Meet the 17 African Women Recognized for Excellence at the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards

At the heart of Africa’s creative and economic evolution stands a force too powerful to ignore—its women. From boardrooms to recording studios, research labs to football stadiums, African women are shaping the future with bold innovation, cultural influence, and an unshakable commitment to progress. The 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards, held on March 5 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, celebrated 17 exceptional women who are breaking barriers, redefining industries, and inspiring generations to come.

A Legacy of Excellence: Lifetime Achievement & Changemaker of the Decade

Two of Africa’s most distinguished leaders, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Arunma Oteh, were honored with top awards that recognize decades of impact.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), received the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Lifetime Achievement Award for her trailblazing career in global finance and economic development. The first African and the first woman to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has spent over 40 years shaping international policy, advocating for economic equity, and mentoring young African women.

In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of women breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for the next generation:

"I always feel there should have been a woman before me in this role, but I am glad I was able to break that barrier. Young African women inspire me—they are bold, fearless, and ready to take on challenges in ways we never imagined."

Alongside her, Arunma Oteh, a powerhouse in global finance and governance, was awarded the Changemaker of the Decade Award. Currently Chairperson of the Royal African Society and a member of Oxford University’s Global Leadership Council, Oteh has previously served as Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank and Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. Her contributions to financial inclusion and corporate governance in Africa have been groundbreaking.

Amplifying African Culture: Tiwa Savage Wins Media Icon Award

No conversation about African entertainment is complete without mentioning Tiwa Savage, who received the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Media Icon Award. A global ambassador for Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage is more than just a musician—she is a storyteller, entrepreneur, and advocate for the African creative industry.

During her interview with Forbes Africa, she emphasized the need to expand Africa’s music industry beyond just performing:

"People think music is just about being an artist, but there’s a whole industry behind it—production, marketing, intellectual property. I want to create a school or scholarship program to educate young Africans about these opportunities."

Savage’s influence transcends music; she is shaping the business side of entertainment and creating a blueprint for young African artists to thrive globally.

Next-Gen Disruptors: Young Achievers Leading the Future

The future of Africa is undeniably youth-driven, and the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards celebrated young innovators who are already making waves.

• Eniola Shokunbi, at just 12 years old, won the Young Achiever Award for her advocacy in children’s health and environmental protection. Her work in installing air filters in classrooms worldwide has gained recognition from the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation.

• Hephzibah Akinwale, another 12-year-old, was honored with the Next Generation Award for her record-breaking novel, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away. At age 10, she set a world record for writing the longest fiction novel by a child author (over 58,000 words).

These two young girls represent the brilliance, ambition, and limitless potential of Africa’s next generation.

Shaping Industries: Business, Sports, and Tech Leaders

Africa’s creative economy is powered by women who are transforming industries—whether in business, sports, technology, or academia.

• Kenyan environmentalist Wanjira Mathai won the Social Impact Award for her dedication to sustainability and climate advocacy.

• Jessica Mshama, a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, took home the Technology & Innovation Award for her contributions to Africa’s digital transformation.

• Nissi Ogulu, a multi-talented artist, musician, and entrepreneur, received the Youth Icon Award, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Africa’s creative industries.

• Dr. Adriana Marais, a leader in space research, won the Academic Excellence Award for her work in advancing Africa’s role in space exploration.

Breaking Barriers in Entertainment & Sports

From film to football, African women continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible.

• South African actress Minnie Dlamini, a producer and entrepreneur, received the Excellence in Entertainment Award for her contributions to film and television.

• Sarah Hassan, an award-winning Kenyan actor, producer, and TV host, won Entertainer of the Year.

• Sue Destombes, the face of women’s football in Africa, received the Sports Award for her game-changing 30-year career in African football.

Behind the scenes, Tholsi Pillay, a celebrity talent manager, was recognized as Champion of Entertainment Promotion for helping African artists break into global markets.

The Call for Continued Investment in Women

These awards serve as a powerful reminder of the need to invest in women across Africa’s creative, economic, and social sectors. Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, praised the honorees, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting women in creative industries:

"These exceptional women have demonstrated the excellence that African women are known for. We must continue to invest in women to accelerate progress in every sector."

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025—"Invest in Women. Accelerate Action"—resonates deeply with this celebration. It is not just about recognizing these women’s achievements; it is about creating systems, policies, and opportunities that allow more African women to thrive.

Final Thoughts: A New Era of Leadership and Creativity

The 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards highlighted a critical truth: African women are not just participants in the continent’s growth—they are leading it. From finance to entertainment, science to entrepreneurship, these 17 phenomenal women are setting new standards of excellence, innovation, and resilience.

Their stories are a call to action for governments, organizations, and the private sector to invest in women and dismantle barriers that limit their potential. As these honorees continue to push boundaries, they inspire a new wave of young African women who will redefine the continent’s future in ways we have yet to imagine.