2025 Bold African Female Voices in Entertainment
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo
Nigeria
Cynthia Erivo is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award–winning actor, singer, and songwriter celebrated for her extraordinary vocal talent and transformative performances on stage and screen. She rose to international acclaim for her role as Celie in “The Color Purple” on Broadway and later earned Oscar nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the film “Harriet”, as well as for the song “Stand Up.”
A boundary-breaking artist and passionate advocate for equality, representation, and LGBTQ+ visibility, Cynthia continues to redefine excellence in the arts through her powerful storytelling, creative versatility, and commitment to inspiring new generations.
Yemi Alade
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo
Nigeria
Yemi Alade is an award-winning Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, and performer known for her powerful vocals, electrifying stage presence, and pan-African influence. Rising to global prominence with her hit single “Johnny”, she has since become one of Africa’s most recognisable music icons, blending Afropop, highlife, and contemporary sounds.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, cultural pride, and African unity, Yemi Alade has used her platform to support humanitarian causes, including her work as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador. With numerous international tours, chart-topping albums, and collaborations across the continent, she continues to champion Africa’s creative excellence on the global stage.
Moliy
Cynthia Erivo
MaWhoo
Ghana
Moliy is a Ghanaian-American singer and songwriter known for her dreamy, genre-blending sound that fuses Afropop, R&B, and alté influences. She rose to global recognition with “Sad Gurlz Luv Money”, her breakout collaboration with Amaarae and Kali Uchis, which became a viral hit and charted internationally.
With her soft vocals, futuristic style, and bold artistic identity, Moliy has become one of the most exciting voices shaping the new wave of African alternative music, championing themes of feminine freedom, self-expression, and emotional honesty.
MaWhoo
Lerato Kganyago
MaWhoo
South Africa
MaWhoo is a South African singer, songwriter, and performer who has rapidly risen to prominence as one of the defining female voices in Amapiano. Known for her enchanting vocals, spiritual undertones, and distinctive sound, she has collaborated with some of the genre’s biggest names, delivering chart-topping hits that blend emotion, depth, and dance-floor energy.
Her music often reflects themes of feminine power, resilience, and personal transformation, positioning her as a unique storyteller within the Amapiano movement and a rising star on the continental music scene.
Lerato Kganyago
Lerato Kganyago
Lerato Kganyago
South Africa
Lerato Kganyago is an award-winning South African media personality, entrepreneur, DJ, and television host celebrated for her versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry. Known for her dynamic presence on radio and TV, she has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most professional and influential broadcasters.
Beyond entertainment, Lerato is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, mental health awareness, and menstrual equity, using her platform to address social issues affecting young women and girls. As the founder of multiple successful businesses, she continues to redefine what it means to be a modern African woman in media, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Tiwa Savage
Lerato Kganyago
Lerato Kganyago
Nigeria
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer widely regarded as the “Queen of Afrobeats.” Rising to fame with hits like “Kele Kele Love” and “All Over”, she has become one of Africa’s most influential music icons, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and pop with a signature style and commanding stage presence.
Beyond her music, Tiwa is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and mentorship of young African artists. She has received numerous awards and nominations, including MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards, and recognition on global platforms for her contributions to African music.
2025 Bold African Female Voices in Business
Dr. Lungile F. Mhlongo
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh
Dr. Lungile F. Mhlongo
South Africa
Dr. Lungile F. Mhlongo, also known as Dr. Lu, is an award-winning medical doctor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public speaker. Inspired by her personal journey with acne, she became a specialist in aesthetic medicine to help others regain confidence and self-esteem.
She is the founder of Numa Medical Aesthetics, with branches across Southern Africa, and the creator of Numaskin, a skincare line, as well as Numa Corporate Wellness, a tailored wellness programme for employee health, skincare, and stress management.
Committed to youth empowerment, Dr. Lu’s organisation provides skills development and job opportunities, while her Angels Are Made Foundation NPO supports township schoolchildren struggling with skin conditions. Recognised for her contributions to healthcare, entrepreneurship, and community service, Dr. Lu continues to inspire future generations across Africa.
Olamide Olowe
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh
Dr. Lungile F. Mhlongo
Nigeria
Olamide Olowe is a Nigerian-American entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of Topicals, a science-backed skincare brand addressing chronic conditions such as eczema and hyperpigmentation. She made history as the youngest Black woman to raise over $10 million in venture capital at age 26.
Before Topicals, Olowe co-founded SheaGIRL, further establishing her reputation for innovative, inclusive, and accessible skincare solutions. She is widely recognized for combining entrepreneurial acumen with a mission-driven approach to empower and care for underserved communities.
