Call for Nominations: Celebrating Africa’s Next Generation of Women Leaders
Across Africa, a powerful movement is unfolding. Young women are building businesses, leading teams, creating solutions, and reshaping industries — often without the recognition they deserve. These women are proving that leadership has no age limit and that impact can begin early. At She Leads Africa, we believe it is essential to intentionally celebrate and amplify women who are still growing, building, and becoming. That is why, in honour of International Women’s Day 2025, we are launching the Top 50 Under 30 Rising Motherland Moguls — a list dedicated to recognising outstanding young African women who are already making a meaningful difference. Why Celebrating Growing African Women Matters Too often, women are told to wait — wait until they are older, more established, more visible, or more “successful” before their work is celebrated. But growth deserves recognition too. By spotlighting women in the early and mid-stages of their careers and businesses, we: Celebrating growing African women is not just about applause — it’s about creating pathways, confidence, and community. When young women see themselves reflected in success stories, it expands what they believe is possible. About the Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls The Top 50 Under 30 Rising Motherland Moguls list recognizes African women under 30 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact through their work. These women are founders, co-founders, and career trailblazers who are: They are not just future leaders — they are leading now. Who Can Be Nominated? We welcome nominations from all industries, including STEM, finance, education, media, oil and gas, marketing, content creation, business, and more. Impact knows no sector, and excellence exists everywhere. To be eligible, nominees must: You may nominate yourself or nominate another deserving woman Join Us in Celebrating Excellence This initiative is a call to the community — to look around, pay attention, and uplift the women who are quietly and boldly doing the work. It is an invitation to celebrate progress, courage, and vision. If you know a young African woman who is breaking barriers, creating change, and building something meaningful, now is the time to honour her story. The deadline for nominations is January 30th, 2026. Let’s tell the stories of women who are rising — not someday, but now. Nominate today and help us celebrate Africa’s next generation of women leaders
Your 2026 Reset: How African Women Can Plan Careers, Money, and Growth With Intention
With the start of a new year, many African women find themselves reflecting quietly. Not just on what they achieved, but on how they feel — tired, proud, uncertain, hopeful, or all of the above. A new year has a way of forcing honesty. It asks questions we often avoid during busy seasons: Am I growing? Am I fulfilled? Am I building something sustainable — or just surviving? Before jumping into new resolutions and ambitious goal lists, it may be more powerful to pause and reset. A reset doesn’t mean starting over. It means keeping what works, releasing what doesn’t, and moving forward with intention. Rethinking Career Growth Beyond Titles For many women, career planning has long been tied to job titles, promotions, or company names. But the realities of today’s work environment have made one thing clear: titles change, but skills create leverage. As you prepare for the year ahead, it’s worth reflecting on what truly moved your career forward this year. Which skills opened doors? Which responsibilities stretched you? Where did you feel underutilised or unseen? Growth in the coming year may not come from a new role, but from deepening your expertise, improving your leadership capacity, or positioning yourself more strategically within your industry. The question to carry into the new year is not just where you want to work, but who you want to become. Approaching Income and Business With Clarity Whether you run a business, manage a side hustle, or earn a salary, starting a new year offers an opportunity to look honestly at your income. Many women equate growth with doing more — more clients, more projects, more hours. But sustainable progress often comes from doing less, better. Which efforts actually paid off this year? Which drained your energy without meaningful returns? Where did you undervalue your time, skills, or ideas? The coming year is an opportunity to choose clarity over chaos. Simplifying your income streams, refining your offerings, and making intentional decisions about how you earn can create more stability than constant hustle ever will. Shifting From Money Survival to Money Strategy For many African women, money conversations are shaped by responsibility — supporting family, navigating uncertainty, and preparing for the unexpected. As a result, financial decisions are often reactive rather than strategic. Resetting your relationship with money begins with awareness. Understanding where your money goes, how it supports your goals, and where it limits your options is a form of self-leadership. As you plan for the year ahead, consider what financial security truly means to you. Is it an emergency fund? Investments? Freedom to make career choices without fear? Money is not just about comfort — it is about choice, agency, and long-term power. Leading Yourself With Boundaries and Intention Burnout has become so common that many women no longer recognise it as a warning sign. Instead, exhaustion is normalised, and rest is postponed for “later.” But growth that comes at the cost of your wellbeing is not sustainable. Resetting for the new year may require redefining what productivity looks like. It may mean saying no more often, protecting your time, and releasing the need to meet every expectation placed on you. Personal leadership is not only about how you show up for others, but how you honour your own capacity. Moving Forward With Purpose You do not need to have every detail of the coming year mapped out. You only need clarity about what matters, courage to make intentional choices, and the willingness to adjust as you grow. At She Leads Africa, we believe African women deserve the tools, community, and confidence to build lives and careers that reflect their values — not just external definitions of success. As the new year approaches, consider this your permission to reset, realign, and move forward on your own terms.
