<\/p>\n Welcome to the 12th edition<\/a> of the Top 20 Inspirational Women from the African Diaspora & Indigenous Professional Women (ADIPWO), a list published to mark International Women\u2019s Day and celebrate the achievements of some of the most inspiring women from Africa both in the Diaspora and on the continent.<\/p>\n Previously the list was called the African Diaspora & Indigenous Professional Women. However, I\u2019ve been expanding the ADIPWO List<\/strong> to include more African women on the continent<\/strong>\u2014a reflection of the growing movement of African women returning home and thriving across industries.<\/p>\n These women are being celebrated for their achievements and for putting Africa on the global map.<\/p>\n There is no particular ranking for this list compiled using nominations from the members of the public, internet sources and personal inspiration.<\/p>\n Here are the Top 20 Inspirational Women from the African Diaspora Professional Women in Europe (ADIPWO) 2025.<\/p>\n News Release in English<\/a> & French<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBelonging doesn\u2019t mean assimilating to other\u2019s expectations\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Born amid civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Graci Harkema was left at an orphanage as an infant, not expected to survive. She was later adopted by an American missionary and raised in Michigan. Growing up as a Black, queer adoptee in a predominantly white community, she struggled with identity and belonging.<\/p>\n Now a leading consultant on diversity, equity, and inclusion, Harkema helps organizations foster safe and inclusive workplaces. Through her memoir Rising<\/em>, she shares her journey of self-acceptance, racial justice advocacy, and reconnecting with her birth mother\u2014turning her identity into her superpower<\/p>\n Breaking Barriers in the Skies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Lydie “Laye” Vissoh is an airline pilot at Air France, flying the Airbus A350. Inspired by her father, also a pilot, she developed a passion for aviation from a young age. With over a decade of experience, she thrives in a profession where women remain underrepresented, proving that the sky is open to all who dare to dream. Lydie\u2019s journey is an inspiration, reminding African women that they belong wherever they aspire to be\u2014including the cockpit.<\/p>\n Championing African Economic Growth <\/strong><\/p>\n Bogolo Joy Kenewendo is a Botswana economist, policy advisor, and Minister of of Minerals and Energy. As the youngest minister in Botswana\u2019s history, she championed economic reforms, trade development, and youth empowerment. Bogolo Joy is a vocal advocate for gender equality and climate resilience, playing a key role in shaping Africa\u2019s sustainable economic policies. Her leadership continues to inspire young Africans, especially women, to pursue impactful roles in business and governance.<\/p>\n Transforming Lives Through Strategic Giving<\/strong><\/p>\n Zouera Youssoufou is the Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Africa\u2019s largest private philanthropic organization. She leads high-impact initiatives in health, education, and economic empowerment, improving millions of lives across the continent. With a background in finance and development, she champions strategic philanthropy to drive sustainable change. Through her leadership, ADF is tackling poverty, malnutrition, and healthcare challenges, reinforcing Africa\u2019s path to inclusive growth.<\/p>\n Revolutionizing Education Through Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n Faraja Nyalandu is a Tanzanian social entrepreneur and lawyer committed to transforming education in Africa. As the founder and CEO of Shule Direct, she provides millions of students with digital learning tools, bridging educational gaps through technology. Her work ensures quality education for underserved communities, empowering youth with accessible resources. Faraja also supports women entrepreneurs through Ndoto Hub, fostering leadership and business growth. Recognized for her advocacy in girls\u2019 education and children\u2019s rights, she continues to drive social change in Tanzania.<\/p>\n Amplifying Voices, Empowering Communities<\/strong><\/p>\n Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African actress, producer, and humanitarian dedicated to social impact. Rising to fame in entertainment, she uses her platform to advocate for refugees, climate action, and education. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, she amplifies the voices of displaced people, driving global awareness and support. Through her foundation, she provides scholarships and resources for underserved youth. Nomzamo seamlessly blends glamour with activism, proving that influence can be a force for good.