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
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.”
Redefining the Future: How Impact Hub and Bayer Foundation Empower Women Entrepreneurs to Transform Food and Health Systems in Africa and the Middle East
In a world where millions still lack access to basic healthcare and nutritious food, change is being written not in policy papers or boardrooms, but by women entrepreneurs building solutions at the heart of their communities.
From a Spark of Passion to a Global Creative Movement: The Story of For Creative Girls
When Gbemi Lolade first started For Creative Girls, she didn’t imagine it would grow into the vibrant, global community it is today. At the beginning, it wasn’t about building a company or leading a movement. It was simply about sharing her excitement for women whose creative work inspired her. She would find women doing brilliant, bold things and think: the world needs to see this. That spark—a passion for amplifying voices that often went unheard—became the seed for For Creative Girls. A Passion Project with Global Footprints What began as a personal project in 2017 quickly caught fire. Over the years, For Creative Girls has hosted mentorship programs that have reached women across multiple countries and continents. Participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK, France, and beyond have been part of the journey, connecting through shared stories, guidance, and collaboration. This global footprint didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistency, belief, and a community that kept showing up. From the early days of writing features to curating mentorship opportunities, Gbemi has watched the platform expand in ways that surprised even her. Tools for Today’s Creatives As For Creative Girls enters a new chapter, Gbemi is clear about one thing: it’s not about chasing trends or positioning the brand as a “tech-first” company. Instead, it’s about asking: how can we support creatives better in their day-to-day work? That question recently led to the creation of a custom GPT inside ChatGPT—digital assistants designed specifically for creatives. It basically helps improve creative portfolios, guiding users on structure, presentation, and storytelling. They’re not meant to replace human connection or mentorship; rather, they extend the heart of For Creative Girls into the digital space, giving creatives accessible tools at their fingertips. As Gbemi explains: “We’re not an AI company. We’re just experimenting with how new technologies can serve our community.” It’s a grounded, thoughtful approach to innovation. With this and more flagship programs coming up, For Creative Girls continues to focus on what has always mattered most: people, creativity, and community. The Heart of the Work Ask Gbemi what keeps her going, and she’ll tell you—it’s the stories. The stories of women who thought their work didn’t matter until it was seen. The stories of mentees who found confidence, clarity, or career direction after connecting through the platform. The stories of friendships and collaborations that never would have existed otherwise. These are the wins that keep For Creative Girls alive; the human heartbeat beneath the programs, articles, and now, tools. What’s Next Looking ahead, Gbemi is both reflective and hopeful. She knows For Creative Girls has come a long way from its humble beginnings, but in her words: “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.” The next chapter isn’t about becoming a tech giant or redefining creativity on a global stage. It’s about continuing to be a safe space where women creatives can grow, be seen, and be supported, no matter where they are in the world. Because at its core, For Creative Girls has never stopped being what it was at the start: one woman’s passion for shining a light on others, now multiplied, magnified, and carried forward by a global sisterhood.
IN MY CORNER : How Ivie Osula and Jokotade Shonowo Are Redefining Sisterhood Through Style, Storytelling & Sister Support
A feature from the “In My Corner” campaign a platform where real friendship becomes real power. There are friendships that text you when you’re down. And then there are friendships that pull up, uninvited but deeply needed, when the lights are off and the stage is empty. That’s the kind of bond Ivie Osula and Jokotade Shonowo share a powerful, creative sisterhood built on authenticity, shared vision and an unspoken “I’ve got you” that doesn’t need applause. At the heart of this year’s In My Corner campaign — an initiative spotlighting women who choose collaboration over competition their story unfolds not just in fashion and photographs, but in deep, mutual support. What Is “In My Corner”? In My Corner is more than a campaign, it’s a movement. A visual and storytelling experience created by women, for women, to celebrate the friendships and mentorships that anchor us. Through powerful portraits, honest conversations, and a lens focused on community, the campaign documents the real relationships behind success the ones that rarely make the headlines, but always shape the journey. Meet the Women Behind the Story Ivie Osula is the founder of @DWLonline, a luxury fashion brand reshaping the narrative around power dressing for modern African women. Her designs are intentional — every stitch a declaration of strength and softness, woven together. Jokotade Shonowo is the founder of @Poshclick, a creative studio capturing women and men as they are bold, vulnerable, regal. Her lens doesn’t just see beauty; it reveals truth. Together, they’re redefining what it means for women to be in each other’s corners not just in theory, but in action. More Than Just a Moment — It’s a Movement In an industry that often rewards rivalry, Ivie and Joko choose something different. They style each other’s dreams. Shoot each other’s visions. And stand side-by-side as they climb. Their friendship isn’t performative, it’s purposeful. Built in quiet moments. Sealed through trust. Strengthened by shared ambition and soft landings. Whether they’re working late on campaign visuals or sharing silent support between shoots, what they’ve built is a living example of what In My Corner champions: sisterhood as strategy, friendship as fuel. A Toast to the Real Ones This International Friendship Day, we celebrate the women who show up when the cameras aren’t rolling. Who hold the ladder while you climb. Who don’t compete with your light, they reflect it back at you. Because when you’ve got someone in your corner, you don’t just survive.You soar. To stay engaged with In My Corner, follow @InMyCornercampaign for the latest conversations. For Ivie’s work in fashion, visit @DWLonline and for Joko’s photography, explore @Poshclick. The journey continues, and In My Corner is here to remind us, every woman has a story worth telling.