The Women Who Won 2025: Lessons African Women Can Carry Into the New Year
As the year comes to an end, it’s important to pause and acknowledge what winning really looked like in 2025. Not just the viral success stories or billion-dollar headlines, but the steady growth, bold pivots, quiet resilience, and intentional leadership demonstrated by African women across the continent and diaspora. This year reminded us that success doesn’t come in one shape — and neither does leadership. Here are key lessons from African women who won in 2025, and what we can all carry forward into the new year. 1. Visibility Is a Strategy, Not Vanity Women who made the most impact this year didn’t just do the work — they shared the work. From founders consistently telling their stories online to professionals confidently owning their expertise in meetings and public spaces, one thing was clear: visibility creates opportunity. Lesson:If people don’t know what you do, they can’t recommend, fund, promote, or support you. In 2026, make visibility part of your growth plan. 2. Consistency Beat Perfection Many women who saw growth this year weren’t necessarily the most resourced — they were the most consistent. They showed up even when results were slow. They launched before they felt “ready.” They learned publicly and improved along the way. Lesson:You don’t need to have it all figured out to make progress. Consistent action compounds faster than waiting for perfect conditions. 3. Community Was the Real Competitive Advantage Across industries, African women leaned into community — collaborations, partnerships, mentorship circles, and peer networks. Those who scaled faster did not do it alone. Lesson:Success accelerates when you stop trying to do everything by yourself. Invest in communities that challenge you, support you, and open doors. 4. Saying No Created Space for Bigger Yeses Some of the biggest wins this year came after women walked away from roles, contracts, habits, or expectations that no longer served them. Letting go wasn’t failure — it was strategy. Lesson:Growth often requires subtraction. In the new year, ask yourself what you need to release to make room for what’s next. 5. Redefining Success Was a Power Move For many women, winning in 2025 wasn’t about doing more — it was about doing what mattered. They built businesses that aligned with their values, chose rest without guilt, and pursued success on their own terms. Lesson:You don’t have to inherit anyone else’s definition of success. Build a life and career that actually fits you. As we step into a new year, let these lessons remind you that progress is possible, leadership is personal, and African women continue to shape the future in powerful ways. Which lesson are you carrying into the new year?
“READINESS IS NOT A DESTINATION”: BELLA DISU’S TEDx TALK INVITES US TO CONFRONT HESITATION AND BEGIN
Bella Disu’s TEDx Ikoyi talk, “Say Yes Now: Why Readiness is a Myth,” is resonating widely for its clarity and emotional honesty — not because it targets one group, but because it speaks to something universal: we hesitate at the very moment we need to move. In the talk, she reflects on the quiet weight of waiting — the belief that one more milestone, one more qualification, or one perfect condition is needed before taking a step. Psychologists call this destination addiction: the belief that readiness lies somewhere ahead instead of here and now. Disu shared her own turning point at 38, when she finally met her “whole self” — the creative, the changemaker, the lifelong learner — not through perfect preparation, but through a simple act of courage: deciding to stop walking within the same walls. One of the most powerful lines in the talk underscores the ripple effect of choosing courage: “Saying yes never ends with you… each yes becomes a light for someone else.” Her message is both simple and liberating: • Readiness is not found in advance — it is formed in motion. • Growth begins not when we feel prepared, but when we choose to begin. Say yes once — even when inconvenient or imperfect — and everything begins to shift. Watch the TEDx Ikoyi talk here: Say Yes Now: Why Readiness is a Myth | Bella Disu | TEDxIkoyi
How to Build a Thriving Online Community in Africa
In today’s digital age, community is currency. From WhatsApp groups of women entrepreneurs to thriving Instagram pages sharing career advice, online communities have become the new power networks across Africa. They connect, educate, and empower millions — and if built intentionally, they can become engines of growth, collaboration, and impact. So, how do you go from an idea to a thriving online tribe that engages, grows, and sustains itself? Let’s break it down. 1. Start with a Clear Purpose Every strong community begins with why.What do you want to achieve? Who are you serving? Why should they care? Your purpose is your north star — it shapes your messaging, tone, and how people connect with your brand. For instance, She Leads Africa’s mission is to help young African women achieve their professional dreams. Every post, event, and conversation ties back to that purpose. Pro tip: Write a short, clear mission statement like: “We empower African creatives to turn passion into income through collaboration and digital skills.” 