Newscenter Media News By Bukonla Adebakin
From trailblazers like Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose historic appointment as the first Black woman Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) inspired millions of women of colour, to the countless unsung heroines making their mark in workplaces across the continent, the story of the African woman has undergone a seismic transformation in just a few decades.
The adoption of gender equality has paved the way for women to assume impactful leadership roles. Their distinct perspectives and qualities bring a refined and nuanced approach to leadership, whether they are at the helm or contributing as part of a team. Today, women are steering transformative initiatives that uplift communities while reinforcing the continent’s resilience in different aspects.
While women already dominate certain sectors, they continue to break the glass ceiling to address disparities in male-dominated fields, such as government and government agencies, energy and mining, and engineering. In these spaces—particularly government and government agencies—where life-changing policies are enacted to impact the citizenry, more and more women are assuming leadership roles to shape impactful policies, leaving an indelible mark on society.
According to the Africa Gender Index Analytical Report, African women’s representation in parliaments increased to 24.4 percent in 2023. A 2025 ranking by the Inter-Parliamentary Union reveals that in Rwanda, women hold 63.8 percent of parliamentary seats, leading the world in female representation. Other countries, like South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya, have a 44.6 percent, 41.9 percent, and 23.3 percent female representation in parliament, respectively.
The inclusion of women in leadership roles has proven effective over the years, not only in empowering them but also in reinforcing a diverse talent pool, driving efficiency, and innovation that contribute to economic resilience. According to the World Bank, closing the gender gap in labour force participation could add $2.8 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
Similarly, McKinsey reports that improving women’s workforce participation could boost Africa’s GDP by 10 percent. Companies like Safaricom, where women hold key leadership positions, are spearheading technological growth, creating jobs, and fostering a work-life balance that addresses the additional familial responsibilities many women bear.
While some might dismiss women’s inclusion as merely a politically correct move, they overlook the undeniable merit it brings. Women in leadership roles are not just meeting expectations—they are exceeding them, proving their mettle across diverse fields.
In Rwanda, Vanessa Umutoni’s visionary leadership in the fintech space has significantly expanded financial inclusion, enabling rural women to access banking services and invest in small businesses. In Kenya, Jamila Abbas, co-founder of MFarm Kenya Limited, has connected over 7,000 farmers to better market prices, increasing their earnings by up to 50 percent.
In Nigeria, Funke Opeke, founder of MainOne, has transformed internet connectivity in West Africa through undersea cable systems and data centers, bridging the digital divide. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Ghana, Abena Osei-Poku, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana, has played a pivotal role in redefining banking by spearheading the bank’s digital transformation agenda and introducing innovative financial solutions to support SMEs.
Despite the significant milestones achieved by women, numerous challenges continue to hinder their progress. At the heart of this issue are deep-seated cultural stereotypes and societal norms that relegate women to the background, conditioning them to avoid leadership positions—a space often viewed as a male prerogative.
Beyond being marginalised in political and corporate arenas, women are frequently reduced to supporting roles, overshadowed by male figures who dominate community-level decision-making spaces. Women face significant barriers, with the Africa Gender Index showing economic parity for women at just 58.2 percent.
Only 37 percent of African women have access to financial services, compared to 48 percent of men, limiting their ability to grow businesses or fund political campaigns. In agriculture, women struggle to secure loans despite their vital role in food security. Additionally, inadequate workplace policies, like paid maternity leave, force women to choose between careers and caregiving.
These systemic challenges stifle women’s leadership potential. Addressing them is both a matter of fairness and economic necessity, as empowering women benefits entire communities. Dismantling these barriers requires intentional action to create environments where women can lead and innovate without constraints.
Unlocking African women’s leadership potential requires intentional efforts from governments, organisations, and society. Key strategies include implementing gender-responsive policies, such as closing educational gaps for girls and enforcing equal pay.
This ties into the theme for International Women’s Month 2025: ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ It highlights the need to break down barriers that hold women back from leadership and create real opportunities for them to thrive. By making gender equality a priority and driving systemic change, we can build a future where African women and girls have the power to lead on their own terms.
Rwanda’s gender quota system, for instance, has ensured consistent female representation in governance, setting a global benchmark. Similarly, South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act has promoted female entrepreneurship, while the African Women Leadership Fund empowers women to scale their businesses through access to capital.
Mentorship and networking programmes, like Women in Tech Africa, equip women with tools to navigate male-dominated industries, fostering confidence and ambition. Financial inclusion is also critical—expanding initiatives like Nigeria’s Bank of Industry’s Women Entrepreneurship Fund empowers women entrepreneurs to uplift communities.
Mentorship and networking programmes, like Women in Tech Africa, equip women with tools to navigate male-dominated industries, fostering confidence and ambition. Financial inclusion is also critical—expanding initiatives like Nigeria’s Bank of Industry’s Women Entrepreneurship Fund empowers women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and uplift communities.
Inclusive workplace policies, such as flexible work arrangements and affordable childcare, enable women to pursue leadership without sacrificing personal responsibilities. Moreover, ensuring women’s representation in decision-making, as seen in Ghana’s Affirmative Action Bill, is essential for creating equitable governance structures.
Empowering African women in leadership is vital for economic and social progress. Women leaders bring diverse perspectives, inspire innovation, and drive community-focused development. Sustaining this momentum requires inclusive policies, supportive workplace environments, and a collective societal commitment.
As the proverb says, “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” By empowering women, Africa unlocks its true potential, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
Bukonla Adebakin, Chief Operating Officer of Intense Group, is also the Lead Consultant at ImpactyOn Africa, and author of “Profit of Purpose: Managing Financial Accounting and Reporting for Social Entrepreneurs.”
Contact: @Bukonlaadebakin on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.