{"id":113745,"date":"2026-02-02T15:04:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T15:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=113745"},"modified":"2026-02-02T15:04:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T15:04:45","slug":"opoku-agyemang-hanna-tetteh-and-martha-pobee-named-among-2025-100-most-influential-african-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=113745","title":{"rendered":"Opoku-Agyemang, Hanna Tetteh, and Martha Pobee\u00a0named among 2025 100 most influential African Women\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has been ranked among the 2025 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The annual ranking recognises African women whose leadership, influence, and accomplishments continue to shape decision-making at the highest levels locally and internationally.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other Ghanaians on the list include: H.E. Amma Twum-Amoah, Major General Anita Asmah, H.E. Anita Kiki Gbeho, H.E. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, H.E. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Adelaide Siaw Agyepong.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Opoku-Agyemang,<\/figure>\n

The ranking, which is also in its seventh (7th) year, highlights women who have risen through corporate leadership, founded impactful institutions, influenced policy, and set global standards across governance, diplomacy, business, media, climate change, civil society, philanthropy, sports, and the creative industries.<\/p>\n

The 2025 publication features influential women drawn from 32 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of female leadership across the continent. Nigeria emerged as the most represented country on the list with 20 women, followed by South Africa (8), Ghana (8), Kenya (8), Zimbabwe (6) and Egypt (5), making up the top countries with the highest number of featured women. Collectively, these countries account for a significant proportion of Africa\u2019s female leaders operating at national, regional, and global levels.<\/p>\n

\"Opoku-Agyemang,<\/figure>\n

A strong political presence defines this year\u2019s ranking, with two sitting Presidents and one former President featured. They include H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, H.E. Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, and H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia. The list also recognises eight Vice Presidents, among them H.E. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang of Ghana, H.E. Jessica Alupo of Uganda, H.E. Esperan\u00e7a da Costa of Angola, H.E. Mariam Chabi Talata of Benin, H.E. Mutale Nalumango of Zambia, and H.E. Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior of South Sudan, underscoring the growing role of women in executive political leadership across Africa.<\/p>\n

Global governance and multilateral institutions feature prominently in the ranking, with several women holding senior leadership positions at the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Development Bank Group, the World Trade Organisation, and other international bodies. Notable figures include H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; H.E. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa; Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; and H.E. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Africa.<\/p>\n

Beyond governance and diplomacy, corporate leadership is represented by women such as Dr. Owen Omogiafo, Folorunso Alakija, Mpumi Madisa and Delphine Traor\u00e9 Maidou, while media influence is reflected through global journalists including Nima Elbagir, Anne Soy, and Salma Abdelaziz. In arts, entertainment, and sports, the list features internationally celebrated figures such as Ang\u00e9lique Kidjo, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Tyla, and Olympic champion-turned-IOC President Kirsty Coventry.<\/p>\n

Civil society, climate advocacy, and philanthropy remain key pillars of influence within the ranking. Women such as Dr. Rasha Kelej, Gra\u00e7a Machel, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Jaha Dukureh, and Zouera Youssoufou are recognised for their sustained commitment to social justice, development financing, gender advocacy, and community transformation across Africa.<\/p>\n

According to Avance Media, selection into the 100 Most Influential African Women ranking is based on excellence in leadership and performance, personal accomplishments, commitment to sharing knowledge, the ability to break the status quo, and demonstrable impact as accomplished African women operating at national, continental, and global levels.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the release, Prince Akpah, Managing Director of Avance Media, said the ranking is part of the organisation\u2019s broader mission to reshape Africa\u2019s global narrative. \u201cThese women are not only breaking barriers; they are redefining power, leadership, and influence across Africa and the world. This publication documents their impact while inspiring the next generation of African women leaders to pursue excellence without limits,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The 100 Most Influential African Women ranking serves as both a celebration of achievement and a record of contemporary African leadership, reaffirming the critical role women continue to play in shaping Africa\u2019s future and its engagement with the global community.<\/p>\n

Below is Avance Media\u2019s 2025 100 Most Influential African Women, arranged in alphabetical order:\u00a0<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Adelaide Siaw Agyepong || CEO, African Agribusiness Consortium<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Ahunna Eziakonwa (H.E.) || Regional Director for Africa, UNDP<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Amina J. Mohammed (H.E.) || Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Amma Twum-Amoah (H.E.) || Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS), African Union<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Angeline Murimirwa || CEO, CAMFED<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0Ang\u00e9lique Kidjo || Singer & Songwriter\u200b<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Anita Asmah (Major-General) || Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNDOF\u200bUnited Nations<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0Anita Kiki Gbeho (H.E.) || Deputy Special Representative in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0Anna Mutavati (H.E.) || Regional Director (East and Southern Africa), UN Women<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0Anne Soy || Journalist & OAP, BBC<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0Ayisha Osori || CEO, Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0Ayra Starr || Singer & Songwriter\u200b<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0Beatrice Chebet || Athlete\u200b<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0Bimbo Ademoye || Actresss & Filmmaker\u200b<\/p>\n

