Celebrating 50 Power People Advocating for Women’s Empowerment, Inclusion in Africa 

 
Mary Nnah

 
 
In March, which is International Women’s Month, the ELOY Awards Foundation and Africa Women CEOs Network are recognising and celebrating 50 extraordinary individuals who are leading the way in promoting women’s empowerment and inclusion throughout Africa.

These exceptional individuals, both women and men from diverse fields embody leadership, resilience, and significant impact in advancing gender equality. Their unwavering dedication to diversity, advocacy, and using their influence to propel women forward is truly inspiring. They amplify women’s voices and foster inclusivity across all sectors through their initiatives, partnerships, mentorship, public engagement, and advocacy efforts.

According to the Founder of the ELOY Awards Foundation, Dr. Tewa Onasanya,  Tthis list had to be put out there to celebrate women advancing the gender agenda, not forgetting the men who are also on this mission with us. It’s important to spotlight these men so people know that our collective (women and men) effort is needed for equality in all areas. And as a women empowerment advocate who has been making an impact on sustaining women empowerment, I am also on this list.”

Founder of Africa Women CEOs Network, Dr. Anino Emuwa,  said, “Closing the gender gap is imperative for the social and economic advancement of Africa. We are pleased to shine the light on some of those extraordinary people, who are moving the needle towards gender equality and many quietly. Whilst there is still work to be done, those on the list from different sectors have been identified as actively contributing to improving the lives of women and girls and inspire others to collaborate towards creating impact.”

The 50 Power People of 2024 serve as shining examples that change is possible as they inspire others, in no particular order, are:
Tokunbo Chiedu (Nigeria)  – CEO Compass Global Founder Female Leaders & Entrepreneurs Conference & Network.

Dr. Tewa Onasanya (Nigeria) – Entrepreneur, Author & Mindset Stylist. Founder, Exquisite Magazine, ELOY Awards Foundation and EMAC Foundation.

Charles Odii (Nigeria)  – Director General/CEO of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.

Abosede George Ogan (Nigeria)  – Founder, Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN).

Ibijoke Faborode (Nigeria)  – Founder and Executive Director of ElectHER
Ife Durosinmi Etti (Nigeria) – Sales, Marketing and Sustainability Expert. Founder, Herconomy.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Nigeria)  – Executive Governor, Lagos State.
Folawe Omikunle (Nigeria)  – Founder & CEO, Teach for Nigeria.
Ngone Diop (Senegal) – Director Of Sub Regional Office For West Africa, UNECA.

Dupe Olusola (Nigeria)  – CEO/MD Transcorp Hilton PLC, First and only Female MD/CEO of a NITrn Company in Nigeria.
Jacqueline Omotalade (Nigeria) – Climate Investments National Director, dream.Org.

Oluchi Enebeli (Nigeria)  – Nigeria’s First Female Blockchain Engineer. Founder, Web3ladies.

Adenike Oyetunde Lawal (Nigeria)  – Author, Lawyer, And Founder Of Amputees United Initiative And The Gratitude Hub.
Dr. Allen Onyema (Nigeria): Ceo Airpeace.

Kemi Dasilva-Ibru (Nigeria): Physician, Public Speaker, Founder Of Women At Risk International Foundation (Warif).
Ore Boboye (Nigeria) – Ceo Jobberman.

Pierette Kengela (Dr Congo): Public Health & Gender Expert, Humanitarian, Author, Founder j4a Public Health Consulting And The Joy4all Npc
Candide Leguede (Togo): Ceo Innov’Up.

Barr.Mispa Awasum Fri (Cameroon): President Of The Women Of The Mrc-The Cameroon Renaissance Movement.
Janice Kimaro (Tanzania); Regional Co-Ordinator East Africa Women In Business Platform (Eawibp).

Emmaline Datey (Ghana): Founder/CEO of ICS Africa.
Bisi Adeleye Fayemi (Nigeria) – CEO, Above Whispers Limited, Co-Founder Of The African Women’s Development Fund (Awdf).
Dotun Akande (Nigeria) – Founder And Director, Patrick Speech And Languages Centre And Pure Souls Foundation.

Chipo Faith Zireva (Zimbabwe): Founder, Mambakwedza Trust
Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes (Nigeria): Founder And Managing Partner Of Aruwa Capital Management
Weyinmi Eribo (Nigeria): Director General, Women Chamber For Commerce, Industry, Mines And Agriculture
Nabou Fall (Senegal/Ivory Coast): Public Speaker, Author & Personal Development Coach, Founder, Nabou Fall Academy.

Toyin f Sanni (Nigeria): Founder & CEO, Emerging Africa Group.
Nkem Okocha (Nigeria): Founder, Mamamoni
Irene Ochem (Nigeria/South Africa): Founder & CEO of CEO of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (Awief)
Dr Naike Mosh (Kenya): Founder & CEO of Women In Management Africa (Wima).

Chebet Lesan (Kenya) Entrepreneur Founder Of Bright Green Energy.
Sanda Ojiambo (Kenya): Assistant Secretary-General CEO And Ed, Un Global Compact.

Rosalind Kainyah (Ghana): Lawyer, Sustainability Advisor And Ambassador For African Businesses.

Lois Auta (Nigeria): Disability Rights Advocate, Founder & Chief Executive Officer At The Cedar Seed Foundation.
Folorunsho Alakija (Nigeria)- Philanthropist, Founder of Flourish Africa And The Rose Of Sharon Group.

Janade Du Plessis (South Africa): Philanthropist. Founder, Abrazo Capital.Co-Founder And Executive Board Member, Marang Capital Management.

Segun Alimi (Nigeria): Technical Advisor, Giz
Efe Ukala (Nigeria): Lawyer, Founder, Impacther.
Bukky Shonibare (Nigeria): Executive Director, Invictus Africa.
Josephine Effah-Chukwuma (Nigeria) Founder and Executive Director Of Project Alert.

Gwendoline Abunaw (Cameroon): CEO & MD ECOBANK Cameroon.
Jennifer Awirigwe (Nigeria): Founder of Fintribe
Dr. Jayne Obioma Onwumere (Nigeria): Co-founder and President, PWAN Group.

Sola Adesakin (Nigeria): Finance and Wealth Coach, Founder Smart Stewards Advisory Limited.

Mukwandi Chibesakunda (Zambia): CEO, Zambia National Commercial Bank
Oulimata Sarr (Senegal): Politician, Former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, Senegal. Former Regional Director for UN Women
Dr Denis Mukwege (Dr Congo): Gynecologist, Founder and President, Panzi Hospital and Foundation.

He Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia): Former President Of Liberia, Founder and Chair Of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center For Women and Development.

Graca Machel (Mozambique): Advocate For Child Rights, Humanitarian, Politician, and Founder of Graca Machel Trust.