The 2021 Forbes Woman Africa Awards have announced this years’ eight most influential women in Africa. The award show took place over a two-day summit which coincided with International Women’s Day. The former president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. More standout African women were named winners at the summit which ran under the theme; “Africa Reloaded: The Power of The Collective”.
The breakout Kenyan comedienne, Elsa Majimbo, took home the “Entertainer of the Year” award while fellow Kenyan and Olympic athlete; Hellen Obiri, bagged the “Sports” award, this according to Bella Naija. The “Academic Excellence” award was duly received by Professor Rudo Mathivha; who is the academic head at the intensive care unit in South Africa’s largest hospital; Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Isabelle Kamariza, the founder of Solid’Africa which provides fresh meals to Rwanda’s largest hospitals; was acknowledged with the “Social Impact” award.
Nigerian economist, Ada Osakwe, won the “Business Woman of the Year” award for her agricultural business venture Agrolay Ventures. Temie Giwa Tubosun, founder of health company Life Bank which aims to increase access to blood transfusions in Nigeria, received the; “Technology and Innovation” award. Completing the list is South African entrepreneur, Rabia Ghoor; who reportedly founded her online make-up store Swiitch Beauty at the age of 14. Ghoor, has at the age of 20, deservedly won the “Young Achievers” award.
The Forbes Woman Africa winners were announced during the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit (LWS) which took place virtually. The summit had key guest speakers including amongst the many high profile guests; Zozibini Tunzi, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and the University of Cape Towns first Black woman vice-chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng.
