Inspirational African women who have achieved their dreams must be celebrated so that girls around the world become motivated to be whatever they want to be. Africa has a lot of women role models who are shining examples. We will be celebrating the 20 most inspiring women who had dreams and dared to pursue and achieve them. This list includes inspirational African women ranging from media personalities, political leaders, artists, and businesswomen. These women have made their name in Africa and are also making a global impression.
1. Ory Okolloh, Kenya
Ory Okolloh is a Harvard-trained lawyer, an activist and a blogger. She is a Kenyan-born and the founder of Ushahidi, a revolutionary agency that allows journalists and eyewitnesses of crimes worldwide to report crimes and violent incidents. The company aims to make the world better through election monitoring, crisis response, human rights advocacy and more.
2. Chimamanda Adichie, Nigeria
Chimamanda Adichie is an award-winning Nigerian writer and has been named the rebirth of the African literary poets and writers. Her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, won the Orange Prize and she is one of the most inspirational African women of all time.
3. Yolanda Cuba, South Africa
Appointed the CEO of Mvelaphanda Group at age 29, Yolanda is a highly successful business woman. This African superstar has been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. She is one of South Africa’s most sought-after businesswomen.
RECOMMENDED: 5 African Women Entrepreneurs You Should Know About
4. Ndidi Nwuneli, Nigeria
Ndidi founded LEAP Africa a leading nonprofit organization that provides social entrepreneurs and small-scale business owners with training and coaching services. She was awarded the national honor and is also a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
5. Dambisa Moyo, Zambia
Dambisa Moyo is the writer of Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working. Moyo addressed an audience in March 2011 for social causes. The gathering included around 2,000 guests and included names like Queen Elizabeth II and British Prime Minister David Cameron. She is a board member of Barclays Bank, SABMiller, and Lundin Petroleum.
6. Khanyi Ndhlomo, South Africa
Khanyi Ndhlomo is a top South African media mogul. She owns the Ndalo Media publication. The publication publishes the popular Destiny Magazine and Destiny Man. These are the two most popular magazines that offer business and lifestyle content and cater to thriving, and professional men and women.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fresh Clothing Fads Black and African Women Can Look Forward To For The Rest of 2020
7. Phuti Malabie, South Africa
Phuti was selected by the World Economic Forum and is considered as a Global Young Leader. Malabie is currently working as the Shanduka Group CEO, which is South Africa’s most significant African investment company.
8. Funmi Iyanda, Nigeria
Iyanda is a journalist who has won multiple awards. She is also a broadcaster and a blogger. She hosts the Talk with Funmi, which is a popular TV show. The show captures people and conversations from around the country.
9. Isis Nyongo , Kenya
Isis Nyongo is the Vice President of InMobi. It is the world’s largest mobile advertising network. Previously Isis worked as the Business Development Manager for Google in Africa. She was also a part of the development of Google’s content strategy in Africa.
10.Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Ethiopia
Bethlehem was named ‘African Businesswoman of the Year’ by African Business Magazine. The African business magazine is a leading and popular magazine in Africa. She is the founder of Sole Rebels. It is a brand that sells eco-friendly shoes and sandals that are made in Ethiopia.
11. Bonang Matheba, South Africa
Bonang Matheba is a popular MC, presenter, speaker, and entrepreneur. She has a luxury wine brand named ‘’The house of BNG’. Being a powerful woman, she feels she must use her voice for different campaigns that feature education and gender equality. She has started her fund so girls can get free education and build up a better future.
12. Graça Machel, South Africa and Mozambique
Graca is one of the most inspirational women in Africa. She has been a member of global leaders working together to promote peace, justice, and human rights. The Graca Machel Trust promotes women empowerment, leadership, child rights, and proper nutrition.
13. Amina J. Mohammed, Nigeria
Amina has caught a lot of attention worldwide due to her exciting novels. She is also a deputy Secretary general at the United Nations. Being a prominent thinker, she is one of the most inspirational African women.
14. Aya Chebbi, Tunisia
Aya Chebbi is a blogger and activist from Tunisia. She gained a lot of prominence when she became part of the campaign to make political changes in her country. She has been using social media to bring a change at the same time.
15. Lupita Nyong’o, Kenya
Lupita won an Oscar award for her powerful performance in 12 years as a slave. She gained immense fan following and attention due to this win. Since then, it was no looking back, and she keeps getting attention for her excellent performances.
16. Julie Gichuru, Kenya
Julie is one of the most famous journalists in Kenya. She is an executive of Citizen TV and a recipient of Martin Luther King Salute to greatness award. With her 11 years of experience, she truly deserves this nomination.
MUST READ: The Rise of Yoruba in the United States: Black and African Women Embracing Their Power
17. Lisa Kropman, South Africa
Lisa Kropman is the founder of Business Place, and they support the upcoming entrepreneurs in the country. She has worked hard to be where she is today, and her business is growing leaps and bounds.
18. Stella Kilonzo, Kenya
Stella is the Chief Executive of the Capital Markets Authority in Kenya. She worked hard to earn her spot in that position. Stella has been doing great work as Chief Executive since 2008.
19. Jonitha Gugu Msibi, South Africa
Jonitha is a senior partner at Ernst and Young, serving as the Public sector and Government leader. She is the advisor to many government leaders in Africa and is appreciated for her excellent work. She has been named as Young Global leader by world economic forum.
20. June Arunga, Kenya
June is a famous entrepreneur from Kenya, and she was named one of the most creative people in the business. She is the founder and executive of Open Quest Media. This multimedia production company based in New York is one of the most successful. June is one of the most inspirational African women, indeed.
African women have come a long way over the years. Because of their tenacity and hard work, these women have beaten the odds and competitions in their industries to get to the top. Their inspirational stories and achievements is a good testimony for young girls all over the world to follow. Let us know the African woman that has inspired you the most in the comments below.