2024 Bold African Female Voices in Entertainment
Makhadzi
Ini Dima-Okojie
Ini Dima-Okojie
South Africa
Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, known professionally as Makhadzi, is a South African singer born on June 30, 1996. She grew up in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, and began her career at the age of 12 as a dancer before transitioning to music. While still in school, Makhadzi signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released her debut single "Muhwalo Uya Ndemela" in 2015. She gained local popularity with her 2017 hit single "Tshanda Vhuya." Her second studio album, Matorokisi, was released in 2019 and debuted at number two on the South African charts. Following this success, Makhadzi released her sophomore album, Miracle Child, which further established her as a prominent figure in the South African music scene.
Ini Dima-Okojie
Ini Dima-Okojie
Ini Dima-Okojie
Nigeria
Ini Dima-Okojie, born June 24, 1990, is a Nigerian actress from Edo State who transitioned from investment banking to pursue acting at the New York Film Academy. She gained recognition through her roles in Taste of Love, Namaste Wahala (2021), and Netflix’s Blood Sisters (2022), and appeared in The Skeleton Coast, which debuted its trailer at the 77th Cannes International Film Festival.
Aya Nakamura
Ini Dima-Okojie
Aya Nakamura
Mali
Aya Nakamura, born Aya Coco Danioko on May 10, 1995, is a French-Malian singer-songwriter. She rose to fame with tracks like "Karma" and "J'ai mal," with longtime friend Dembo Camara as her producer. Her breakout song "Brisé" gained popularity on YouTube, and her duet with Fababy, "Love d'un voyou," marked her first chart success in France. In February 2023, she was named Lancôme's international beauty muse. She also performed at the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris, blending her music with a classic by Charles Aznavour.
Manal
Lupita Nyong’o
Aya Nakamura
Morocco
Manal Benchlikha, known as Manal, is a Moroccan pop singer-songwriter born on September 18, 1993. Raised in Marrakesh, she studied business and finance while pursuing music. She gained fame with her debut single "Denia" in 2015, earning the 'Best Female Artist in Northern Africa' award. Manal won the 'Best Female Artist in Northern Africa' award again in November 2021 and performed "3ARI" for COLORS in May 2022. She also collaborated on "Light The Sky," a song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lydol
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o
Cameroon
Lydol, born Nwafo Dolly Sorel is a prominent slam poet, social entrepreneur, and human rights advocate. She holds a Master’s degree in Economic and Financial Engineering from the University of Yaoundé II.
She gained recognition after winning the slam category at the Challenge Vacances competition in 2010 and performing on L’Afrique a un incroyable talent in 2016. Her debut album, Slamthérapie (2018), explores themes of love, unity, and social responsibility.
Lydol founded SHEroes, a charity supporting survivors of gender-based violence and those facing depression.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o
Kenya
Lupita Amondi Nyong'o is an acclaimed actress known for her diverse roles and significant accolades, including an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award, along with nominations for two BAFTAs, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award.
In addition to her acting career, Nyong'o hosts the podcast Mind Your Own, inspired by her desire to hear stories from Kenya while stuck in traffic. The podcast features real-life tales from the African diaspora, including narratives from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Johannesburg. Nyong'o also opens up about her experience of losing her accent for the American market and the journey to rediscover her authentic voice.
2024 Bold African Female Voices in Business
Atong Amos Agook
Atong Amos Agook
Atong Amos Agook
South Sudan
Atong Amos Agook Juac is a prominent advocate for women's empowerment in South Sudan's oil and gas sector. With over a decade of experience in government and NGOs, she serves on the honorary board of the South Sudan Chamber of Energy and Minerals and was named Africa's top female executive in oil and gas for 2023. Atong founded Triple A Petroleum Ltd, the first female-founded oil and gas company in South Sudan, and Gold Orchid Events Management Ltd. She emphasizes gender equality, with 60% of her workforce being women, and advocates for health safety related to oil and gas emissions.
