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The 25-Year-Old Shaping Africa’s Place in Carbon Removal

At 25, Sifa Gakii Kinoti is helping build one of climate technology’s newest frontiers in a field with no map, and in rooms where she is often the youngest person or the only woman. By Charity Wakiuru Mukono At an international conference not long ago, someone approached Sifa Gakii Kinoti and asked if she could help serve the refreshments. They assumed she was the waitress. “I was surprised,” she says. “I even offered to help them look for the waiter.” She wasn’t there to pour tea. She was one of the speakers. And when she walked to the front of the room and began her presentation, the people who had overlooked her leaned in to listen. It is the kind of moment Sifa has learned to move past quickly because there is far more interesting work to be done. At just 25, Sifa is Head of Policy and Partnerships at Octavia Carbon, a Kenyan company developing direct air capture technology machines that pull carbon dioxide directly out of the atmosphere. She also serves on the steering committee of the Carbon Removal Kenya Association and is Vice Chair of the Global South CDR Coalition, roles that place her at the centre of a field still taking shape in Kenya, across Africa and beyond. “There isn’t really a blueprint,” she says. “You learn in the process, and from people who have gone before you.” That uncertainty excites her. It also makes the journey harder. Sifa studied Environmental Engineering at the University of Nairobi. “I’ve always loved mathematics and science,” she says. “I wanted to create sustainable solutions for Africa.” Her path into climate technology was anything but conventional. Unlike medicine, law or accounting, direct air capture is a field few people have heard of, and even fewer have built careers in. There were no clear roadmaps, no long list of professionals to learn from, and few young African women in leadership positions in the field.  Instead, Sifa found herself helping build an industry while building her own career within it. “We’re creating something new,” she says. “That means learning constantly, sometimes failing and always adapting.” Sifa regularly walks into meetings where she is the youngest person in the room, the only woman, or the only young African. Sometimes those assumptions are never spoken aloud. She still feels them. “It can be intimidating,” she admits. “The people around you have many more years of experience.” Her response has never been to speak the loudest. It has been to prepare the hardest. Before every meeting, she researches the issues, prepares thoroughly, leans into her strengths and communicates with clarity. The result, she says, is that people stop seeing a 25-year-old. They see someone who knows her work and communicates it with confidence. Working in one of Africa’s pioneering carbon removal companies has also given her something few others have: perspective. “Because we’re building this from the ground up,” she says, “sometimes we bring perspectives that no one else has.” Despite her confidence, there is one habit she is still learning to overcome. Sometimes she hesitates before asking a question. “I worry people will think I should already know the answer.” Then someone else asks exactly the same thing. “And I think … I should have asked that.” It is a small confession, but perhaps the one that makes her story most familiar. Confidence, she has learned, is not the absence of doubt. It is deciding not to let doubt speak louder than you do.  Moving into policy analysis demanded that she master entirely new material. There were meetings where she did not feel ready, documents she read repeatedly, and conversations she listened to more than she spoke. But every challenge became another lesson. “You make mistakes,” she says. “You learn. And then you keep going.” Ask Sifa where her determination comes from and she smiles. “My parents taught us that you don’t sit and wait for someone to solve your problem. You wake up and find the solution yourself.” That lesson has stayed with her. “So, with the right mindset,” she says, “nothing is impossible.” She is equally quick to acknowledge the people who continue to support her, her family, her friends, her colleagues and her mentors. “Having a support system is important,” she says. “You need people who walk the journey with you.” So, what would she tell another young woman interested in engineering, science or climate technology? She laughs. “Why not?” She knows the path will not always be easy. Jobs can be difficult to find. The industry is still emerging. Many young women will enter rooms where they wonder whether they belong. Her advice is practical: apply for fellowships, attend workshops, take internships, find mentors and ask questions. “No one knows everything,” she says. “So, reach out. You will make it.” In a field still writing its own future, the young woman once mistaken for the waitress is becoming one of the people helping shape where it goes next.

Zedcrest Appoints Simbiat Bada as Managing Director, Stockbroking

Bada’s appointment follows Zedcrest’s acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers and aligns with its strategic vision to deepen market capabilities as it continues to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions that drive growth and strengthen its market position. Lagos, Nigeria – March 2026 — Zedcrest Group, a leading financial services powerhouse with a strong footprint across Asset Management, Investment Banking, Securities, and Financing, has announced its Board’s approval of Simbiat Bada’s appointment as Managing Director, Stockbroking.  Adedayo Amzat CFA, the Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group who made the announcement at a media parley held at the Zedcrest Head Office in Lagos, noted that the appointment will now be vetted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  According to him, “Bada’s appointment reflects Zedcrest’s commitment to deepening its expertise in securities trading and delivering superior execution, advisory, and wealth creation opportunities for our clients. It also reinforces our ambition to build a best-in-class stockbroking business that is responsive to evolving market dynamics.” Also commenting, Chairman of the Zedcrest Board, Babatunde Sanda, FCA, expressed confidence in the appointment, noting that Bada’s leadership will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities and delivering sustained value for stakeholders. He added, “We are confident that Simbiat brings the discipline, professionalism, and strategic insight required to strengthen Zedcrest’s position in the equities market.” Simbiat Bada is a certified investment professional with nearly a decade of experience spanning securities trading, asset management, sales, and business development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University of Nigeria, Yola, and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAN). Prior to joining Zedcrest Securities, she held key roles at Vetiva Securities and WSTC Financial Services Limited, where she leveraged her expertise in trading, operations, and wealth management to drive performance and support business growth. As part of its long-term expansion strategy, Zedcrest had successfully acquired RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers in 2024, which was subsequently rebranded as its stockbroking arm, Zedcrest Securities. This move strengthened the company’s presence in the equities market, enhanced its trading capabilities, and expanded its offerings across the capital markets value chain. About Zedcrest Group Founded in 2013, Zedcrest Group offers its diverse clientele a broad range of financial solutions, which include Asset Management, Investment Banking, Securities, and Financing. These services are provided through its subsidiaries: Zedcrest Investment Managers (Zedcrest Wealth), Zedcrest Global Markets, Zedcrest Securities, Zedcrest Capital, and Zedvance Finance. For more information, visit www.zedcrest.com.

