By Spy Uganda
In recent years, African women have been increasingly asserting their presence and influence in various spheres of leadership, breaking through longstanding barriers and reshaping the narrative of governance, business, and social change on the continent.
From politics to entrepreneurship, activism to academia, African women leaders are making remarkable strides, challenging stereotypes, and redefining what it means to lead with resilience, vision, and compassion. This burgeoning wave of female leadership not only reflects a shift towards greater gender equality but also heralds a new era of inclusive and progressive leadership that is poised to drive positive change across Africa and beyond.
In 2024, numerous outstanding women will be recognized for their accomplishments and influence. In this article, Spy Uganda honors Seven Great African female leaders that inspire change and growth.
1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Nigeria
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala GCON is a Nigerian-American economist who has served as the World Trade Organization’s Director-General since March 2021. Notably, she is the first woman and African to oversee the World Trade Organization as Director-General.
Okonjo-Iweala is still a pathfinder in global finance and commerce. Her work at the WTO has helped navigate complex trade discussions and promote African economic development.
2. Sahle-Work Zewde – Ethiopia
Sahle-Work Zewde is an Ethiopian politician and diplomat who has served as Ethiopia’s president since 2018, making her the first woman to hold the office. On October 25, 2018, members of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly unanimously elected her to the presidency.
Sahle-Work Zewde involvement in fostering peace and gender equality has been critical to Ethiopia’s political environment.
3. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Nigeria
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer of novels, short stories, and nonfiction. The Times Literary Supplement identified her as “the most prominent” of a “procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors” of Nigerian fiction gaining traction, particularly in her second home, the United States.
She continues to influence global discussions about feminism and African identity. Her strong storytelling and fight for women’s rights have helped her become a well-known cultural figure.
4. Amina J. Mohammed – Nigeria
Amina Jane Mohammed GCON is a British Nigerian diplomat and politician who now serves as the United Nations’ sixth Deputy Secretary-General. She formerly served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2016 and was involved in the Post-2015 Development Agenda process.
Amina, the United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General, plays an important role in solving global concerns. Her leadership in sustainable development and climate action is helping to create a better future for everyone.
5. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka – South Africa
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a South African politician and former United Nations official who held the position of Executive Director of UN Women while also serving as the UN’s Under-Secretary-General.
Mlambo-Ngcuka was South Africa’s Deputy President from 2004 to 2008, making her the first woman to hold the role and the highest-ranking woman in the country’s history. During her term as South Africa’s deputy president, she oversaw programs to eliminate poverty and guarantee the underprivileged benefit from the advantages of a developing economy.
Mlambo-Ngcuka, the former Executive Director of UN Women, has long advocated for gender equality. Her initiatives to empower women and girls have had a long-lasting impact on global politics.
6. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Liberia
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a Liberian politician who served as Liberia’s 24th president between 2006 and 2018. Sirleaf was Africa’s first elected female head of state. Sirleaf was born in Monrovia, to a Gola father and a Kru-German mother. She was educated at the College of West Africa.
She continues to inspire as an example of endurance and leadership. Her contributions to Liberia’s rehabilitation and her efforts to promote democracy have gained her international recognition.
7. Fatou Bensouda – Gambia
Fatou Bom Bensouda is a Gambian lawyer and former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court who has been serving as Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom since August 3, 2022.
She was Prosecutor from June 2012 to June 2021, having previously served as Deputy Prosecutor in Charge of the ICC’s Prosecutions Division from 2004 to 2012. She previously served as The Gambia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General from 1998 to 2000. She has previously worked as a legal adviser and trial counsel for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
She has been a strong advocate for justice and accountability. Her commitment to respecting international law has been critical in dealing with crimes against humanity.
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