpumi Madisa
Diane Karusisi
Diane Karusisi
Nompumelelo Thembekile Madisa is an executive and the first black African female to be appointed as CEO of Bidvest Group, a JSE top 40 company. Recognized among the 2022 Bold Voices, the South African CEO holds a Masters in Finance and Investment, BComm Honours in Economics, and a BSc in Economics and Mathematics, showcasing the strength of African female voices in leadership.
Diane Karusisi
Diane Karusisi
Diane Karusisi
Rwanda
Dr. Diane Karusisi, recognized among the 2022 Bold Voices, is the CEO of one of Rwanda's largest banks, Bank of Kigali. She previously served as the head of strategy and policy, as well as the chief economist for the President of Rwanda. As a prominent figure among African Female Voices, Diane has successfully driven the growth of BK Group into sectors like General Insurance, Investment Banking, and Technology, solidifying her place as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices in the industry.
Rebecca Miano
Diane Karusisi
Catherine Lesetedi
Kenya
Rebecca Miano, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices, is the CEO of KenGen Plc, which stands as one of East Africa's largest producers of electricity. With her background in law, Rebecca has emerged as a prominent figure among African Female Voices, making her a suitable candidate in politics. She currently serves as a Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of EAC, ASALs & Regional Development Kenya, further solidifying her position as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices in the region.
Catherine Lesetedi
Catherine Lesetedi
Catherine Lesetedi
Botswana
Catherine Lesetedi, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices, is the CEO of Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL). As a proud representative of African Female Voices, Catherine is a Statistics graduate from the University of Botswana and began her career in insurance back in 1992, establishing herself among the Top 30 Bold Voices in the industry.
Miriam Olusanya
Catherine Lesetedi
Miriam Olusanya
Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya is a managing director and the first African woman to hold the prestigious position at Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigeria. Her remarkable journey began in 1998 when she joined Guaranty Trust Bank as a trainee. In 2011, she earned her MBA from the University of Liverpool, solidifying her status as one of the 2022 Bold Voices and a prominent figure among African female voices, making her one of the Top 30 Bold Voices in the financial sector.
Anne Juuko
Catherine Lesetedi
Miriam Olusanya
Uganda
Anne Juuko, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices, serves as the managing director and CEO of one of Uganda's largest commercial banks, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited. With her Master's in Strategic Planning from Heriot-Watt University Business School in the UK, Anne has established herself as a prominent figure among African Female Voices in the banking sector. Since starting her career in banking in 2001, she has held various leadership roles, including head of Global Markets for Stanbic Bank Uganda and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Namibia, earning her a spot among the Top 30 Bold Voices.
2022 Bold African Female Voices in Business
Mo Abudu
Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, and Thato Schermer
Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, and Thato Schermer
Nigeria
Mo Abudu is a media mogul and CEO of EbonyLife Network, which includes EbonyLife TV, EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife ON, EbonyLife Studios, and EbonyLife Productions Limited (UK). Since 2006, she has played a significant role in creating Nollywood African films and has been recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices. Mo Abudu is celebrated among the Top 30 Bold Voices and is known for amplifying African female voices, earning her a spot in the Forbes 100 most powerful women for 2021.
Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, and Thato Schermer
Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, and Thato Schermer
Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, and Thato Schermer
South Africa
Dr. Nonhlanhla Sitole and Thato Schermer, both recognized among the 2022 Bold Voices, are cousins who co-founded Zoie Health, a digital health and wellness clinic. This innovative platform aims to facilitate virtual medical consultations, contraceptive delivery subscriptions, and a community chat for women in Africa. By amplifying African Female Voices, Zoie Health is committed to making quality women’s healthcare more accessible for millions of women, positioning itself as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices in the region.
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch
Dr Nonhlanhla Sitole, and Thato Schermer
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch
Morocco
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch is a prominent Moroccan businesswoman recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices. She founded the AKSAL Group in 2004, which has become a key player in the retail industry, featuring among the Top 30 Bold Voices in African Female Voices. The group serves as the sole franchisee for 45 leading brands in Morocco, including Emporio Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Oysho, Ralph Lauren, Zara, Banana Republic, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, and Gap. The company specializes in retail beauty, cosmetics, luxury goods, and malls.