2. Know Your Audience — Deeply You can’t build for people you don’t understand.Spend time learning about your audience’s needs, challenges, and aspirations. Are they students looking for mentorship? Young professionals trying to level up? Entrepreneurs seeking funding? Use polls, surveys, and social listening to gather insights. When you speak directly to their reality — their language, culture, and pain points — your community feels personal and relevant. 3. Choose the Right Platform Not every platform works for every audience. Choose the platform your audience already loves — and focus your energy there before expanding. 3. Choose the Right Platform Not every platform works for every audience. Choose the platform your audience already loves — and focus your energy there before expanding. 4. Create Valuable, Culturally Relevant Content Value keeps people coming back. Whether it’s live sessions, tutorials, or relatable memes — make sure your content educates, inspires, or entertains. Don’t copy global trends blindly. Localize your content. Use African examples, stories, and humor. Collaborate with influencers who get your audience — not just those with big numbers. Example: A finance community for women could host Instagram Lives with African female investors or share weekly “Money Mondays” tips tailored to local economies. 5. Build Relationships, Not Just Followers Community is built on connection, not clout.Respond to comments. Celebrate member wins. Ask questions. Host meetups (virtual or physical). Make your members feel seen and valued. Encourage user-generated content — it gives members ownership and builds trust. The more people feel part of something bigger, the stronger the community becomes. 6. Collaborate and Cross-Promote Partnerships can accelerate your growth.Collaborate with other communities, brands, or creators that share your mission. Joint events, giveaways, or content collaborations expose you to new audiences and create win-win visibility. 7. Be Consistent and Authentic People join for value but stay for authenticity.Don’t overpromise or try to sound perfect. Be transparent, share your journey, and stay consistent — even when engagement is low. Real growth takes time. 8. Measure What Matters Track your community’s progress with metrics like engagement rate, retention, and conversion. But beyond numbers, measure impact: Are people learning? Networking? Growing? Regularly ask your members for feedback — it shows you care and helps you evolve. Building a thriving online community in Africa isn’t about having the biggest numbers — it’s about impact. When you create spaces that are genuine, inclusive, and purposeful, you not only grow a following — you grow a movement. So whether you’re starting a niche podcast community in Nairobi, a coding club in Lagos, or a digital sisterhood across the continent — remember: your community has the power to transform lives.
Celebrating 10 Years of She Leads Africa
She Leads Africa, the continent’s leading platform for African women entrepreneurs, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of programs, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at supporting and connecting young African women. Since its founding, She Leads Africa has engaged millions of people online and supported thousands of women in person across cities including Lagos, London, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. The organization has focused on providing both practical business skills and community support, creating platforms where women can connect, learn, and grow. According to co-founder Yasmin Belo-Osagie, “Back then, we didn’t have all the answers — but we had conviction. We believed that African women were not waiting to be ‘empowered.’ We were already leading — building businesses, shaping communities, reimagining the future. All we needed was a platform to connect, to learn, and to be seen.” Over the past decade, She Leads Africa has trained entrepreneurs, supported startups, and hosted summits, consistently emphasizing the creation of spaces—both digital and physical—where women can pursue ambitious goals and share their successes. Partnerships with organizations across industries have been key in enabling the platform to expand its reach and impact. Looking forward, She Leads Africa aims to scale programs that expand access to skills development and unlock greater economic opportunities for African women. The organization sees a generation ready to lead, innovate, and drive growth across the continent. To provide a detailed account of its work and measurable impact over the past ten years, She Leads Africa has published its 2025 Impact Report, which includes insights into programs, success stories, and the transformative outcomes of its initiatives. Read the full report and explore She Leads Africa’s 10-year journey:
Sandra Amachree Inspires a New Era of Female-Led Innovation and Sustainability in Africa
Sandra takes centre stage on a panel discussion titled “Frugal, Fast, and Future-ready: Driving Innovation in Resource-Constrained Markets.”
