Top 20 : women transforming Africa in 2026

Samia Suluhu Hassan – Tanzania

President of Tanzania, the first woman to lead the country. She is recognized for her diplomacy and initiatives promoting development and stability in East Africa.

Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah – Namibia

Vice President of Namibia since 2015 and a highly influential political figure. She plays a key role in foreign policy and sustainable development in the country.

Sahle-Work Zewde – Ethiopia

President of Ethiopia, the first woman to hold this position. She is recognized for her diplomatic leadership and promotion of women’s political inclusion.

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang – Ghana

Vice President of Ghana and influential academic. She works on education, inclusive governance, and the strengthening of female leadership.

Rania Al-Mashat – Egypt

Egyptian Minister of Tourism and International Economy. She promotes investment, sustainable economic development, and women’s participation in strategic positions.

Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala – Nigeria

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the first woman and first African to hold this position. Economist and former Nigerian Finance Minister.

Amina J. Mohammed – Nigeria

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and former Environment Minister. She is committed to sustainable development policies and promoting inclusion.

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu – Ethiopia

Founder of soleRebels, a socially innovative company. She combines craftsmanship, sustainable production, and the export of Ethiopian cultural products.

Jessica O. Matthews – Nigeria/USA

Founder of Uncharted Power, a technology company specializing in renewable energy solutions and sustainable innovation.

Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa – South Africa

CEO of Naspers South Africa, a leader in the technology and financial sectors. She contributes to digital transformation and corporate governance.

Divine Ndhlukula – Zimbabwe

Founder of SECURICO, a leading private security company. She is an iconic figure in female entrepreneurship and sustainable business management.

Tabitha Karanja – Kenya

Founder of Keroche Breweries, an industrial entrepreneur. She is a pioneer in manufacturing and expanding African women-led businesses.

Khadija Idrissi Janati – Morocco

Entrepreneur and investor, she supports Moroccan and African startups, particularly women-led ventures in tech and innovation.

Fatoumata Ba – Senegal

Tech investor and entrepreneur, co-founder of Janngo Capital. She supports the growth of African startups with high social and technological impact.

Mary Vilakazi – South Africa

First woman and first Black woman to lead FirstRand Group, one of South Africa’s largest financial services groups, covering banking, insurance, and asset management. She is recognized for transforming the financial sector and promoting economic inclusion.

Aïcha Evans – Senegal / USA

Technology executive born in Senegal, CEO of Zoox, Amazon’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, and an advocate for greater diversity in global tech.

Angela Kyerematen‑Jimoh – Ghana

Tech entrepreneur and executive, first woman to serve as IBM Country Director in Africa before founding Brainwave Tech Africa, a company focused on digital innovation and cybersecurity.

Clara Ngando – Cameroon

Finance expert and social entrepreneur, founder of EmpowerHer+237, a mentorship platform for young women and graduates, and a leader in financial strategy and empowerment.

Justina Mutale – Zambia

Author, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s and educational rights. She leads the Justina Mutale Foundation and is recognized for her work on gender equality and developing women leaders.