15.\u00a0Bintou Keita (H.E.) || Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC, United Nations<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0Bogolo Kenewendo || Minister of Minerals & Energy, Botswana<\/p>\n

17.\u00a0Boitumelo Mosako || CEO, Development Bank of Southern Africa<\/p>\n

18.\u00a0Claire Mawisa \u00a0|| Journalist & OAP, DSTV<\/p>\n

19.\u00a0Clare Akamanzi || CEO, NBA Africa\u00a0<\/p>\n

20.\u00a0Clementine Nkweta-Salami || Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, United Nations<\/p>\n

21.\u00a0Damtien L. Tchintchibidja (H.E) || Vice-President, ECOWAS Commission<\/p>\n

22.\u00a0Delphine Traor\u00e9 Maidou || CEO, Allianz Africa<\/p>\n

23.\u00a0Diene Keita (H.E.) || Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)<\/p>\n

24.\u00a0Edith Kimani || Journalist & OAP, DW<\/p>\n

25.\u00a0Elizabeth Maruma Mrema (H.E) || Deputy Executive Director, UNEP<\/p>\n

26.\u00a0Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (H.E.) || Former President, Republic of Liberia<\/p>\n

27.\u00a0Esperan\u00e7a da Costa (H.E.) || Vice-President, Angola<\/p>\n

28.\u00a0Fatima Maada Bio (H.E.) || First Lady, Sierra Leone<\/p>\n

29.\u00a0Fatou Jeng || Founder, Clean Earth Gambia<\/p>\n

30.\u00a0Fatou Sow Sarr (Prof) || Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, ECOWAS<\/p>\n

31.\u00a0Folly Bah Thibault || Journalist & OAP, Al Jazeera\u00a0<\/p>\n

32.\u00a0Folorunso Alakija || GMD, Rose of Sharon Group<\/p>\n

33.\u00a0Funke Akindele || Actress & Filmmaker\u200b<\/p>\n

34.\u00a0Ghizlane Chebbak \u00a0|| Footballer, Al Hilal SFC and the Morocco Women\u2019s National Team<\/p>\n

35.\u00a0Gra\u00e7a Machel || Founder, Gra\u00e7a Machel Trust<\/p>\n

36.\u00a0Hanan Morsy || Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa<\/p>\n

37.\u00a0Hanna Serwaa Tetteh (H.E.) || Special Representative, USG \u00a0& Head of UNSMIL (Libya), United Nations<\/p>\n

38.\u00a0Hannan Sulieman (H.E.) || Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF<\/p>\n

39.\u00a0Hassatou Diop N\u2019Sele || Vice President, Finance & CFO, African Development Bank Group<\/p>\n

40.\u00a0Hend Sabry || Actress\u200b<\/p>\n

41.\u00a0Ireti Samuel-Ogbu || Board Chair, Africa Finance Corporation<\/p>\n

42.\u00a0Jaha Dukureh || Founder, Safe Hands for Girls<\/p>\n

43.\u00a0Jane Naana Opoku\u2011Agyemang (H.E.) || Vice President, Ghana<\/p>\n

44.\u00a0Jessica Alupo (H.E.) || Vice President, Uganda<\/p>\n

45.\u00a0Joyce Cleopa Msuya Mpanju (H.E.) || Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations<\/p>\n

46.\u00a0Judith Suminwa Tuluka || Prime Minister, DRC<\/p>\n

47.\u00a0Julia Sebutinde || Vice President, International Court of Justice\u00a0<\/p>\n

48.\u00a0Julie Gichuru (Dr.) \u00a0|| Founder, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute (ALADI)<\/p>\n

49.\u00a0Kanayo Awani\u200b\u00a0|| Executive Vice President, Afreximbank<\/p>\n

50.\u00a0Kirsty Coventry || President, International Olympic Committee (IOC)<\/p>\n

51.\u00a0Leila Benali || Minister of Energy Transition & Sustainable Development, Morocco<\/p>\n

52.\u00a0Lerato Dorothy Mataboge (H.E.) || Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union<\/p>\n

53.\u00a0Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.) || Vice President, Republic of Benin<\/p>\n

54.\u00a0Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre (H.E.) || CEO, African Peer Review Mechanism<\/p>\n