Adejoké Bakare
Atong Amos Agook
Atong Amos Agook
Nigeria
Adejoké Bakare is a British Nigerian chef and the first Black woman in the UK to earn a Michelin star, which she received in February 2024 for her restaurant, Chishuru. Born in Nigeria, Bakare moved to the UK in 1999 and initially worked in various fields, including property management and health & safety, before pursuing a culinary career. She gained recognition after winning the Brixton Kitchen competition in 2019 and opened Chishuru in 2020, a pop-up restaurant specializing in modern West African cuisine. With her self-taught culinary skills, she has highlighted West African flavors and received high praise, including a 5/5 star review from food critic Charlotte Ivers in November 2023.
Carine Andela
Atong Amos Agook
Matshepo Molotsi
Cameroon
Carine Andela is a social entrepreneur from Cameroon and the founder of the ASENIA association, which promotes locally made products and services. She advocates for the “Made in Cameroon” initiative by raising awareness among businesses and educating consumers about the importance of buying locally. Carine aims to change perceptions of local products, emphasizing their quality and relevance while supporting local economic and social development. She created an online platform to connect Cameroonian artisans and producers with consumers, promoting innovation and encouraging responsible consumption.
Matshepo Molotsi
Portia Mngomezulu
Matshepo Molotsi
South Africa
Matshepo Molotsi is an architect and entrepreneur from Rustenburg, North West, South Africa. She founded KebaaSkin Organics, a skincare brand established in memory of her mother, who passed away from Covid-19 in 2020. Matshepo has earned recognition as a pitching finalist at the Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2023 and received the NYDA Youth Month Trailblazer award. She was also a top finalist in the SEDA Pitch and Perfect 2021 competition and has been featured in notable publications like GirlTable and Jambo Africa Online. Nominated for various prestigious awards, including the Fabulous Woman Awards, her inspiring journey led to funding from the Hollywood Foundation and the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation.
Violet Amoabeng
Portia Mngomezulu
Portia Mngomezulu
Ghana
Violet Amoabeng is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of Skin Gourmet, a skincare line that uses natural, edible ingredients free of preservatives. Launching her business with just $45, she has grown it into a successful venture generating over $200,000 annually within five years. Influenced by her socially conscious upbringing, Violet emphasizes the health and quality of beauty products, advocating that if something isn't safe to eat, it shouldn't be applied to the skin. Despite challenges in securing capital, she creatively garnered interest in her products by giving them away initially and sourcing ingredients from local communities, reviving traditional preservation methods
Portia Mngomezulu
Portia Mngomezulu
Portia Mngomezulu
South Africa
Portia Mngomezulu is a dynamic South African entrepreneur and the founder of Portia M Skin Solutions, a skincare brand that initially focused on stretch mark solutions and has since expanded to include 40 facial and body care products sold in over 2,000 retail stores in South Africa and beyond. Inspired by a tip from her late mother-in-law to use marula oil, Portia established her business in 2011 to create generational wealth while empowering other women. Recently, she launched the Marula Oil Hair Care Collection, providing holistic hydration and nourishment, particularly for afro-textured and chemically treated hair.
2024 Bold African Female Voices in Education and Innovation
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
South Africa
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole is a distinguished academic and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with over a decade of experience in auditing, higher education, and ethical governance. Currently serving as Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Commercial Accounting at the University of Johannesburg, she leads a team focused on innovative research, curriculum development, and mentorship. Actively involved in professional bodies and community initiatives, she mentors emerging leaders and drives gender diversity.
Dr Michele Mukeshimana
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
Burundi
Michèle Mukeshimana is a Senior Lecturer and Dean of the Institute of Numerical Technologies at Université du Burundi in Bujumbura. She holds a PhD in Computer Sciences and Technologies with a specialization in Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition from the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2018).
Her research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, Multimedia Technology, and Web Programming. She is also engaged in various fellowships and conferences focusing on energy systems and digital innovation
Lydie Hakizimana
Prof. Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole
Lydie Hakizimana
Rwanda
Lydie Hakizimana is the co-founder and CEO of Happy Hearts Preschools, Rwanda's fastest-growing network of private preschools, established in 2015 to provide quality preschool education. Previously, she was the CEO of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and founded Drakkar Ltd, a publishing house where she produced and distributed over one million textbooks to 3,800 schools, reaching three million children. Hakizimana has also advised Rwandan and Gabonese governments on various industries while working for OTF Group.
