We honour 20 trailblazing women leaders at the helm of country and regional offices of multinational corporations and organizations in Africa. These women are breaking barriers and leading as role models for emerging and future women leaders. Women CEOs in Africa are rare, occupying only 5% of the top positions, according to McKinsey’s Women Matter Africa report (2016). Africa’s Women’s Day is a day to honour and acknowledge the vital role women play as the backbone of our economies and their significant contributions to Africa’s inclusive growth and sustainable development agenda. Here are some of the phenomenal women leaders from across diverse sectors including, banking, technology and telecommunications who have made it to the top. See the full list: Dr Afua Asabea Asare – CEO Ghana Export Promotion Council, Ghana Dr. Asabea Asare led the development and launch of the National Export Development Strategy, targeting $25.3 billion in export earnings by 2029. Her leadership in GEPA has boosted Ghana’s export potential and empowered women entrepreneurs, contributing to economic diversification and growth. Funke Opeke – Founder & CEO of Main One Cable Company, Nigeria Funke founded MainOne, a key player in West Africa’s telecom sector, renowned for its $240 million undersea cable project. Despite challenges, she secured funding for transformative projects that boosted local tech growth. MainOne’s 2022 acquisition by Equinix highlights Opeke’s strategic vision for advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure. Ndidi Nwuneli – CEO One Campaign, Nigeria With 25+ years in international development, she focuses on agriculture, nutrition, and social innovation in Africa. Ndidi is referred to as a multilingual leader capable of bridging sectors and geographies. She aims to enhance financing, policies, and activism amidst economic and climate challenges. Diane Karusisi – Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Kigali Plc, Rwanda Dr. Karusisi stands out for her role in shaping Rwanda’s economic policies. Under her leadership, the Bank of Kigali, the largest bank in Rwanda, has achieved substantial growth through digital transformation and financial inclusion. She is also dedicated to mentoring young professionals and promoting gender equality. Catherine Lesetedi – Group CEO, Botswana Insurance Holdings Ltd, Botswana With over two decades of experience, Catherine has strengthened BIHL’s market presence through strategic vision, innovation, and customer-centric solutions, making it a leading insurance provider in Botswana. Her leadership and contributions have earned several accolades, highlighting her dedication to financial inclusion and economic development in the region. Dara Treseder – Chief Marketing Officer, Autodesk Dara has made significant contributions to global and African markets, previously holding key positions at Carbon and Peloton. Recognized as one of Africa’s top 50 Corporate and Career Women by Leading Ladies Africa, her work focuses on amplifying authentic diversity and inclusion efforts within organizations, and she advocates for the untapped potential of African consumers in the global market. Agnes Gathaiya – Country Director Google, Eastern Africa, Kenya Agnes has more than 23 years of progressive experience in organizational transformation, predominantly focused on developing strategy and providing commercial leadership in sales and business development. She was also recognized in 2010 as a Top 40 Under 40 Woman by Business Daily. Xoliswa Daku – CEO, Daku Group of Companies, South Africa Apart from running a 100% black-owned firm specializing in mixed-use property development and management, Daku launched the Daku Group Academy in 2017, focusing on mentoring women in business across South Africa and providing essential skills and opportunities. Through the academy, Daku aims to bridge the gap in business education and support, fostering a new generation of female leaders and entrepreneurs. Caroline Abel – Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles, Seychelles Caroline Abel is the first woman to serve as…