Real women. Real results. How She Leads Africa is changing careers one course at a time

Skills alone don’t build careers — the right training, at the right time, in the right community does. Through the BoostHer Program, She Leads Africa has been equipping women across Africa with tools, confidence, and credentials that open real doors. Here are three women who took the leap, and what happened next. Testimonials At one point, TIMD Couture had quality designs but low sales. I saw the She Leads Africa course and enrolled to improve my marketing. During the training, I learned to define my brand, show its value, and create sales-driven content without lowering standards. I challenged myself to post consistently, and within a short time, my sales grew to between ₦200,000 and ₦400,000 a month. The experience taught me the power of consistency, storytelling, and strategic marketing. I’m grateful to She Leads Africa for helping me discover abilities I didn’t fully recognise. Ojo Imole Deborah Fashion Designer & Digital Marketer, TIMD Couture Hello, my name is Peggy Ibiene Toby. A friend of mine recommended the program to me as one of the biggest Teaching platforms in Africa. I was part of the She Leads Africa training to add to my skills in Executive assistance.This program helps me challenge myself in tasks I found difficult, but I was able to push through the entire tasks. During my training time, I got my first job as a virtual/executive assistant, and all that I learned during the program has helped me manage the role.I want to say a big thank you to She Leads Africa for their time and dedication to impact in us this great skill. I truly recommend. Peggy Ibiene TobyExecutive Virtual Assistance From growing a fashion brand’s revenue to landing executive roles, these stories share a common thread: when women invest in themselves, the returns are real. The She Leads Africa BoostHer Program offers more than knowledge — it delivers clarity, community, and credentials that move careers forward. Ready to write your own success story? Explore She Leads Africa’s upcoming programs at sheleadsafrica.org

Celebrating Our Top 50 Under 30: The Rising Motherland Moguls

International Women’s Month Celebration | March 10, 2026 This year, we are proud to once again shine the spotlight on Africa’s most dynamic young women through our SLA Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls — a list that honours African women under 30 who are not just keeping pace with their industries, but rewriting the rules entirely. These are change-makers, trailblazers, and bold visionaries from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Gambia, Botswana, and beyond. They represent fields as diverse as healthcare, STEM, finance, social impact, journalism, marketing, education, and more. What they share is an unshakeable belief that Africa’s future is theirs to shape — and they are doing exactly that. From founding companies that are solving real problems, to creating platforms that amplify women’s voices, to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in male-dominated spaces, each woman on this list is proof that when African women are supported and celebrated, the entire continent rises. To our 2026 Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls — we see you. We celebrate you. And we cannot wait to watch you soar. 🔗 Meet the winners and celebrate them on LinkedIn: Follow @sheleadsafrica on LinkedIn to see the full list and show your support for every woman named. Drop a comment, share a post, tag a Motherland Mogul in your network — because celebrating women should never be a quiet thing. But the Top 50 is Only the Beginning Here’s what we know to be true: for every woman named on this list, there are thousands more whose stories are just as powerful. There is the seamstress who became a fashion brand. The teacher who built a school. The girl from a village who taught herself to code and is now running a tech startup. The woman who survived hardship and turned her pain into a platform. The mother building a business between school runs and midnight feeds. The graduate who said “no” to conventional paths and carved her own. We know you’re out there. We see your LinkedIn updates, your Instagram stories, your WhatsApp status announcements about new milestones. We read about you in newsletters, hear about you through friends, and meet you at events where you introduce yourself too humbly for everything you’ve actually accomplished. This International Women’s Month, we want you to know: She Leads Africa celebrates all of it. The big wins and the quiet ones. The companies that have raised funding and the ones still figuring out the first client. The women who have been recognised and the ones who haven’t yet — but will be. A Love Letter to African Women Everywhere To every African woman building something — whether it’s a business, a career, a community, a movement, or simply a better life for herself and those around her: You are the heartbeat of this continent. Africa’s story cannot be told without you. Its economy cannot grow without you. Its communities cannot thrive without you. And its future cannot be written without you leading. We celebrate how far you have come. Not just from where you started, but from who you were told you could be. We celebrate the version of you that showed up anyway — when the odds were unfavourable, when the resources were scarce, when the doubt was loud. We celebrate what you are building. With your hands, your mind, your relationships, your creativity, your stubborn, beautiful refusal to give up. And we celebrate where you are going — because the best chapters of your story are still ahead. Happy International Women’s Month. 🌍✨ She Leads Africa is a community dedicated to helping young African women become the best professional versions of themselves. Follow us at @sheleadsafrica and join thousands of Motherland Moguls building the Africa they want to see.

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

“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

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.

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