Jihan Abass
Tomilola Majekodunmi
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch
Kenya
Jihan Abass, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices, is the founder of Lami, an insurance technology company based in Kenya. As an influential figure among African Female Voices, Jihan has successfully raised $3.7 million in a seed extension round, focusing on democratising access to insurance through technology. Her efforts place her among the Top 30 Bold Voices, championing innovation and inclusion in the insurance sector.
Mpoomy Ledwaba
Tomilola Majekodunmi
Tomilola Majekodunmi
South Africa
Mpoomy Ledwaba is a prominent Podcaster, digital entrepreneur, and international speaker recognized among the 2022 Bold Voices. She made her first million at the age of 27 and has since made significant strides in digital entrepreneurship, particularly in content creation. Recently, she has launched her own podcast, Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba, where she amplifies African Female Voices and shares insights as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices.
Tomilola Majekodunmi
Tomilola Majekodunmi
Tomilola Majekodunmi
Nigeria
Tomilola Majekodunmi, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices, is the co-founder and CEO of Bankly, a company that utilizes a hybrid model of humans and technology. This innovative approach enables people to make payments, save, withdraw, and transfer money, particularly in locations where physical banks are hard to reach. As a prominent figure among the Top 30 Bold Voices and an advocate for African Female Voices, she is making significant strides in financial accessibility.
2022 Bold African Female Voices in Activism and Leadership
Vanessa Nakate
Vanessa Nakate
Vanessa Nakate
Uganda
Vanessa Nakate is a prominent Ugandan climate justice activist and one of the 2022 Bold Voices advocating for urgent action against climate change. As a leading figure among African Female Voices, Vanessa has been instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of climate change, its causes, and its impacts. She spearheaded the campaign to save Congo’s rainforest, which is facing massive deforestation, and was recently recognized as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices by UNICEF, where she has also been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador.
Aya Chebbi
Vanessa Nakate
Vanessa Nakate
Tunisia
Aya Chebbi is a multi award-winning Pan-African feminist and activist recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices. She became the first appointed African Union Envoy on Youth in November 2018, making her the youngest senior official in the history of the African Union and the youngest diplomat in the chairperson's cabinet. Aya is also the founder of the Nala Feminist collective, which focuses on mobilizing African female voices and closing the gap between policy and implementation, further establishing her as one of the Top 30 Bold Voices in advocacy.
Edith Yah Brou
Vanessa Nakate
Edith Yah Brou
Côte d'Ivoire
Edith Yah Brou is a prominent digital activist, writer, and the founder of Ayana, an online women's magazine that amplifies African female voices. As part of her impactful work, she co-founded Akendewa and the AfricanContents Group, a production company recognized among the Top 30 Bold Voices of 2022 Bold Voices.
Mzikazi Nduna
Mzikazi Nduna
Edith Yah Brou
South Africa
Prof Mzikazi Nduna, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices, is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Fort Hare. Her research interests in sexuality encompass gender and gender-based violence, psychological distress, safe sex, HIV risk, living with HIV, and cultural influences on sexuality. Mzi is particularly focused on studies involving women, young people, and sexual minorities (LGBTI), making her a prominent figure among African Female Voices. Additionally, she is a member of the gender-based violence Prevention Network for the Horn, East, and Southern Africa, as well as the Management Committee of GenderDynamix, highlighting her role among the Top 30 Bold Voices in her field.
Waris Dirie
Mzikazi Nduna
Judy Kihumba
Waris Dirie is a Somalian model, author, actress, and human rights activist recognized among the 2022 Bold Voices for her efforts in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation. She established the world's first holistic medical center for the treatment and care of FGM victims in Berlin, in collaboration with the Waldfriede Hospital and the Desert Flower Foundation. Her work not only provides access to education for girls but also empowers women, making her one of the prominent African Female Voices and a member of the Top 30 Bold Voices advocating for change.
Judy Kihumba
Mzikazi Nduna
Judy Kihumba
Kenya
Judy Kihumba, recognized as one of the 2022 Bold Voices and a prominent figure among African Female Voices, is a sign language interpreter and an advocate for the maternal mental health and wellness of deaf nursing mums. She is also the founder of Talking Hands, Listening Eyes on PPD (THLEP), which focuses on walking the motherhood journey with deaf mums and breaking the silence on postpartum depression (PPD). Judy's efforts have earned her a spot in the Top 30 Bold Voices, highlighting her commitment to this vital cause.