In recent years, there have been a reasonable increase in the number of women-owned businesses in the various countries of Africa. Women have been breaking the gender stereotypes in the different business sectors in the African economy. In general, they have been successful like the male counterparts in sectors such as oil & gas, mining, IT, and even the aviation sector. They have proved that what a man can do, a woman can indeed do much better. However, there are some African women who have distinguished themselves and also inspiring countless number of other women by topping their game in their various businesses. We are going to take a look at the top 10 female business leaders in Africa.

10. Bridgette Motsepe Radebe

Born on the 26th of February 1960, Radebe started her career as a common miner in the 1980s in South Africa where she was born. She later grew to become one of Africa’s first black female mine owner/operators. She is currently the President of the South African Mining Development Association while has husband, in person of Mr. Jeff Radebe, is one of South Africa’s Minister. Radebe has received so many awards for her efforts in making a difference in the world of the political and environmental landscapes.

9. Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch

This great Moroccan came from a lineage that has made impact in the business world. Her grandfather Haj Ahmed Benlafkih was a known business man who dominated in the 1960s with his tea trade. Salwa inherited a fortune from her grandfather and she is currently the CEO of the Aksal Group that owns a 50% share in Morrocco Mall, the largest shopping center in Africa that was built in 2007 with the cost of $240 million.

8. Hajia Bola Shagaya

Bola shagaya is a Nigerian business woman that was born on the 10th of October 1959. This fashion enthusiast is one of the richest women currently in Africa. She started her career at the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) where she worked in the audit department, and in 1983, she ventured into commercial activities. She started her business by importing and distributing photographic materials.

7. Tabitha Karanja

Karanja is a Kenyan businesswoman who is not only an entrepreneur, but also an industrialist. She started her career in 1997 when she partnered with her husband in producing fortified wine, they targeted the lower end of the market.

6. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

One of the youngest on the list, Alemu is an Ethiopian businesswoman, who is also the founder and the CEO of soleRebels. She started soleRebels early in the year 2005 when she just graduated out of college. She founded soleRebels so as to provide economically sustainable jobs for the youths in her local community. Currently, soleRebels is one of the fastest growing footwear company in Africa.

5. Sibongile Sambo

Sibongile Sambo is a South African who was born in the year 1974. She had her university education in the University of Zululand where she obtained a degree. She was unable to become a flight attendant with the South African Airways, she however later established SRS Aviation.

4. Divine Ndhlukula

Ndhlukula is a Zimbabwean businesswoman. She started a small security business, Securico, which has now become a big one in her country. She has employed over 3000 persons beating her male-owned business counterparts to become the most successful security firm in Zimbabwe.

3. Njeri Rionge

Njeri Rionge is a Kenyan businesswoman, who has been recognized by Forbes as one of the biggest entrepreneurs in East Africa. Rionge has done amazing things by co-founding several multi-million dollar companies in quick successions.

2. Isabel dos Santos

Born on 20th of April 1973, Isabel do Santos, an Angolan investor is not only the richest woman in Angola, but recorded to be the first African woman billionaire. According to Forbes research in 2013, she was recorded to have a net worth of over three billion US Dollars.

1. Folorunsho Alakija


Number one on the list is Mrs Folorunsho Alakija who is the richest Nigerian businesswoman. With a net worth of 2.1 billion US Dollars. She has businesses across the fashion, oil as well as printing industries. She is the group managing director of the Rose of Sharon Group, as well as the executive vice-chairman of Famfa Oil Limited.

Benjom:
Good compilation... Soon, my daughters names will be among them.

abrahamzy:
nice one op