How This Beauty‑Obsessed Tech Founder Is Giving the Industry a Voice
Layo Ogunbanwo has spent the last year building Splice, a software platform for salons and spas in Nigeria. Now, she’s taking things a step further with the Beyond Beauty Podcast: a platform for raw, real, and unfiltered conversations about the business of beauty. In this Q&A, she shares why she’s doing it, who it’s for, and why it might be the industry’s most important mic yet. 1. Why are you launching a Podcast? And why now? I felt like we needed a place to talk about the business of beauty. About leadership, retention, growth, pricing, burnout, and hiring. The real stuff that salon and spa owners face every day, but don’t always have the space or the language to unpack. Since launching Splice in September of 2024, I’ve spoken with hundreds of beauty professionals across Nigeria. These are some of the most hardworking and talented entrepreneurs I’ve met. But a lot of them feel isolated. They are figuring things out in silos, with no real community or steady access to knowledge. I wanted to change that. The Beyond Beauty Podcast is a place where real people can have real conversations about what it takes to run and grow a beauty business. No platitudes. Just honest, helpful, inspiring stories from people building the industry. It’s our way of giving the industry a voice and support. 2. You’ve worked in tech and product for years. What drew you into the beauty space? Honestly, I’ve always been a beauty girlie. I like to do my nails, lashes, the whole works. There’s something deeply human about walking into a salon or spa. It’s where people go to feel better, to reset, to be seen. I’ve always admired the people behind that experience, especially the women who run their businesses and build from scratch. But my deeper involvement started in 2020. A close friend who owns a salon in Lagos was struggling to keep her operations organised. She was juggling everything by herself, and it was chaotic. So I helped her map out a more structured workflow using some basic digital tools. It wasn’t perfect, but it made a difference. And that’s when it clicked for me that this entire industry was operating without real, centralised infrastructure. That experience pushed me to start researching the beauty and wellness sector more intentionally. I spoke to dozens of business owners, kept hearing essentially the same thing: “We’re figuring it out, but it’s hard.” That gap between talent and tech support is what pulled me in. Beauty businesses are everywhere, but not many people are building for them. That’s the problem I wanted to solve with Splice. 3. The Beyond Beauty Podcast feels very community-focused. Who did you build it for? I built it for the people who are doing the work. The salon and spa owners with no formal support, aestheticians and therapists trying to keep up with industry trends while holding a team together, stylists who are booked out, but still aren’t sure how to scale. There’s so much skill and ambition in this industry, but not nearly enough support or visibility. Many don’t even see themselves as business owners when in reality, they’re doing the full work of entrepreneurs, including hiring, managing clients, handling marketing, and even product development in some cases. This podcast puts their stories at the forefront: the journeys, the challenges, the pivots, and the small wins that don’t usually make it into the spotlight. 4. What stories are you most excited to tell through this podcast? The honest ones. I’m particularly excited about the stories that go beyond aesthetics and “how I started” and into the heart of “how I’m surviving.” Stories about beauty business owners who didn’t know as much as they do now six months ago, who have had to let go of staff, who’ve mastered how to deal with the no-show problems, who’ve struggled with and figured out retention. I want to hear about pricing anxiety, customer drama, burnout, rebranding, breakthroughs, and bounce-backs. There’s a lot of polish in the beauty industry, and that’s great. But what we don’t see enough of are the layers underneath, the things that every business owner goes through but rarely shares out loud. Those are the stories that make people feel less alone. And those are the stories that teach. So, yes, we’ll talk about growth, strategy, and systems, but we’ll also talk about doubt, mistakes, and the bounce-backs. Because that’s real life. Because these stories don’t just inspire, but reflect. 5. How does the Beyond Beauty Podcast connect with what you’re building at Splice? They’re deeply connected: same mission, different formats. With Splice, we’re building the software that helps beauty professionals manage bookings, reduce no-shows, automate reminders, track client history, all of that. It’s the operational backbone. But with the Beyond Beauty Podcast, we’re building the voice. The narrative. The space where beauty professionals can hear from people who’ve walked similar paths, where they can learn what’s working, what’s not, and how others are growing through it. One supports the “how to do it.” The other supports the “why it’s worth it.” Too much innovation can slow tech. But I’ve always believed that community and infrastructure should grow together. If we only give people tools but no sense of identity or belonging, they’ll struggle to sustain momentum. But if you give them both, they build better businesses and stay in the game longer. 