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh
Ghana
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh is a pioneering Ghanaian business leader and one of Africa’s leading voices in digital transformation. She is the Founder and CEO of BrainWave AfricaTech, a technology solutions company working with global partners to drive AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data innovation across the continent.
Her distinguished career spans both finance and technology, with leadership roles at UBS, GTBank, UBA Ghana, IBM, and Microsoft, where she championed enterprise growth and digital advancement in Africa.
Angela currently serves on the boards of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) and Unilever Ghana, and previously served on the board of the Central Bank of Ghana, among other institutions.
An alumna of Harvard Business School and a member of the Forbes Technology Council, she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and community development. She has been recognized by Forbes Africa and the Young Global Leaders Network for her influential leadership and impact.
Yasmin Abdi
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh
Somaila
Yasmin Abdi is a cybersecurity leader and entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of noHack, where she helps startups build secure, AI-driven products. Previously, she led security teams at Google, Meta, and Snapchat, and was part of the Meemo founding team, which was acquired by Coinbase. She also serves on the University of Maryland’s Board and advises early-stage companies on security, AI, and scaling.
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
South Africa
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe is a South African physician, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment and social development. She is the Founder of the Motsepe Foundation and has championed initiatives in education, health, and economic development, with a particular focus on improving opportunities for women and girls across Africa.
Dr. Moloi-Motsepe is also involved in fashion and creative industries through her role as co-founder of African Fashion International, promoting African talent globally. Her work combines entrepreneurship, social impact, and advocacy to foster sustainable development and gender equality.
Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Ethiopia
Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin is an Ethiopian economist, entrepreneur, and expert in agricultural markets and food systems. She is the Founder and former CEO of the Ethiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX), the first of its kind in Africa, which revolutionized agricultural trade and market transparency for smallholder farmers.
Dr. Gabre-Madhin is a leading advocate for economic development, food security, and inclusive growth across Africa. She has advised governments, international organizations, and private sector initiatives to strengthen market systems, improve farmer livelihoods, and foster sustainable agriculture.
2025 Bold African Female Voices in Education and Innovation
Anna Diom
Phephisile Tshotetsi
Titilope Olotu
Senegal
Anna Diom is a Senegalese-born maternal health advocate and founder of Sama Doula, a platform supporting Afro-descendant women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding. After experiencing culturally misaligned prenatal support during her first pregnancy in Dubai, she became certified with DONA International and Lamaze International and specialised in perinatal education and lactation counselling.
In 2024, she rebranded as Anna Diom, Experte en AfroMaternity, expanding virtual services to support women globally. She has since guided hundreds of mothers across the African diaspora, championing culturally grounded, respectful, and informed maternity care.
Titilope Olotu
Phephisile Tshotetsi
Titilope Olotu
Nigeria
Titilope Olotu is a Nigerian-American student at UCLA dedicated to advancing women’s health and menstrual equity. She founded PADÍ For You, a nonprofit supporting students in the U.S., Nigeria, and India with menstrual care, mental health resources, and wellness guidance. She created the PADÍ Eco-Kit, a biodegradable banana-fiber menstrual pad designed to support women facing reproductive-health challenges. She is also developing a biosensor-enabled pad and AI app for accessible, non-invasive menstrual health tracking. Through her work, Titilope champions menstrual dignity, innovation, and equitable healthcare for women and girls globally.
Phephisile Tshotetsi
Phephisile Tshotetsi
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba
South Africa
Phephisile Tshotetsi is a South African leader in education, skills development, and innovation, empowering youth through programmes addressing critical skills gaps and funding over 350 university students annually. She serves as a Board Member at North-West University, Trustee on the Provident Fund Board, and contributes to strategic development at IDC. A sought-after speaker, radio presenter, and ordained pastor, Phephisile combines leadership, education, and advocacy to inspire change and promote learning, inclusion, and innovation across South Africa.
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba
Professor Tebello Nyokong
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba
Kenya
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba is a Kenyan aerospace engineer, futurist, and space advocate advancing humanity’s presence and accessibility in space. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Aerospace Engineering, is pursuing a Ph.D., and has certifications in leadership, innovation, and project management. Wanjiku works on projects such as the Omega Spaceport, has contributed to NASA and ESA research, and is the first Kenyan graduate of the Advanced PoSSUM Academy Scientist-Astronaut Candidacy course. A Titans Space R&D Career Astronaut-Candidate for a 2029 spaceflight, she is passionate about STEM education, mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
Professor Tebello Nyokong
Professor Tebello Nyokong
Professor Tebello Nyokong
Lesotho
Prof. Tebello Nyokong, born in Maseru, Lesotho, is a South African chemist and nanotechnology researcher at Rhodes University, holding the DST/NRF Research Chair in Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology. Her work focuses on dye-based and nanomaterial approaches for cancer therapy, sensors, and environmental solutions. She has published extensively, supervised numerous postgraduate researchers, and received awards including the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science and the Order of Mapungubwe (Bronze). Prof. Nyokong is recognized for her scientific excellence and for mentoring and empowering the next generation of African scientists, especially women.
