Top 30 Bold Voices

 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.  

 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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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.
 

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.  

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.

 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.

 South Africa

Singer Tyla Laura Seethal, better known by her moniker Tyla, was born in South Africa on January 30, 2002. She was born and reared in Johannesburg, South Africa, and signed to Epic Records in 2021 following the popularity of her debut track "Getting Late" with Kooldrink at home.She became well-known worldwide after her 2023 song "Water" went to number 10 in twelve different nations, including the US, the UK, and Australia. It was also the first single in 55 years by a South African singer to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. She is a nominee for a Grammy Award. The release date of her self-titled debut album is presently set for March 1, 2024.

 Nigeria

 Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Beninese-born Nigerian singer. She began a fashion career at the age of 16 with Quove Model Management before deciding to pursue a music career. Starr featured on "2 Sugar", a track from Wizkid's fifth studio album More Love, Less Ego. The song reached number 1 on Billboard's Hot Trending, and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. Her music was used as the soundtrack for the blockbuster American action movie, Creed III.

South Africa

Actress, model, media socialite, businesswoman, and singer Gail Mabalane hails from South Africa. Her most well-known acting credits are from the South African television series "The Wild." Most recently, she starred in the Netflix series "Unseen,"  and "Blood and Water". After becoming among the top five finalists for the title of "Miss South Africa Teen" in 2001, Gail went on to win the title of "Miss Kaizer Chiefs Africa" that same year. She entered "South African IDOLS 2010" and placed in the Top 10, indicating to South Africa that a fresh talent had emerged.

Kenya

Eunice Wanjiru Njoki, popularly known as Mammito, is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and mcee from Kenya. She was born on September 18, 1993. She was raised in Kibera's slums.Eunice subsequently enrolled in professional studies at Mount Kenya University. She worked towards a Community Development diploma. While attending Mount Kenya University, she developed an interest for poetry, dance, and comedic acting. 

Nigeria

Ada Ogochukwu Ehi, a Nigerian gospel singer, composer, recording artist, and performer, is better known by her stage name, Ada Ehi. At the age of ten, she began her musical career supporting child star Tosin Jegede as a backing vocalist. With the help of her songs and music videos, she has steadily increased her local and worldwide recognition since she began her professional music career in 2009 under the label Loveworld Records.

Uganda 

 Catherine Atim, better known by her stage name Catu Diosis, is a multi-talented force in the music industry hailing from Uganda. Catu has carved her niche as a music producer, DJ, dancer, and rapper, earning her the title of the "African Diva" with her free-spirited and energetic persona.Catu infuses her current productions with a distinctive style that sets her apart in the industry. Affiliated with Uganda's renowned Nyege Nyege collective, Catu Diosis has become a sought-after performer on the international stage.

Nigeria

 Dr. Funmi Adewara is trained a physician. She founded Mobihealth International, a telemedicine startup that went live in early 2020, right before the Covid-19 outbreak. She joins Making a Difference to discuss how African startups, like hers, are utilising AI and modern technology to overcome obstacles and provide remote healthcare to patients.  

Uganda

 Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa is a social entrepreneur and innovator from Uganda. She is the brains behind a well-known cancer screening software that has helped hundreds of African women identify the illness. She is the creator of Chil Artificial Intelligence Lab, a business that uses e-oncology services guided by artificial intelligence to identify breast and cervical cancer.

Nigeria

Born on May 21, 1984, Dr. Wendy Onyinye Osefo (née Ozuzu) is a Nigerian-American political analyst, academic specialising in public affairs, and well-known television personality. She is a cast member of The Real Housewives of Potomac and an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education.

South Africa

Mukundi Lambani is the creator of Ambani Africa, an Edtech company. Ambani offers young learners African language instruction using gaming and augmented reality with technology-enabled language curriculum. With over 10,000 users, the startup has garnered multiple accolades, such as MTN App of the Year. 

Nigeria

Ada is the founder of She Code Africa (SCA), a nonprofit organisation whose mission is to use technology to empower young African women and girls. She started SCA in 2016 and, with her team, has since advocated for gender diversity in IT while having an influence on over 25,000 women members in 20 African nations.

Nigeria

Ekanem Ikpi Braide is a parasitologist from Nigeria. She served as the first vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology in Lafia and as vice chancellor of Cross River University of Technology in Calabar. She is recognised for having made a significant contribution to Nigeria's guinea worm eradication effort.

 Burkina Faso 

Bibata Ouédraogo is a Burkinabé feminist, women's rights activist, and former school teacher. She is renowned for her work advocating for women's rights to maternal health and sexual and reproductive health in Burkina Faso. She has also fought against HIV/AIDS through research and awareness campaigns, and she is a fervent opponent of child marriage and gender inequality. She is currently the President of the AFDEB branch in Ouahigouya, a women's organization dedicated to Burkina Faso's development. 