<\/p>\n Trailblazing Leader in Telecom & STEM<\/strong><\/p>\n Lucy Quist is a renowned business executive and the first Ghanaian woman to lead a multinational telecom company as CEO of Airtel Ghana. She was also Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and is a passionate advocate for STEM education, youth empowerment and leadership across Africa. With a background in engineering and finance, she has held key roles at Vodafone and Ecobank. Through her initiatives, she inspires young Africans to embrace innovation and leadership in technology.<\/p>\n Advancing Medicine Through African Plants<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Fanta Yadang is a pioneering neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research explores the medicinal properties of African plants for treating heart disease and Alzheimer\u2019s. Recognized by the L\u2019Or\u00e9al-UNESCO For Women in Science<\/em> program, she is at the forefront of integrating traditional herbal medicine with modern science. Overcoming gender and regional barriers, she inspires young African women to pursue STEM careers. Her work not only honours Africa\u2019s rich biodiversity but also paves the way for accessible, plant-based medical treatments.<\/p>\n Revolutionising African Furniture Design<\/strong><\/p>\n Jumoke Dada is the founder and CEO of Taeillo, a trailblazing furniture brand often called the “IKEA of Africa.” By merging contemporary design with African aesthetics, she creates stylish, locally made furniture that caters to the modern African lifestyle. Through innovative e-commerce strategies and a commitment to sustainability, Jumoke is reshaping the furniture industry across the continent. Her work not only boosts local manufacturing but also empowers African artisans, making high-quality, Afrocentric design accessible to a global audience.<\/p>\n Shaping African Future Leaders<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Kayissan Dominique Atayi (KDA) is a communications consultant, event expert, and mentor dedicated to empowering African youth and women. After eight years in corporate roles, she launched her entrepreneurial journey, founding KDA-PRO<\/em>, an agency specializing in high-level event planning, public relations, and image consulting.<\/p>\n Committed to sharing her expertise, she founded the KDA Mentorship Program<\/em>, a free initiative that equips Togolese students with leadership skills, career readiness, and personal development. Through engagement, discipline, and rigor, KDA is shaping a new generation of confident and empowered professionals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Championing Climate Action & Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n Wanjira Mathai is a globally recognized environmentalist and the daughter of Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai. As Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute, she leads efforts in reforestation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. A powerful advocate for Africa\u2019s green future, she has spearheaded initiatives like the AFR100, aiming to restore millions of hectares of degraded land. Her work continues her mother\u2019s legacy, empowering communities and shaping global environmental policies.<\/p>\n Redefining Made in Africa Sustainable Luxury <\/strong><\/p>\n Samia Ben Abdallah is the visionary founder of AWA<\/em>, a premium leather goods brand showcasing Tunisia\u2019s rich craftsmanship. Committed to sustainability and local artistry, she blends modern design with traditional techniques to create high-end bags and accessories. Through her work, she not only brings African luxury to the global stage but also empowers artisans and promotes job creation. Samia is also involved with EInA<\/em>, an initiative supporting employment and entrepreneurship in Africa.<\/p>\n Advancing Sustainable Business in Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n Rosalind Kainyah MBE is a corporate sustainability expert and business leader dedicated to responsible investment in Africa. As the founder of Kina Advisory, she helps businesses integrate sustainable practices while driving economic growth. With a background in law and extensive experience advising global corporations, she champions ethical business strategies that benefit both companies and African communities. Her thought leadership, including Africa\u2019s Hidden Gems<\/em> newsletter, highlights impactful yet underrepresented African enterprises.<\/p>\n Transforming Cashew Farming for Women<\/strong><\/p>\n Zineb Iraqi is a Moroccan social entrepreneur and co-founder of Maison Malak\u00e9<\/em>, a cooperative empowering women in the cashew nut industry across Morocco, C\u00f4te d’Ivoire, and Guinea. Through ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, she helps create economic opportunities for African women, ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions. Her work is revolutionizing the cashew value chain by promoting local processing and international market access, fostering financial independence for female farmers.