Dr. Ayanda Sibiya
Professor Tebello Nyokong
Professor Tebello Nyokong
South Africa
Dr. Ayanda Sibiya is an African leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and SME development across BRICS, Africa, and G20 platforms. She holds a PhD, an MBA, and international qualifications in investment and business optimisation. Serving on the G20 Startup20 Taskforce and BRICS Research Institute, she drives policy, research, and capacity-building for inclusive economic growth. An experienced academic and mentor, Dr. Sibiya publishes on entrepreneurship and innovation, supervises postgraduate students, and is a sought-after speaker shaping global discourse on entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development
2025 Bold African Female Voices in Activism and Leadership
Sulaima Sharif
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
Sulaima Sharif
Sudan
Sulaima Sharif is a Sudanese women's rights and human rights activist. She leads the “Combating Violence Against Women” unit at Sudan’s Ministry of Social Development and has documented sexual‑violence crimes during conflict. She also participated in the 2019 protests that ousted Omar al‑Bashir, surviving the June massacre of peaceful demonstrators.
Fatou Jeng
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
Sulaima Sharif
The Gambia
Fatou Jeng is a Gambian youth climate activist and founder of Clean Earth Gambia, a youth-led NGO promoting environmental awareness, tree planting, and climate education. A Chevening Scholar with a master’s in Environment, Development and Policy from the University of Sussex, she serves on the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change, amplifying youth and women’s voices in global climate action.
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
Zimbabwe
Arikana Chihombori-Quao is a Zimbabwean medical doctor, Pan-African activist, entrepreneur, and former African Union Ambassador to the United States. She has led initiatives linking the African diaspora to healthcare, development, and cultural projects, while advocating for African unity, empowerment, and sustainable development across the continent.
Wanjira Mathai
Ibanomonde Ngema
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
Kenya
Wanjira Mathai is a Kenyan environmentalist, activist, and global leader in sustainability. She serves as Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute, driving programs on climate change, land restoration, and sustainable energy. Formerly leading the Green Belt Movement and chairing the Wangari Maathai Foundation, she champions environmental justice, women’s leadership, and community empowerment across Africa.
Hadija
Ibanomonde Ngema
Ibanomonde Ngema
Congo
Hadija is a social commentator, humanitarian, and activist from the African diaspora. She speaks out against the minority of Africans abroad who disrespect African American culture, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual respect. Through her commentary and activism, she highlights the shared legacy, contributions, and experiences of African and African-descended communities, advocating for cultural understanding, social justice, and empowerment across the diaspora.
Ibanomonde Ngema
Ibanomonde Ngema
Ibanomonde Ngema
South Africa
Ibanomonde Ngema is a South African HIV activist and global advocate for adolescent girls and young women living with HIV. Born with HIV, she uses her lived experience to combat stigma and promote youth-centered healthcare. As HER Voice Fund Ambassador, she has represented young people at the UN and global platforms, earning recognition from Forbes and Global Citizen. Her leadership, writing, and advocacy continue to advance a more equitable future for people living with HIV.
2025 Bold African Female Voices in Corporate and Enterprise
Sylvia Mulinge
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu
Kenya
Sylvia Mulinge is a Kenyan business leader and CEO of MTN Uganda, bringing over 20 years of experience in FMCG, telecoms, and digital innovation. Before joining MTN, she held several senior roles at Safaricom, including Chief Consumer Business Officer, driving customer growth and digital transformation. A University of Nairobi graduate, she is recognised for championing mobile money adoption, customer-centric innovation, and expanding digital access across East Africa.
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu
Eswatini
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu is the Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and the first woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1965. She holds law and business qualifications from the National University of Lesotho, Rhodes University, and Stellenbosch Business School, bringing strong expertise in governance, strategy, and financial leadership. A committed advocate for women and youth empowerment, she serves as patron of FAWE Eswatini and supports initiatives that expand access to education for girls. She is widely recognised for her leadership in advancing inclusive development and strengthening Africa’s financial and social institutions.
Kanayo Awani
Nozizwe Mulela-Zulu
Kanayo Awani
Nigeria
Kanayo Awani is a renowned Nigerian banking executive and Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank at Afreximbank. A Harvard-trained trade and finance expert, she has led major initiatives that drive intra-African trade, industrialisation, and the implementation of the AfCFTA, including overseeing the Intra-African Trade Fair. With a career beginning at Citigroup Nigeria, she has become one of Africa’s most influential voices in trade finance, earning recognition from Forbes Afrique and listings among Nigeria’s top women leaders.