Namibia

 Since March 21, 2015, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has served as Namibia's prime minister. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila belongs to the People's Organisation of South West Africa. She was appointed Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2015 in addition to being a member of Namibia's National Assembly since 1995. She has made many statements regarding gender equality. 

Tanzania

In the early 1990s, Mzuri Issa had barely started her journalism career when she became aware of a law that discriminated against unwed mothers and their children. She worked with activists and media partners to report on the subject for years, advocating for a review of the legislation. In 2005, the statute was eventually amended. Mzuri Issa is leading the charge to change attitudes and practices that restrict women's access to leadership and decision-making roles, as well as to advocate for legal reforms through her work at the Tanzania Media Women's Association in Zanzibar.

South Africa

Zoleka Zobuhle Mandela, a writer and activist in South Africa, was the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, born on April 9, 1980, and passed away on September 25, 2023. She talked of her struggles with breast cancer, which ultimately claimed her life in 2023, as well as her addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex. In 2013, she penned When Hope Whispers.Through her organisation, Mandela has fought against road accident mortality, drawing attention to the  unique risks facing children in sub-Saharan Africa, who are twice as likely as children anywhere else in the world to die in an automobile accident.

Sudan

 Alaa Salah was dubbed Sudan’s “Nubian Queen” when she stood up for the country’s revolution. The 25-year-old went viral after videos of her dressed in white, standing atop a car, and reciting a rousing poem, circulated on social media. 

Salah showed courage in putting herself at the forefront of the movement in a country where women’s voices are heavily restricted.

She was later shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize, and the image of her in white has become a symbol of freedom for citizens in Sudan.

Nigeria

 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer whose works include novels, short stories and nonfiction.  She has a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Arts degree in African History from Yale University. She was awarded a Hodder fellowship at Princeton University for the 2005-2006 academic year, and a fellowship at the Radcliffe Institute of Harvard University for the 2011-2012 academic year. In 2008, she received a MacArthur Fellowship. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a stern, resilient, and unapologetic reformist-feminist. With her feminist approach, she is poised to break down gender-based discriminatory barriers. 

South Africa

  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. The South African CEO holds a Masters in Finance and Investment, BComm Honours in Economics and BSc in Economics and Mathematics.

Rwanda

 Dr. Diane Karusisi is the CEO of one of Rwanda's largest banks, Bank of Kigali. She previously worked as the head of strategy and policy as well as chief economist for the President of Rwanda. As CEO, Diane has managed to work on the growth of BK Group into General Insurance, Investment Banking and Technology  

Kenya

Rebecca Miano is the CEO  KenGen Plc, one of East Africa's largest producer of electricity. Rebecca has a background in law, which has made her an eligible candidate in politics, as she now serves as a Cabinet Secretary 

at Ministry of EAC,ASALs & Regional Development Kenya.

Botswana

Catherine Lesetedi is the CEO of Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL). Catherine is a Statistics graduate from the University of Botswana and started her career in innsurance back in 1992.

 Nigeria

Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya  is a managing director and the first African woman to fill the prestigious position at Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigeria. She joined Guaranty Trust Bank back in 1998 as a trainee and obtained her MBA at the University of Liverpool in 2011.

Uganda

Anne Juuko is the managing director and CEO of one of Uganda's largest commercial banks, Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited. Anne obtained her Master of Strategic Planning from Heriot-Watt University Business School in the UK. She started working in banking from 2001 and held various positions including head of Global Markets for Stanbic Bank Uganda and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Namibia.

Uganda 

Vanessa Nakate is a Ugandan climate justice activist. Vanessa has been an instrumental voice in raising awareness on the danger of climate change, the causes and the impacts. She spearheaded the campaign to save Congo’s rainforest, which is facing massive deforestation and has recently been appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Tunisia

 Aya Chebbi is a multi award-winning Pan-African feminist and activist. She became the first appointed African Union Envoy on Youth in November 2018 and youngest senior official in the history of the African Union and youngest diplomat in the chairperson's cabinet. Aya is also the founder of Nala Feminist collective, focused on mobilizing young women and closing the gap between policy and implementation.

Côte d'Ivoire

Edith Yah Brou is a digital activist, writer, and founder of online women's magazine called Ayana. Edith co-founded  Akendewa and AfricanContents Group which is a production company.

South Africa

Prof Mzikazi Nduna is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Fort Hare.  Her research interests in sexuality include aspects of gender and gender-based violence, psychological distress, safe sex, HIV risk, living with HIV and cultural influences in sexuality. She is interested in studies of women, young people and sexual minorities (LGBTI). Mzi is a member of the gender-based violence Prevention Network for the Horn, East and Southern Africa and Management Committee of GenderDynamix. 

 Somalia

Waris Dirie is a Somalian model author, actress and human rights activist in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation. She opened the world's first holistic medical center for the treatment and care of FGM victims in Berlin together with the Waldfriede Hospital as a cooperation hospital of the Desert Flower Foundation, and also gives girls access to education and empowers women.

Kenya

 Judy Kihumba is a sign language interpreter and an advocate of 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).