Tolullah Oni
Betelhem Dessie
Lydie Hakizimana
Nigeria
Tolullah "Tolu" Oni is a Nigerian urban epidemiologist currently at the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge. She earned her Bachelor's degree in international health from University College London and completed her PhD at Imperial College London in 2012, focusing on the impact of social determinants on health. Oni established the Research Initiative for Cities Health and Equity (RICHE) at the University of Cape Town, developing the institution's first undergraduate degree in global health from a Global South perspective.
Rachel Sibande
Betelhem Dessie
Betelhem Dessie
Malawi
Rachel Sibande is a prominent Malawian computer scientist and social entrepreneur, best known as the founder of mHub, a technology hub and incubator for innovators. She is a technology advocate and a recipient of the Google Anita Borg Scholarship. In 2016, she was recognized by Forbes as one of Africa's 30 most promising entrepreneurs under 30. With over ten years of experience across academia, development, and social enterprise, Sibande has implemented innovative tech solutions in various sectors, including agriculture, public health, and digital financial services across 18 countries.
Betelhem Dessie
Betelhem Dessie
Betelhem Dessie
Ethiopia
Betelhem Dessie is an Ethiopian web and mobile technologies developer, recognized as a pioneer in Ethiopia's emerging tech scene. As the Founder and CEO of Anyone Can Code (ACC), she has individually patented four projects and collaborated on three others. Betelhem began her career at age nine, initially working in her father's electronic shop, where she developed an interest in computers and began coding by age ten. She gained government recognition early in her career as a developer at the Ethiopian Information Network Security Agency (INSA) at age twelve. Through iCog Labs, she trains children in robotics, AI, and programming and leads initiatives to address societal challenges with technology.
2024 Bold African Female Voices in Corporate and Enterprise
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
Zambia
Mukwandi Chibesakunda is a Zambian accountant and bank executive who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Zambia National Commercial Bank (Zanaco), the country’s largest bank, and the first woman to hold this position. Born in Lusaka, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Zambia and later obtained a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from Manchester Business School in the UK, where she is currently pursuing an MBA. Before her role at Zanaco, Mukwandi was the Managing Director of NATSAVE and served as President of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services.
Ruth Zaipuna
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
Tanzania
Ruth Zaipuna is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMB Bank Plc, Tanzania's most profitable lender and a ten-time Best Bank winner by Euromoney. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2002, eventually rising to Associate Director while specializing in bank audits. In 2011, she joined Standard Chartered Bank as Executive Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, later overseeing business finance in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Ruth became Chief Financial Officer at NMB Bank in June 2018, acted as CEO from October 2019, and was confirmed in the role in August 2020
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Mukwandi Chibesakunda
Hassatou Diop N'Sele
Nigeria
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist who has been serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since March 2021, making history as the first woman and first African to hold this position. Recently elected for a second term, she has held numerous influential roles on the boards of organizations including Danone, Standard Chartered Bank, and GAVI, and previously served on the Twitter Board of Directors. Okonjo-Iweala is currently a non-resident distinguished fellow at the Brookings Institution and has a substantial background at The World Bank, where she rose to Managing Director for Operations.
Hassatou Diop N'Sele
Hassatou Diop N'Sele
Hassatou Diop N'Sele
Senegal
Hassatou Diop N’Sele is the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the African Development Bank Group, a position she has held since October 2022. With over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, she previously served as the Group Treasurer from May 2015 to end 2022, where she led the expansion of the bank’s capital markets activities and managed a borrowing portfolio exceeding USD 33 billion.
Jenifer Bamuturaki
Hassatou Diop N'Sele
Jenifer Bamuturaki
Uganda
Jenifer Bamuturaki is a Ugandan businesswoman and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda Airlines, having assumed the position in July 2022. She is the first woman to lead the national airline of Uganda. Jenifer holds a Bachelor’s degree from Makerere University and has extensive experience in the banking and aviation sectors, including significant roles at Air Uganda and as President of the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services. Under her leadership, Uganda Airlines has focused on expanding its fleet and destination offerings while maintaining operational efficiency.
