Meet 10 women driving Africa’s global economic rise

Africa’s economy has recorded notable growth in recent years, and women have played a pivotal role in this progress. From shaping policies to leading strategic discussions in the boardroom, women across the continent are emerging as key drivers of economic development.

Their influence extends beyond participation; they are setting new standards and redefining what leadership looks like in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

BusinessDay has highlighted a selection of women whose contributions to Africa’s economy have been transformative, demonstrating that their impact is both significant and far-reaching.

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Here are 10 women driving Africa’s global economic rise

1. Folorunsho Alakija – Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited

Folorunsho Alakija wears many hats. Aside from being a business mogul, she is also a philanthropist, preacher, and fashion icon. She is the executive vice chairman of Famfa Oil Limited and the founder of Rose of Sharon Foundation.

Famfa’s crude oil is largely exported internationally, with key destinations including the United States, Europe (Belgium, Spain, and France), and India.

In 2021, she was named the richest woman in Africa by Forbes, and she has given back to orphans and widows through her foundation.

2. Stella Okoli – CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Limited and philanthropist

The health sector has experienced exponential growth through the initiative of Stella Chinyelu Okoli, OON. She is the founder and Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited.

While the Pharmacy graduate focuses on the health sector, she also has a heart to empower people. In 2006, she founded Chike Okoli Foundation (COF) in memory of her late son Chike. So far, the foundation trains more than 250 students in entrepreneurship yearly.

In recognition of her impact, the award-winning pharmacist was conferred with the Member of the Order of Nigeria (MON) and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

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3. Ayobami Animashaun – Founder/President, Vanity Hub Africa, Africa Beyond Extractives Initiative, and Nigeria Beyond Oil Initiative

Lady Ayobami Animashaun stands powerfully at the forefront of a structural shift in how Africa engages with the global economy, a British-Nigerian software engineer, systems-level economic master-strategist, global bridge-builder, and founder of Vanity Hub Africa, Africa Beyond Extractives Initiative, and the Nigeria Beyond Oil Initiative.

An alumna of the University of Leicester and King’s College London, she combines deep technical expertise with a systems-level understanding of how modern economies are designed, financed and scaled.

Her career spans globally significant technology institutions, including Intel, Cisco Systems and American Express, alongside director-level leadership within the downstream energy and evolving net zero landscape. Her approach is bold, disruptive and unapologetic, anchored in a clear strategic principle: trade not aid.

Through Africa Beyond Extractives and Nigeria Beyond Oil, she is part of a new generation reshaping Africa’s place in the global economy, advancing enterprise, innovation and the scaling of ideas as the foundation of long-term value. Delivered through Vanity Hub Africa, her work moves beyond narrative into execution, connecting African capability with global markets, capital and partnerships, and shifting the continent’s story from potential to participation.

4. Mo Abudu – CEO of EbonyLife Group

Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is a force in the global entertainment industry. Her drive for excellence spurred her to set up EbonyLife TV in 2013 and EbonyLife Films in 2014, which resulted in blockbusters such as The Wedding Party, The Wedding Party 2, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, Oloture, and Blood Sisters.

She believes that with film and a great partnership, Africa’s economy can blossom beyond the tag of an untapped potential. With this mindset, she achieved collaborations with Lionsgate, Netflix, Sony, BBC, Starz, Will Packer Productions, and Will and Jada Smith’s Westbrook Studios.

The 61-year-old media mogul has also given back to society through her foundation, The Inspire Africa Foundation. Consequently, she was named as one of the most influential women in international film by The Hollywood Reporter in May 2025.

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5. Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu – Founder of Woodhall Capital

One cannot mention the women driving Africa’s global economy without acknowledging Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu. She is the founder and president of Woodhall Capital, a financial advisory firm with offices in Abuja, Lagos, Dubai, and London.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Coventry University, United Kingdom. Beyond her pursuit to break ceilings in the economic industry, she is also poised to give back to her community through her foundation, Woodhall Capital Foundation. To achieve this aim, she partners with local authorities and schools in poor communities and improves the services available to them.

6. Oby Ezekwesili – Economic expert, former Education Minister

Oby Ezekwesili is a powerhouse in activating Africa’s economic might in the global scene. In 2007, she was appointed as the president of the World Bank Africa Region, a position she held till 2012, after delivering key economic projects in 48 Sub-Saharan African countries.

Her passion for the girl-child caused her to campaign for #BringBackOurGirls, a movement which championed the release of the kidnapped Chibok girls in Borno in 2014.

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7. Kemi Adetiba –  Director and filmmaker

Kemi Adetiba has etched her name in the sands of time as a prolific director and filmmaker. The works of the 46-year-old, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos, have appeared on Sound City TV, Channel O, BET, Sound City TV, and Netflix.

Some of her films include The Wedding Party, King of Boys, King of Boys: The Return of the King, and To Kill a Monkey, among others.

The award-winning video director has worked with several artistes including TY Bello, Waje, Omawunmi, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, and Bez.

8. Zain Asher – Broadcaster and CNN International host

British-Nigerian broadcaster Zain Asher hones her talent at CNN International, where she co-anchors “One World with Zain and Bianna.” She spotlights global affairs and their effect on the people and the economy.

Asher holds a degree in French and Spanish from Oxford University and a master’s in Journalism from Columbia University. She has covered the war in Ukraine, Boko Haram activities, and the 2020 global pandemic. The media personality, whose resilience and passion to make an impact have earned her international acclaim, is the younger sister of actor Chiwetel Ejiofor.

9. Florence Otedola (DJ Cuppy) – Disc jockey and philanthropist

Disc jockey and philanthropist Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, is the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. She fondly speaks about her work and the connection she has built to make an impact in society. One of such connections is with British monarch King Charles III.

The graduate of Oxford University is using her foundation, The Cuppy Foundation, to “provide access to quality education, empowering individuals with critical thinking, consciousness, creativity, and freedom.”

10. Tara Fela-Durotoye – Beauty entrepreneur, founder of House of Tara

Tara Fela-Durotoye is a trailblazer and pioneer in the Nigerian makeup industry. The lawyer and beauty entrepreneur is the CEO and founder of House of Tara.

Her desire to put structure and class into the industry spurred her to establish the first makeup school in Nigeria. It is not surprising that she has gotten several accolades, including being listed by Forbes among “Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women” in 2020.