Néné Maïga
Dr Pulane Modiha
Kanayo Awani
Mali
Néné Maïga is a Malian business leader and CEO of Orange Botswana. A graduate of HEC Paris, she has held senior roles across Orange Middle East & Africa, including leading Orange Finances Mobiles Mali and serving as Chief of Staff to the MEA CEO. Since 2021, she has driven digital transformation, 5G deployment, and financial-inclusion initiatives in Botswana, while championing innovation and gender inclusion across Africa.
Dr Pulane Modiha
Dr Pulane Modiha
Dr Pulane Modiha
South Africa
Dr Pulane Modiba is a banking executive, academic, and purpose-driven leader shaping women’s leadership in Africa. As COO of Home and Structured Lending at FNB, she drives innovation, transformation, and inclusion, bridging technology with customer impact. Beyond banking, she mentors and teaches in academia, equipping future leaders to navigate change with ethics and creativity. Her work exemplifies human-centered leadership that amplifies women’s voices and inspires purposeful transformation across Africa
Anne Muraya
Dr Pulane Modiha
Dr Pulane Modiha
Kenya
Anne Muraya is a Kenyan accountant and corporate executive, serving as CEO of Deloitte East Africa since 2022. She began her career at Deloitte in 1994, became a partner in 2009, and held senior leadership roles, including East Africa Audit Leader and Africa Managing Partner for Responsible Business & Public Policy. She leads Deloitte’s operations across the region, championing inclusion, governance, and professional
Bonus Category: 2025 African Female Changemakers
Moky Makura
Varaidzo Kativhu
Susan Gatura
Nigeria
Moky Makura is a Nigerian-born author, journalist, former TV presenter, and media entrepreneur. She began her career as a field reporter and anchor on Carte Blanche and later presented the pan-African show Living It while also appearing in the drama series Jacob’s Cross. She wrote Africa’s Greatest Entrepreneurs and leads Africa, No Filter as Executive Director, championing better storytelling and representation of Africa in global media.
Susan Gatura
Varaidzo Kativhu
Susan Gatura
Kenya
Susan Gatura is a data leader and founder of Phoenix KE Analytics, a community supporting data talent across Africa. A self-taught data professional with a finance background, she serves as a Senior Analytics Specialist at MultiChoice Group, driving data strategy in 10+ countries. Recognized through honours such as Kenya’s Top 40 Under 40 and WomenTech Global finalist, she champions mentorship, masterclasses, and school outreach to promote diversity and opportunity in tech.
Varaidzo Kativhu
Varaidzo Kativhu
Varaidzo Kativhu
Zimbabwe
Varaidzo “Vee” Kativhu is a Zimbabwean-British education activist, author, and founder of Empowered By Vee, a platform supporting underrepresented students. An Oxford and Harvard graduate, she advocates globally for youth and girls’ education. Her impact has earned her the Diana Award, a spot on BBC 100 Women (2023), and an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford (2024).
Ola Labib
Dr Isatou Touray
Varaidzo Kativhu
Sudan
Ola Labib (Arabic: علا لبيب) is an English comedian, former NHS pharmacist, and presenter of Sudanese heritage. Her stand-up explores her experiences as a hijab-wearing Muslim and her Sudanese roots. Labib has been a finalist in the 2019 Beat the Frog World Series, placed third in the 2021 Funny Women Awards, and appeared on Channel 4’s Mo Gilligan & Friends and Dave’s Just Jokes.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, she uses her comedy and platform to raise awareness, share her experiences, and advocate for international action to protect children and displaced families, collaborating with initiatives like Save the Children UK.
Dr Isatou Touray
Dr Isatou Touray
Dr Isatou Touray
The Gambia
Dr Isatou Touray is a Gambian politician, activist, and former Vice-President known for her pioneering work in women’s rights and public health. She co-founded GAMCOTRAP, leading decades of advocacy against FGM, and later became the first woman to run for president in The Gambia. Dr Touray has served as Minister of Trade, Minister of Health, and Vice-President, and continues her work in global health and gender equality. .
Candice Chirwa
Dr Isatou Touray
Dr Isatou Touray
South Africa
Candice Chirwa, widely known as the Minister of Menstruation, is an award-winning gender activist, author, and social entrepreneur championing menstrual health and gender equality across South Africa and beyond. She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa honouree and the founder of QRATE, a leading menstrual health organisation driving education, advocacy, and access initiatives nationwide. A TEDx speaker and media commentator, Candice uses her platform to shift global conversations on period poverty, dignity, and gender justice.