<\/p>\n Creating African space where coffee and culture unite<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Djeneba Keita is the visionary behind Africaf\u00e9, a coffee shop that blends warmth, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of Africa. Driven by her love for Africa and passion for cuisine, she created a space where coffee and culture unite\u2014where you can enjoy Kenyan coffee in the morning, savor a Timbuktu dish for lunch, and indulge in a Bissap cheesecake for dessert. Through Africaf\u00e9, she redefines the coffee experience, offering a vibrant culinary journey that celebrates Africa\u2019s flavors and stories.<\/p>\n Breaking Barriers in Maritime Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n Simone Fafa K\u00e9k\u00e9 is Togo\u2019s first female deep-sea merchant navy captain, shattering gender barriers in the maritime sector. With unwavering determination, she has navigated a male-dominated field, proving that women can excel in leadership roles at sea. Her success inspires young African women to pursue careers in STEM and transportation industries, reinforcing that perseverance and passion can break any ceiling.<\/p>\n Empowering Africa\u2019s Entrepreneurs Through Innovation<\/strong><\/p>\n The late Marwa Cheikh-Youssef was a Moroccan architect and visionary entrepreneur dedicated to fostering innovation. She passed away in December 2024. As president of Hack&Pitch, she led initiatives that inspired young entrepreneurs across Morocco and Africa, organizing 150+ tech events, from hackathons to bootcamps. Passionate about economic empowerment, she blended architecture with entrepreneurship, creating incubators in underserved communities. Her leadership extended beyond Morocco, impacting Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Her legacy lives on through the thriving ecosystem she helped build, proving that entrepreneurship can transform lives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Amplifying Africa\u2019s Voice Through Media<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2007, Mame Dorine Gueye made the bold decision to leave Europe and return to Senegal. Mame founded \u00c9toile Africaine<\/em> to showcase and uplift African talent, culture, and entrepreneurship. Through a dynamic media platform\u2014including a magazine, website, high-quality audiovisual productions, and the Lenge<\/em> conference series\u2014she creates spaces for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and creative expression. Passionate about storytelling, she works tirelessly to spotlight Africa\u2019s creative excellence and drive its cultural and media evolution.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/francinebeleyi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMeet the Top 20 Inspirational Women of the African Diaspora & Indigenous Professional Women\u00a0 (ADIPWO) List 2025<\/b><\/h2>\n
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The Top 20 Inspirational Women of the African Diaspora & Indigenous Professional Women (ADIPWO) List 2025<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Graci Harkema, DEI Consultant & Speaker | Congo \u2013 USA<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Lydie “Laye” Vissoh, Airline Pilot | Benin- Senegal – France<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Economist, Minister | Botswana<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Zouera Youssoufou, Philanthropy & Development Leader | Niger- Nigeria<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, Founder & CEO, Shule Direct | Tanzania<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Nomzamo Mbatha, Actress & Humanitarian | South Africa<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Lucy Quist, Business Executive, Author | Ghana-UK<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Fanta Yadang, Neuroscientist & Researcher | Cameroon<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Jumoke Dada, Entrepreneur & Designer | Nigeria<\/h2>\n
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Kayissan Dominique Atayi (KDA), Communication\/Event Expert & Mentor | Togo<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Wanjira Mathai, Environmentalist & Climate Activist | Kenya<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Samia Ben Abdallah, Creative Director and founder | Tunisia<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Rosalind Kainyah MBE, Sustainability & Business Leader | Ghana – UK<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Zineb Iraqi, Social Entrepreneur | Morocco<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Djeneba Keita, Founder & Conductor of Africaf\u00e9 | Mali<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Simone Fafa K\u00e9k\u00e9, Merchant Navy Captain | Togo<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Marwa Cheikh-Youssef, Architect & Innovation Leader | Morocco<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Mame Dorine Gueye, Founder of \u00c9toile Africaine | Senegal<\/h2>\n