What You Think You Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer Versus the Medical Facts
It’s a scary truth: HPV myths are everywhere, and they’re keeping people misinformed. Misinformation keeps our women and girls unprotected and vulnerable to high-risk strains of HPV and then cervical cancer. It also shames women into silence. With the #StopHPVForHer campaign, we’re cutting through the noise with facts. The truth is, cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. We want to put that power back into your hands. What matters is getting the facts right and having accurate information, accessible vaccination, and regular screening. Below, we tackle the biggest myths about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention. We’ve also compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine, because you deserve clear answers to protect your daughter and yourself too. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Only people who are promiscuous get HPV False. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, even those in monogamous relationships. HPV is rare False. It is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will get at least one type of HPV during their lives. If I have HPV, I will definitely develop cancer False. In 9 out of 10 cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. Cancer only occurs when a high-risk HPV infection persists. HPV only affects women False. HPV affects men as well, causing anal, penile, throat, and head/neck cancers, and genital warts. You can only get HPV through penetrative sex False. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often during intimate contact, not just intercourse. Condoms prevent HPV transmission Partially true, but misleading. Condoms can lower the risk, but they don’t cover all genital skin, so HPV transmission is still possible. HPV is the same as HIV or Herpes False. HPV is a different virus. Unlike HIV, most HPV infections are harmless and clear up on their own. The HPV vaccine is only for teenagers False. While most effective when given early (9-14), the vaccine is recommended for individuals up to age 26 who haven’t been vaccinated, and some adults up to 45 may decide to get it after consulting their doctor. Please consult your doctor for medical advice. If I have warts, I will get cancer False. Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV (usually types 6 and 11), which do not cause cervical cancer. HPV only affects older people False. Research from the USA shows that HPV infection rates are highest among young adults and teenagers. I have to have symptoms to have HPV False. HPV is often called the “silent infection” because most people with the virus have no signs or symptoms and never know they have it. If my daughter gets the vaccine, she will become promiscuous False. Studies globally have shown no link between receiving the HPV vaccine and an increase in sexual activity or risk-taking behavior in adolescents. The vaccine is not safe; it causes serious side effects False. Research from global health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms that the HPV vaccine has been rigorously tested and is proven to be safe and highly effective. Data shows that serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild and short-term, like soreness or redness at the injection site. If I’m already sexually active, the vaccine won’t work False. Even if you’ve been exposed to one type of HPV, the vaccine can still protect you against other types you haven’t contracted yet. Consult with your doctor for medical advice and screening. Only women who have had many partners need the vaccine False. The vaccine protects against low and high-risk HPV types, and even a person with only one partner is at risk of exposure. The vaccine also protects against low risk HPV types that cause genital warts. I can get tested for HPV with a blood test False. The HPV test for cancer screening uses a swab of cervical cells. There is no standard blood test for HPV. Once I clear HPV, I am immune forever False. While your body can clear an infection, it does not make you immune to contracting HPV in the future. HPV is preventable by using antibiotics False. HPV is a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against it. Vaccination is the primary prevention tool. My daughter is too young to think about HPV False. Health experts have selected ages 9-14 are the optimal time for vaccination because it targets protection before any potential exposure and research suggests a stronger immune response. If I have a new partner, I need an HPV test right away False. Routine HPV screening is only done as part of cervical cancer screening, typically starting from the age of 21 to 65. It’s once every 3 years if you do the Pap smear VIA or VILI, and once every 5 years if you do the HPV DNA testing. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is hereditary False. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent high-risk type HPV infection, not genetics. Cervical cancer is always a death sentence False. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers if detected and treated early. Once I’m vaccinated, I never need screening False. The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types, but regular screenings (Pap smears and HPV tests) are still necessary. Cervical cancer is the same as uterine cancer False. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus); uterine cancer starts in the main body of the uterus (endometrium). The only symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding False. While abnormal bleeding is common, other symptoms can include pelvic pain, pain during sex, or unusual discharge. I am too old to worry about cervical cancer False. While the risk is present in younger women, most cervical cancer diagnoses occur in women over the age of 40. Cervical cancer is caused by stress or poor diet False. While lifestyle factors affect overall health, the direct cause of
Why Your Mental Health Matters as an Entrepreneur
Introduction: The Hidden Side of Hustle Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as freedom — freedom to create, to lead, to innovate. But what’s rarely talked about is the emotional weight of being the one who holds the vision, the payroll, and the pressure to “keep it all together.” For many African women entrepreneurs, the hustle culture is real — juggling business, family, finances, and expectations. Yet behind every success story, there’s often a silent battle with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Your mental health is not a luxury or a side project. It’s the engine that drives your creativity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The Connection Between Mental Health and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle that can blur the lines between personal well-being and business demands. Studies show that entrepreneurs are twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle with addiction than traditional employees. Why? Because founders often carry the emotional weight of: When your mind is overwhelmed, your productivity, innovation, and resilience all take a hit. Why Prioritizing Mental Health Boosts Productivity Many entrepreneurs think rest is a reward for success — but in truth, it’s the fuel for it.Here’s how a healthy mind makes you a stronger business leader: The Burnout Cycle (and How to Break It) Burnout often creeps in quietly — late nights, skipped meals, canceled social plans — until suddenly you’re running on empty. Signs of burnout include: To break the cycle: Practical Self-Care Tips for African Women Entrepreneurs The Bigger Picture: Redefining Strength As African women leaders, we’re often taught that strength means endurance — keep going no matter what. But true strength is in awareness, balance, and sustainability. Your business is an extension of you. If you thrive, it thrives.Investing in your mental health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make. Let’s shift the narrative. Success isn’t about how much you hustle — it’s about how well you honor your humanity while building your dreams. So, the next time you feel guilty for resting, remember: you are the most important asset your business has. Protect your peace, nurture your joy, and watch your impact multiply.
BellaNaija Launches #StopHPVForHer Campaign to Drive Awareness on HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention
Leading African digital media platform, BellaNaija, has launched a new health-focused campaign, #StopHPVForHer, to raise awareness on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical cancer