Celebrating the 50 Most Influential African Women According to Forbes

 This year Forbes Magazine Africa released its verdict on who they believe are the most powerful and influential women in Africa. Amongst the list were many inspirational black women, from female business leaders to entrepreneurs to female firsts in the industry, medicine, science, and technology.  These incredible women speak to what we are all about at Dare to Dream.

 

 

 

Over the years, Forbes has become the benchmark for successful individuals. Their magazine has released hundreds of ranked lists from the world’s richest people to influential individuals. When they released their list for the most influential women in Africa this year, we couldn’t help but celebrate the inspirational black women who have risen to the top of their industries.

 

Media personalities, artists, political leaders, scientists, doctors and female business leader’s all featured on Forbes’ list. While they were many well-known names including Bonang Matheba, Graca Machel and Lupita Nyong’o, special tributes were made to newer names like Aya Chebbi, Chimamanda Adichie and Caster Semenya.

 

All of the women mentioned on this list are nothing short of remarkable and prove the capabilities of a resilient spirit, no matter where you come from.

 

Another incredible women Forbes honoured include:

 

Ø  Rebecca Enochong. Founder and CEO, AppsTech. (Cameroon)

 

Ø  Lesley Kanza. Head of Africa and member of the executive committee, World Economic Forum.  (Tanzania)

 

Ø  Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Chair, Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). (Nigeria)

 

Ø  Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The first female president of Liberia and Nobel Peace laureate. (Liberia)

 

Ø  Angelique Kidjo. Four-time Grammy award winner and humanitarian. (Benin)

 

 

From female firsts to women re-writing their narratives in a male-dominated field, Forbes pays tribute to so many. Our hope is that list to grow and expand and a greater spotlight is shone on those who haven’t been mentioned but deserve the accolade.

 

You can find the full list of influential and powerful women on the Forbes website.

 

To find out more about Dare to Dream and how we partner with female firsts and inspirational black women, visit our website today. Through female leadership programs and mentor networks, we aim to empower and inspire the future female business leaders of tomorrow.