6. You’ve had some amazing guests already. Any common threads or surprises? Yes, definitely. One thing that keeps coming up is how much beauty professionals are learning on the job. There’s no formal blueprint for how to run a successful salon or spa in Nigeria, so people are figuring it out as they go, through mistakes, word of mouth, and watching others. And that’s why the conversations are so powerful. Guests are open. They share what they wish they knew earlier, the turning points in their journey, and the systems that helped them grow. For example, in
Tailored for Success: DWL by Ivie Osula Brings Chic and Confidence to the Workplace.
There’s something about a woman who walks into a room and owns it not with noise, but with confidence & presence. That’s the kind of woman Ivie Osula dresses.
Innovative Upcoming Icons
How Women Innovators are Reshaping Entrepreneurship Two exceptional women, Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius and Chioma Nnanna, are carving out unique paths and leaving an indelible mark on the country’s business landscape. Their remarkable journey from inception to success is a testament to the strength and innovation that characterize the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s delve into their extraordinary narratives, uncovering the triumphs, challenges, and invaluable lessons they’ve gained along the way. Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius: Mastering the Art of African Pasta The world of pasta takes on a vibrant African twist through the culinary prowess of Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius. Her brainchild, the African Pasta Hub, emerged during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, illuminating the culinary world with a unique fusion of African herbs and spices infused into the beloved Italian dish. Gabriella’s journey began with a childhood passion for cooking and evolved into a business venture that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria. Through her leadership, the African Pasta Hub continues to spread joy and delectable meals across the nation, embracing the essence of both Italian and African culinary traditions. Chioma Nnanna: Revolutionizing Fashion Production with Tech Chioma Nnanna’s foray into the fashion world was anything but conventional. Leveraging her innate entrepreneurial spirit, she transformed her early ventures into a groundbreaking digital production management platform for fashion businesses. Her brainchild offers an innovative solution that connects fashion brands directly to vetted tailors, revolutionizing the industry’s production landscape. Chioma’s resilient approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability have not only propelled her business forward but have also garnered international recognition, positioning her as a leading figure in the realm of sustainable fashion production. Nigerian Women Pioneering Change As Gabriella and Chioma continue to make strides in their respective industries, their stories stand as a testament to the limitless potential embedded within the Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit. Their unwavering determination, coupled with their innovative approaches, serves as a source of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue their dreams despite the challenges. Nigeria’s business landscape is evolving, and these two trailblazers are at the forefront, shaping a future that is both transformational and empowering. Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius, Founder of African Pasta Hub Gabriella Ehiotoye Julius is a chef and linguist renowned for her culinary expertise. She is recognized as the visionary founder of African Pasta Hub (APH). Prior to her venture with APH, she garnered extensive experience as the Head of Operations at a family clinic, where she excelled in customer success. Guided by her entrepreneurial spirit, she now devotes herself fully to her passion for pasta, aiming to leave an indelible mark in the food industry. During her leisure time, she indulges in reading books and immersing herself in K-drama series. Instagram: African Pasta Hub Lagos ™️ (@africanpastahub) • Instagram photos and videos Chioma Nnanna, Founder of OMZN Apparel Ltd Chioma is an entrepreneur, writer, and advocate. Having concluded a five-year career in marketing communications, she dedicated her focus to transforming her side-hustle into a thriving enterprise. Her educational background includes a degree in Psychology from the University of Lagos, and she is currently pursuing a diploma in Sustainable Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
The Entrepreneurial Odyssey