55.\u00a0Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee (H.E.) || Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Africa, United Nations<\/p>\n

56.\u00a0Mary-Jean Moyo || Chief of Staff, International Finance Corporation\u00a0<\/p>\n

57.\u00a0Mo Abudu || CEO, Ebonylife Group<\/p>\n

58.\u00a0Mosun Layode || Executive Director, African Philanthropy Forum<\/p>\n

59.\u00a0Mpumi Madisa \u00a0|| CEO, Bidvest Group<\/p>\n

60.\u00a0Mutale Nalumango (H.E.) || Vice President, Zambia<\/p>\n

61.\u00a0Nardos Bekele-Thomas (H.E.) || CEO, AUDA- NEPAD<\/p>\n

62.\u00a0Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (H.E.) || President, Republic of Namibia<\/p>\n

63.\u00a0Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Dr.) \u00a0|| Director General, World Trade Organisation<\/p>\n

64.\u00a0Nima Elbagir || Chief International Investigative Correspondent, CNN<\/p>\n

65.\u00a0Nnenna Lily Nwabufo || Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, African Development Bank Group<\/p>\n

66.\u00a0Nomsa Philiso || Director, Content General Entertainment, Canal+ Africa<\/p>\n

67.\u00a0Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda || Deputy Executive Director, UN Women<\/p>\n

68.\u00a0Oluwatoyin Sanni (Dr.) || CEO, Emerging Africa Group<\/p>\n

69.\u00a0Omoni Oboli || Actress & Filmmaker<\/p>\n

70.\u00a0Oulie Keita (Dr.) || Executive Director, Greenpeace Africa<\/p>\n

71.\u00a0Owen Omogiafo (Dr.) || Group CEO, Transcorp<\/p>\n

72.\u00a0Phoebe N. Okowa || Judge, International Court of Justice<\/p>\n

73.\u00a0Priscillah Mabelane || Executive Vice President, Sasol<\/p>\n

74.\u00a0Rasha Kelej (Dr.) || CEO, Merck Foundation<\/p>\n

75.\u00a0Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior (H.E.) || Vice President, South Sudan<\/p>\n

76.\u00a0Rica Rwigamba || Country Director, Ghana Programs, Mastercard Foundation<\/p>\n

77.\u00a0Rose Mwebaza (H.E.) || Regional Director for Africa, UNEP<\/p>\n

78.\u00a0Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila || Speaker, National Assembly of Namibia<\/p>\n

79.\u00a0Salma Abdelaziz || OAP & Correspondent, CNN<\/p>\n

80.\u00a0Samia Suluhu Hassan (H.E.) || President, United Republic of Tanzania<\/p>\n

81.\u00a0Sanda Ojiambo (H.E.) || Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Global Compact<\/p>\n

82.\u00a0Selma Malika Haddadi (H.E) || Deputy Chairperson, African Union<\/p>\n

83.\u00a0Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey (Hon) || Secretary-General, Commonwealth<\/p>\n

84.\u00a0Somachi Chris-Asoluka || CEO, The Tony Elumelu Foundation<\/p>\n

85.\u00a0Souad Abderrahim || Mayor, Municipality of Tunis<\/p>\n

86.\u00a0Taaka Awori || CEO, Busara Africa\u00a0<\/p>\n

87.\u00a0Tems || Singer & Songwriter\u200b<\/p>\n

88.\u00a0Tiwa Savage || Singer & Songwriter<\/p>\n

89.\u00a0Tsitsi Masiyiwa || Co-founder, Higherlife Foundation<\/p>\n

90.\u00a0Tyla || Singer & Songwriter\u200b<\/p>\n

91.\u00a0Valentine Rugwabiza (H.E.) || Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Central African Republic, United Nations<\/p>\n

92.\u00a0Vera Daves de Sousa || Minister of Finance, Angola<\/p>\n

93.\u00a0Vera Songwe (Dr.) || Chair & Founder, Liquidity and Sustainability Facility<\/p>\n

94.\u00a0Veronica Mueni Nduva (H.E.) || Secretary General, East African Community (EAC)<\/p>\n

95.\u00a0Winnie Byanyima (H.E.) || Executive Director, UNAIDS<\/p>\n

96.\u00a0Yasmine Fouad (H.E.) || Under\u2011Secretary\u2011General & Executive Secretary, UNCCD<\/p>\n

97.\u00a0Yasmine Sabri || Actress\u200b<\/p>\n

98.\u00a0Zainab Hawa Bangura (H.E.) || Director General, United Nations Office at Nairobi\u00a0<\/p>\n

99.\u00a0Zanele Muholi || Activist\u200b<\/p>\n

100.\u00a0Zouera Youssoufou || CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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