ICS Africa releases maiden list of Africa’s Top 50 Phenomenal Women to mark International Women’s Day
From boardrooms to classrooms, homes to government offices, women continue to shape the world with their resilience, intelligence, and determination. International Women’s Day (IWD) has, over the years, provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of women across all spheres—economic, political, social, and cultural.
In what promises to be the first of many, Impact Concept and Solutions Limited (ICS Africa), a pan-African event management company in partnership with top rating and ranking company, Avance Media has unveiled its maiden list of Africa’s Top 50 Phenomenal Women to commemorate International Women’s Day.
Celebrated annually on March 8, IWD is more than just a moment of appreciation—it is a global call to action. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgency of breaking down barriers and eliminating deeply ingrained gender biases. While significant strides have been made, true gender equality remains a work in progress.
The meticulously curated list, compiled over the past year, highlights extraordinary women—both living and late—who have redefined excellence and shattered barriers across industries, including business, governance, arts, science, media, and music.
These game changers from sixteen countries across the continent include Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria), a business tycoon and philanthropist with interests in fashion, oil, and printing; Professor Naana Jana Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first Vice President; Angelique Kidjo (Benin), a Grammy Award-winning singer and activist advocating for women’s rights; as well as Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), the first female President of Tanzania promoting economic and social reforms.
Nigerian actress Funke Akindele, celebrated for revolutionizing African cinema, and Grammy award-winning artist Tems dominated the African climate with groundbreaking projects.
Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for environmental activism, was posthumously recognized for her role in the formation of The Green Belt Movement. The organization she founded in 1977 had, by the early 21st century, planted some 30 million trees. Leaders of the Green Belt Movement established the Pan African Green Belt Network in 1986 in order to educate world leaders about conservation and environmental improvement
Speaking on the significance of the list, Emmaline Datey, the lead curator, emphasized the importance of recognizing African women who have blazed trails, inspired generations, and continue to drive progress across diverse sectors.
“Women around the globe are celebrated every March 8th, and African women contribute significantly. The International Women’s Day (IWD) theme specifically, the 2025 edition, highlights accelerating actions in empowering women and encourages stakeholders to implement effective strategies to support women’s advancement. This is the essence of Africa’s Phenomenal 50. By recognizing notable and outstanding African women each year, we align with the IWD agenda and help to amplify efforts that encourage women to overcome obstacles and achieve success in all areas of their lives,” she said.
Below is the complete list of Africa’s Top 50 Phenomenal Women across various categories:
Business and Entrepreneurship
Njeri Rionge (Kenya) – A serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Wananchi Online, East Africa’s first mass-market internet service provider.
Isabel dos Santos (Angola) – Africa’s richest woman with significant investments in oil, diamonds, and telecommunications.
Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria) – A business tycoon and philanthropist with interests in fashion, oil, and printing.
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (Ethiopia) – Founder of SoleRebels, a sustainable footwear brand recognized globally.
Yanmo Omorogbe (Nigeria) – A notable entrepreneur making strides in financial technology.
Victoria Naashika Quaye (Ghana) – A businesswoman paving the way in water purification and sustainability.
Science and Technology
Wangari Maathai (Kenya) – The first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for environmental activism.
Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon) – Founder and CEO of AppsTech, a leader in enterprise application solutions.
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius) – A biodiversity scientist and former President of Mauritius.
Dr. Nthabiseng Taole (South Africa) – A prominent researcher in renewable energy and sustainability.
Education
Mamokgethi Phakeng (South Africa) – Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, recognized for her contributions to mathematics education.
Oley Dibba-Wadda (Gambia) – An education advocate and former Executive Secretary of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa.
Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Nigeria) – Co-founder of Transparency International and former World Bank Vice President for Africa.
Dr. Auma Obama (Kenya) – Founder of the Sauti Kuu Foundation, empowering young people through education.
Stella Gyimaah Larbi (Ghana) – A finalist for the $1 million Global Teacher Prize and Ghana’s 2022 National Best Teacher.
Arts and Culture
Julie Mehretu (Ethiopia) – A world-renowned artist known for abstract paintings exploring migration and social issues.
Joana Choumali (Ivory Coast) – A unique artist blending photography and embroidery to tell powerful stories.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) – An award-winning author known for “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah.”
Angelique Kidjo (Benin) – A Grammy Award-winning singer and activist advocating for women’s rights.
Funke Akindele (Nigeria) – A celebrated actress and filmmaker revolutionizing African cinema.
Tems (Nigeria) – A breakout music sensation with international recognition.
Public Service and Governance
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – Africa’s first elected female head of state and former President of Liberia.
Joyce Banda (Malawi) – A former President known for her focus on women’s empowerment and social development.
Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) – Ethiopia’s first female President with an extensive diplomatic career.
Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) – The first female President of Tanzania, promoting economic and social reforms.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) – Director-General of the World Trade Organization and former Nigerian Finance Minister.
H.E Professor Naana Jane-Opoku – Ghana’s first Vice President
Health and Wellness
Dr. Ola Orekunrin (Nigeria) – Founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first air ambulance service.
Dr. Agnes Binagwaho (Rwanda) – A pediatrician and former Minister of Health instrumental in Rwanda’s healthcare improvements.
Dr. Catherine Hamlin (Ethiopia) – Co-founder of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, dedicated to treating obstetric fistula.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (Botswana) – The first female WHO Regional Director for Africa, leading public health initiatives.
Sports
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) – A top female footballer with multiple African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards.
Tegla Loroupe (Kenya) – A long-distance running champion and peace advocate.
Rena Wakama (Nigeria) – A rising figure in African sports.
Sifan Hassan (Ethiopia) – An Olympic champion and record-breaking distance runner.
Social Impact and Advocacy
Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) – A Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist instrumental in ending Liberia’s civil war.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa) – A legendary singer and humanitarian advocating for health and education.
Graça Machel (Mozambique) – A champion of children’s and women’s rights, widow of Nelson Mandela and Samora Machel.
Agriculture and Environment
Fatou Bensouda (Gambia) – Advocate for environmental justice and sustainability.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata (Rwanda) – President of AGRA, working to improve food security and agriculture.
Wendy A. Okolo – A leader in aeronautics and environmental science.
Media and Communication
Mo Abudu (Nigeria) – Founder of EbonyLife TV, a trailblazing entertainment network.
Farida Karoney (Kenya) – A major force in African media.
Khanyi Dhlomo (South Africa) – Founder of Ndalo Media, shaping Africa’s media landscape.
Gifty Anti (Ghana) – A renowned journalist and advocate for women’s rights.
Edith Kimani (Kenya) – A leading media personality in Africa.
Anita Erskine (Ghana) – A top broadcaster known for empowering African youth.