Inspiring Stories of Tenacity and Triumph In the vast expanse of entrepreneurship, where dreams are nurtured and destinies forged, we find three extraordinary women who dared to turn their visions into reality. Priscilla, and Ubok, each with their unique stories and ventures, have embarked on a journey that is both exhilarating and challenging. Venturing into the Unknown For Priscilla, the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial journey was the desire to impact lives through idea development and business structuring. She founded Cylla Designs, a venture that enables other entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and brands. Priscilla emphasizes the importance of determination, grit, and resilience in the entrepreneurial game. Her journey from being a Newscaster to a tech-driven entrepreneur is a testament to her unwavering resolve. Ubok’s entrepreneurial adventure began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation and loneliness she experienced led her to discover an untapped market for locally made bags. This discovery became the foundation for her business, where she leverages technology to design and produce custom bags. Ubok’s story underscores the significance of seizing opportunities and adapting to changing circumstances. Golden Nuggets of Wisdom One piece of game-changing advice Priscilla shares is the importance of market research before starting a venture. Knowing that there is a demand for your product or service can save valuable resources. For Ubok, separating personal and business accounts has been a golden nugget. It allows her to track her business’s profitability accurately. Navigating Stormy Seas In the world of entrepreneurship, challenges are par for the course. Priscilla’s secret sauce for handling tough times involves taking a break, reevaluating her steps, and indulging in activities she loves. Ubok, on the other hand, finds solace in family time, travel, movies, good food, and mentorship. Proud Moments and Achievements Priscilla takes immense pride in knowing that she has helped aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful brands. Ubok’s proudest moment came when her business achieved its first million in income from bag production. These milestones validate their dedication and hard work. The She Leads Africa High Growth Coaching Program Both Priscilla and Ubok express their gratitude for their participation in the She Leads Africa High Growth Coaching Program. The program has equipped them with essential skills, from better negotiation to effective team leadership. The camaraderie among female entrepreneurs and the wisdom shared by mentors have been invaluable. As these women continue their entrepreneurial odyssey, they exemplify the spirit of resilience, innovation, and determination. Their stories serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, reminding them that with the right skills and unwavering commitment, they can overcome any challenge and achieve remarkable success. Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Priscilla Chinekwe, Founder of CyllaDesigns Priscilla Chinekwe is a graduate of Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. She is passionate about building businesses, fostering communities, and making meaningful contributions to society. Priscilla is a staunch advocate for the empowerment and advancement of women and girls globally, recognizing the systemic challenges they face. Her extensive experience as a Broadcaster and On-Air Personality in various television and radio stations has provided her with a powerful platform to address pressing societal issues, particularly those affecting women and girls. Through her broadcasts, Priscilla has consistently lent her voice to highlight and combat these challenges, striving for a more equitable world. Ubok Ameh, Founder of Uban Leathered Ubok Ameh, a young, enterprising female lawyer with 8 years of post-call experience, is the founder of Uban Leathered, a technology-driven bag brand specializing in crafting premium corporate and casual leather products. Within two years of its inception, her business has generated nearly 5 Million Naira in revenue, a testament to her fusion of legal expertise and artistic flair. Beyond her business success, Ubok has trained over twenty individuals in the art of bag making and is deeply committed to empowering young people to transform their skills into sustainable wealth. Her weekly mentoring sessions for teenagers reflect this passion. Eager for continuous growth, Ubok pursues diverse knowledge, irrespective of the field, for its transferable value. To unwind, she immerses herself in music, mastering over five instruments, notably excelling in the saxophone and keyboard. Supported by her husband, Dr. Johnson Ameh, Ubok is dedicated to making a positive impact in both her personal and professional spheres, driven by her belief in the potential for meaningful contributions beyond the legal realm. Instagram: BAG FACTORY IN NIGERIA || Bag Maker (@uban_leathered) • Instagram photos and videos
Passion, Persistence, and Impact
