Across Africa, a new generation of women is no longer just dreaming of a better future — they are building it. They are scientists, doctors, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are turning challenges into opportunities and reimagining what leadership looks like.
This year, WIA Philanthropy celebrates its 5th cohort of Young Leaders — 10 extraordinary women transforming communities across the continent. Selected from more than 6,000 applications spanning 70 nationalities, these leaders embody the courage, resilience, and vision driving Africa’s transformation.
They come from diverse sectors, but they are united by one truth: to lead is to serve, to uplift, and to create an impact that outlives you.
Here are the 10 women shaping Africa’s future.
Sarah Msambira — Malawi
Director of Agriculture, Small Farm Cities Africa
In Malawi, Sarah Msambira is proving that farming can be a pathway out of poverty. At just 26, she has directed the production and sale of over 700 metric tons of fresh vegetables, connecting smallholder farmers to high-value markets and lifting entire communities.
Her model leverages greenhouse technology to achieve yields 16 times higher than the national average, and she has trained over 2,000 farmers and students in precision agriculture.
Recently selected as an Obama Foundation Africa Leader, Sarah is rewriting the future of African agriculture. For her, farming is not just about food—it is about dignity, innovation, and resilience.
Eileen Claudia Akbaraly — Madagascar
Founder & CEO, Made For A Woman
Eileen Akbaraly is challenging the fashion industry to be more ethical. Through her social enterprise, Made For A Woman, she has created jobs for over 750 people, 91% of them women from underserved backgrounds, including survivors of gender-based violence.
Her groundbreaking SHAPE model (Social entrepreneurship, Human-first approach, Awareness, Personal growth, and Empowerment) is a philosophy for her business, which has earned her recognition as the “Visionary CEO of the Year” by Forbes Afrique.
For Eileen, true beauty lies not in garments, but in the lives they transform.
Jeanette Gitobu — Kenya
Director, Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
For Jeanette Gitobu, clean energy is about inclusion. As Director of the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program, she has scaled mentorship and training to 110 participants across 22 emerging markets, with 77% advancing in their careers.
Her work includes negotiating land lease agreements for Africa’s first hybrid wind-solar-battery project and securing $1 billion USD in investment. Named among the 100 Brilliant Women in Renewable Energy, she embodies what Africa’s just energy transition should look like: equitable, inclusive, and led by women.
Phebe Ilesanmi — Nigeria
Co-founder & Chief Compliance Officer, Trashcoin Limited
In a world drowning in plastic, Phebe Ilesanmi dared to ask: What if waste could become wealth? At 25, she co-founded Trashcoin, a digital waste management platform that uses AI and blockchain to incentivize recycling.
A delegate at COP29 and a United Nations Youth Representative, she is a powerful champion for youth-led climate solutions. In 2024, she was recognized with the Youth Ecopreneur Award for her groundbreaking work. For Phebe, sustainability is not an option — it is the future.
Oluwatoyin Abioye — Nigeria
CEO & Founder, NezaTech Africa
Technology, for Oluwatoyin Abioye, is about equity and opportunity. As Founder of NezaTech Africa, she is equipping Africa’s youth with the skills, mentorship, and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy.
Through initiatives like Tech Women Fest, she is amplifying women’s voices in STEM and inspiring the next generation of innovators. Honored with the Women in Tech Global Ambassador Award, Toyin is proving that true leadership in technology is not just about building products, it is about building people and preparing Africa’s youth for the future of work.
Dr. Kalkidan Alachew — Ethiopia
Consultant Internist & Endocrinologist, ALERT Comprehensive Hospital
Endocrinologists are rare across Africa, but Dr. Kalkidan Alachew has chosen to build her career where the need is greatest.
With more than 15 years of medical practice, she co-founded a private hospital employing over 200 staff and pioneered a gestational diabetes clinic, improving maternal outcomes for countless women.
As a founding member of the Ethiopian Medical Women’s Association, Kalkidan is shaping policy, mentoring the next generation of doctors, and proving that local expertise is the backbone of resilient healthcare systems.
Adaorah Enyi — Nigeria
Chief Operating Officer, Oncopadi Technologies
At 19, Adaorah Enyi entered medical school with a dream of healing. Today, she is a physician and innovator co-creating Africa’s first digital oncology hub, Oncopadi Technologies. Her work has led to the screening of more than 30,000 women for cancer and secured major partnerships with companies like Microsoft and MTN.
Recognized as a Sanofi Women in Tech Scholar, Adaorah’s goal is to empower 5 million underserved African women with digital access to cancer care. For her, innovation in healthcare is not optional — it is essential.
Puseletso Lesofe — South Africa
Medical Biological Scientist, North West University
Through science, Puseletso Lesofe is nurturing Africa’s next generation of innovators. As co-founder of the African Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS), she created platforms like “Shadow A Scientist,” offering real-world exposure to young graduates.
Her advocacy extends globally as part of the B20 Employment & Education Taskforce, shaping policy that reflects Africa’s unique realities. In 2024, she was honored with the Mail & Guardian Power of Women Award and named to the 2025 Forbes Africa Over 30 Under 50 list. For Puseletso, science is not just knowledge — it is power.
Dr. Yara Rodrigues — Cape Verde
Board Member, Sea Institute of Cabo Verde (IMar)
From the islands of Cape Verde, Dr. Yara Rodrigues is proving that ocean science can drive national transformation. As a Board Member at IMar, she leads marine research and international collaborations to champion biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
She helped co-develop Cabo Verde’s Blue Bond criteria and launched the “Lab in a Suitcase” program, taking science education to underserved communities.A former Next Einstein Forum Ambassador, Yara believes Africa’s oceans are not just resources—they are opportunities for sustainable development led by science, equity, and innovation.
Dr. Nouran Farouk — Egypt
Co-founder, Dosy Bikes Company
On Cairo’s busy streets, Dr. Nouran Farouk is empowering women to take the driver’s seat—literally. Through Dosy Bikes, she has trained over 7,000 women to ride bicycles and scooters, creating more than 300 jobs in transport.
Her work has earned her recognition as a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur and winner of the UN Tourism Women in Tech Award, proving that mobility is about freedom, inclusion, and opportunity.
Together, the 10 WIA Young Leaders 2025 show us what it means to lead with courage, empathy, and vision. Their work reminds us that true leadership is not a title but an impact. When women rise, nations rise.
To every laureate, congratulations. We are honored to walk this journey with you and cannot wait to see what you will accomplish next.
Are you ready to shape Africa’s future? Applications for WIA Young Leaders 2026 open soon — stay connected with us for updates.