Celebrating Excellence: ICS Africa's First-Ever List of Top 50 Phenomenal African Women

From boardrooms to classrooms, homes to government offices, women continue to shape the world with resilience, intelligence, and determination. International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a moment to honor their contributions across economic, political, social, and cultural spheres.

In celebration of IWD, 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 the maiden list of Africa’s Top 50 Phenomenal Women.

Breaking Barriers and Redefining Excellence

The list, compiled over the past year, recognizes extraordinary women—both living and posthumously—who have redefined excellence in business, governance, arts, science, media, and music.

Notable Women on the List

Among the distinguished women featured are:

• Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria) – Business tycoon and philanthropist with interests in fashion, oil, and printing.



• Professor Naana Jana Opoku-Agyemang (Ghana) – Ghana's first female Vice President.



• Angelique Kidjo (Benin) – Grammy Award-winning singer and activist for women's rights.



• Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) – First female President of Tanzania promoting economic and social reforms.



• Funke Akindele (Nigeria) – Actress and filmmaker revolutionizing African cinema.



• Tems (Nigeria) – Internationally acclaimed Grammy-winning artist.



• Wangari Maathai (Kenya) – Nobel Peace Prize laureate and environmental activist.

Driving Gender Equality

The 2025 IWD theme, “Accelerate Action”, emphasizes breaking down gender barriers and eliminating biases. Lead curator Emmaline Datey highlighted the importance of recognizing African women who inspire generations and drive progress.

“By recognizing notable African women each year, we align with the IWD agenda and amplify efforts that encourage women to overcome obstacles and achieve success in all areas of life.” – Emmaline Datey

Complete List of Africa’s Top 50 Phenomenal Women

Business and Entrepreneurship

• Njeri Rionge (Kenya) – Co-founder of Wananchi Online, East Africa’s first mass-market internet service provider.



• Isabel dos Santos (Angola) – Africa's richest woman with major investments in oil and telecom.



• Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (Ethiopia) – Founder of SoleRebels, a globally recognized sustainable footwear brand.

Science and Technology

• Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius) – Biodiversity scientist and former President of Mauritius.



• Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon) – CEO of AppsTech, a leader in enterprise solutions.

Education

• Mamokgethi Phakeng (South Africa) – Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town.



• Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Nigeria) – Co-founder of Transparency International.

Arts and Culture

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) – Acclaimed author of "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah."



• Joana Choumali (Ivory Coast) – A pioneer blending photography and embroidery to tell powerful African stories.

Public Service and Governance

• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – Africa’s first elected female head of state.



• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) – Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Health and Wellness

• Dr. Ola Orekunrin (Nigeria) – Founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria.



• Dr. Matshidiso Moeti (Botswana) – First female WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Sports

• Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) – Multiple-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year.



• Sifan Hassan (Ethiopia) – Olympic champion and record-breaking distance runner.

Social Impact and Advocacy

• Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) – Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist.



• Graça Machel (Mozambique) – Renowned advocate for children's and women's rights.

Agriculture and Environment

• Dr. Agnes Kalibata (Rwanda) – President of AGRA, improving food security in Africa.

Media and Communication

• Mo Abudu (Nigeria) – Founder of EbonyLife TV.



• Gifty Anti (Ghana) – Journalist and women's rights advocate.

For the full details of Africa’s Top 50 Phenomenal Women, visit ICS Africa.

International Women's Day continues to be a platform for action, and the recognition of these phenomenal women sets the stage for future generations to break barriers and create lasting impact.