Women Entrepreneurs Making a Difference In the world of entrepreneurship, where dreams are cultivated, innovations are born, and impact is measured in strides, two remarkable women, Oladunni Kafilah Olaide and Olawunmi Olasoju, have stood out as shining examples of what it means to be a resilient and impactful entrepreneur. Their journey is a testament to the power of determination, skill, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Unveiling the Entrepreneurs Oladunni Kafilah Olaide, the founder of Ilorin Packaging Hub, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey during her university days. Faced with the challenge of limited funds, she took the bold step to establish her business, which specializes in procuring and supplying packaging materials to entrepreneurs in Kwara State. Her journey exemplifies the significance of resilience, consistency, and intuition in the entrepreneurial realm. Olawunmi Olasoju, the visionary behind Good Deeds Donation HUB Africa, embarked on her path of entrepreneurship with a passion for philanthropy and a deep commitment to impact. With a background in Mechanical Engineering and Global Business, she ventured into the world of donations, professionally handling and redistributing items such as clothing, shoes, and household goods. Her remarkable story underscores the importance of people management, persistence, and life balance in the entrepreneurial landscape. Essential Skills for Entrepreneurial Success Both Oladunni and Olawunmi stress the critical role of skills such as people management, persistence, and life balance in achieving entrepreneurial success. They emphasize the significance of managing diverse personalities, persisting in the face of challenges, and maintaining equilibrium in various aspects of life. Game-Changing Advice Olawunmi shares her game-changing advice, highlighting the power of targeted online advertisements to reach the right audience. In today’s digital age, leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs. The key is to ensure that your content is not only attractive but also of high quality. Coping with Stressful Moments When it comes to handling stressful moments, Oladunni’s approach is simple yet effective – taking a break and offering yourself the needed respite. She emphasizes the importance of setting up structures that allow for business operations to continue smoothly even in your absence. This perspective challenges the notion that an entrepreneur must be constantly available and underscores the significance of maintaining a work-life balance. Proud Entrepreneurial Achievements Olawunmi takes immense pride in being nominated for the 25under25 awards by Future Forward Female and SME100 Nigeria. These nominations symbolize the recognition of her impactful work through Good Deeds Donation HUB Africa. Furthermore, she is thrilled about Good Deeds’ growth, reaching 15 states in Nigeria and involving over 400 volunteers. The She Leads Africa High Growth Coaching Program Both entrepreneurs attribute their growth and success to the She Leads Africa (SLA) High Growth Coaching Program. Oladunni learned the importance of building a sustainable venture, people management, and the significance of persistence. Olawunmi values the self-development skills, mindsets, and coaching she received from SLA, which helped her build a sustainable and impactful enterprise. Looking Ahead As they look ahead to the future, Oladunni and Olawunmi aspire to navigate their businesses more effectively, expand their reach, and make a more profound impact on their communities and beyond. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration, reminding aspiring entrepreneurs that entrepreneurship is not just a journey; it’s a transformational odyssey filled with challenges, triumphs, and the potential to create lasting change. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember the lessons of Oladunni and Olawunmi – resilience, consistency, people management, persistence, and life balance are your allies. Embrace them, and you too can write a story of passion and impact in the world of entrepreneurship. Interested in reaching out to the ladies? Olawunmi Olasoju, Founder of Good Deeds Donation Hub Africa Olawunmi Olasoju, also known as Ola, is a dynamic individual who wears multiple hats. With a background in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Global Business, she is not only a Business Consultant and Engineer but also a successful entrepreneur. Ola founded Good Deeds Donation Hub Africa, a social donation company in Nigeria, and an African Career Consulting Firm called Linkfric. Her inspiration for Good Deeds arose from the absence of a formal system for safe and professional item donations in Nigeria. Under her leadership, Good Deeds has introduced item donation kiosks across Nigeria, expanded its team to over 400 volunteers, and made a positive impact in various communities. Ola’s mission is to inspire others, nurture their strengths, and foster connections on a global scale, bridging her experiences in Nigeria and the United States. LinkedIn: (50) Olawunmi Olasoju (Ola), CSM | LinkedIn Business Linked: (50) Good Deeds Africa: Overview | LinkedIn Oladunni Kafilah Olaid, Founder of Ilorin packaging hub Oladunni Kafilah Olaide is a dedicated postgraduate student at the University of Ilorin. She is not only a mother of two but also a passionate entrepreneur. Her mission revolves around reshaping the narrative for women who choose to cover up. Instagram: food and cosmetics packaging (@ilorinpackaginghub) • Instagram photos and videos