Lillian Barnard
Hassatou Diop N'Sele
Jenifer Bamuturaki
South Africa
Lillian Barnard is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the ICT industry and currently serves as the President of Microsoft Africa. With a strong understanding of the local market and a proven track record in various executive roles both locally and internationally, she possesses extensive knowledge in sales, operations, business controls, strategy, business transformation, and leadership. Lillian is recognized for her ability to build high-performing teams that meet financial targets while delivering innovative digital solutions to partners and customers. She is passionate about developing talent and fostering an inclusive workplace culture that embraces individuality, allowing all employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
2024 Bold African Female Voices in Activism and Leadership
Mandisa Maya
Bogolo Kenewendo
Bogolo Kenewendo
South Africa
Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Mayais the Chief Justice of South Africa, having previously served as the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal from 2017 to 2022 before she was appointed Deputy Chief Justice in September 2022. She began her judicial career in May 2000 as a judge of the Transkei Division of the High Court and was elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2006. Born in the Eastern Cape, Maya started her legal career as a prosecutor and state law adviser before becoming an advocate in 1994. Appointed by President Thabo Mbeki to the Mthatha High Court in 2000, she later made history as the first black woman to serve in the Supreme Court of Appeal and its first woman deputy president, followed by her appointment as the first woman president of the court.
Bogolo Kenewendo
Bogolo Kenewendo
Bogolo Kenewendo
Botswana
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo is a Motswana economist and politician currently serving as the Minister of Minerals and Energy in Botswana. She returned to Parliament this year after previously holding the position of Cabinet Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. Kenewendo was removed from the cabinet in November 2019 and subsequently founded Kenewendo Advisory, a consulting firm based in Gaborone. She is also the founder of the Molaya Kgosi Women Leadership and Mentorship Program and serves as the Board Chair of the Molaya Kgosi Trust.
Samira Sabou
Bogolo Kenewendo
Samira Sabou
Niger
Samira Sabou is a Nigerien journalist and blogger known for her courageous reporting on state corruption and her advocacy for freedom of expression. As the founder of the economic and social development website Mides-Niger and president of the Association of Bloggers for Active Citizenship, she has made a significant impact in the media landscape, often addressing issues related to women's rights and social justice. Samira's work has led to her arrest and prosecution under Niger's restrictive cybercrime laws, garnering international attention and support.
Danai Gurira
Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas
Samira Sabou
Zimbabwe
Danai Gurira is an award-winning actress and playwright known for her roles as General Okoye in Marvel's "Black Panther" and as Michonne in AMC's "The Walking Dead." With a distinguished career in both film and theatre, Gurira's notable works include the plays "Eclipsed" and "The Convert," which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Raised in Zimbabwe but born in the U.S. to Zimbabwean parents, she holds an MFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Beyond her artistic achievements, Gurira is a passionate activist, serving as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and founding initiatives like the Love Our Girls campaign to address issues affecting women and girls globally. She is also a co-founder of Almasi Arts, dedicated to supporting African dramatic artists.
Rasha Azab
Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas
Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas
Egypt
Rasha Azab is an Egyptian journalist, activist, and writer known for her extensive contributions to human rights and cultural journalism. She holds a B.A. in Media Education from Cairo University, where she focused on journalism, theater, and visual arts. Rasha began her career in the arts, establishing an independent amateur theater festival in 2000 and editing the book "Amateur Theater in Egypt." A founding member of the political movement “Kefaya,” she has actively campaigned against the military trials of civilians and raised awareness about issues such as detainee rights, sexual violence, and women's rights in Egypt. Rasha has faced multiple legal challenges for her activism, including charges related to her public support for victims of sexual violence. In addition to her advocacy, she has worked as a scriptwriter and researcher, contributing to various film and documentary projects and publishing works on Egyptian cinema.
Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas
Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas
Dr Taz Emeran-Thomas
South Africa
Dr. Taz Emeran-Thomas, 30, is the Chief Operating Officer at Med-e-Screen, an innovative healthcare solutions provider dedicated to delivering affordable and accessible healthcare to under-resourced communities. Med-e-Screen's flagship product is a cloud-enabled backpack that screens for ten common diseases, providing results to patients within 20 minutes. Dr. Taz is passionate about empowering unemployed healthcare workers by equipping them with the skills and resources necessary to become successful entrepreneurs, helping them launch their own practices.
Bonus Category: 2024 African Female Trendsetters and leaders
Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina
Nigeria
Chidimma Adetshina is a Nigerian beauty pageant titleholder and model recognized for her role in the Miss Universe competition. She won the title of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, where she achieved first runner-up, marking Nigeria's highest placement in the history of the event. Chidimma also holds the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024. Born in Soweto, South Africa, to an Igbo Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, she began her pageantry career amidst controversy over her eligibility, raising discussions around identity and representation. Known for her advocacy and courage, she seeks to inspire others while highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry and beyond.
Janet Mbugua
Chidimma Adetshina
Chidimma Adetshina
Kenya
Janet Mbugua is a prominent Kenyan media personality, philanthropist, and actress known for her advocacy for women's rights and gender equality. As a former news anchor for Citizen TV, she gained recognition for her efforts to raise awareness about important social issues, including child marriage and women's empowerment. Janet is the founder of the Inua Dada campaign, which aims to enhance the lives of young women in Kenya through education and mentorship. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the United States International University and has a strong commitment to using her platform to inspire change and promote inclusivity.
Anok Yai
Chidimma Adetshina
Imane Khelif
South Sudan
ChatGPT
Anok Yai is a South Sudanese-American supermodel celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in the fashion industry, including being the first model of South Sudanese descent to open a Prada show. Discovered at a Howard University homecoming event in 2017, she quickly rose to prominence and has appeared on numerous prestigious magazine covers, including multiple editions of Vogue, while collaborating with top fashion brands like Versace and Louis Vuitton. Anok is also an advocate for social causes, focusing on refugee issues and the representation of black women in fashion, and continues to influence the runway and promote diversity within the industry.
Imane Khelif
Simphiwe Mbatha
Imane Khelif
Algeria
Imane Khelif is an Algerian professional boxer who gained international recognition as the gold medalist in the women's 66 kg welterweight boxing event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Known for her tenacity and skill, she faced significant scrutiny regarding her eligibility to compete in the women's category due to her previous disqualification from the 2023 Women's World Boxing Championships, which ignited widespread debates about gender in sports. Born in Aïn Sidi Ali and raised in Tiaret Province, Imane has a background that reflects resilience; she began boxing early in her life and quickly made a name for herself on the competitive scene. Outside the ring, she advocates for women's rights and aims to inspire young girls through her journey in sports, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite societal challenges.
Lesego Chombo
Simphiwe Mbatha
Simphiwe Mbatha
Botswana
Lesego Chombo is a prominent Motswana politician, attorney, and model, currently serving as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs of Botswana after her appointment by President Duma Boko on November 11, 2024. She gained significant recognition following her participation in the 2024 Miss World competition, where she was crowned Miss World Africa 2024. Lesego was inducted into the National Assembly of Botswana as a specially elected Member of Parliament on November 7, 2024, and she is a graduate of the University of Botswana. Driven by her commitment to youth empowerment and gender equality, Lesego Chombo is dedicated to making a positive impact in her role as Minister.
Simphiwe Mbatha
Simphiwe Mbatha
Simphiwe Mbatha
South Africa
Simphiwe Mbatha, known as "Colour Me Sim," is a prominent self-taught make-up artist and influencer in South Africa. With a passion for beauty and creativity, she recently showcased a stunning make-up look inspired by her favorite song, "Imithandazo" by Kabza De Small, Mthunzi, and Young Stunna. Simphiwe shared her artistic process on Instagram, emphasizing the song's themes of faith, hope, and resilience. Her work has garnered significant attention on social media, as she supports the representation of diverse beauty narratives. Through her talent and dedication, Simphiwe aims to inspire others and empower women in the beauty industry while celebrating their individuality.