22 Dec 2024 - 10 mins read
In a world increasingly shaped by visionary leaders, women of African descent are emerging as some of the most transformative changemakers. The recent Forbes publication of the World’s Most Powerful Women highlights this momentum, celebrating seven trailblazing women of African heritage. These leaders are not just excelling in their respective fields—they are actively reshaping global industries, economies, and policies.
From Africa to the United States, Canada, the UK, and the UAE, women leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Bozoma Saint John, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, and Rosalind Brewer are leading movements of change. Their successes highlight the interconnectedness of Africa and its diaspora and showcase the power of a united vision for transformation.
Women from Africa and the western diaspora featured on the Forbes list exemplify the breadth and depth of talent within the global African community:
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria): Ranked 89th, As Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Okonjo-Iweala is a force in reshaping global trade policies.
Tsitsi Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe): The philanthropic leader is revolutionizing education access across Africa, building the next generation of leaders.
Bozoma Saint John (USA): A powerhouse in the marketing world, Saint John’s creative leadership has transformed major global brands like Netflix and PepsiCo.
Rosalind Brewer (USA): As CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Brewer is one of the most influential women in corporate America, redefining leadership in healthcare.
Rania Al-Mashat (Egypt): Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Al-Mashat, is spearheading efforts to integrate sustainable practices into the country’s economy.
Fatou Bensouda (The Gambia): The former ICC prosecutor is an emblem of justice and advocacy on the global stage.
Mo Abudu (Nigeria/UK): Ranked 97th, Dubbed “Africa’s Oprah,” Abudu’s media empire is amplifying African stories for global audiences.
Oprah Winfrey: Ranked 33rd, she is a media mogul and philanthropist, known for her influential talk show and contributions to media and society.
Thasunda Brown Duckett: CEO of TIAA, she is recognized for her leadership in finance, holding the 34th position on the list.
Beyoncé Knowles: An acclaimed singer and entrepreneur, she is ranked 35th, highlighting her impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
Rihanna: A globally renowned singer and businesswoman, she is ranked 76th, recognized for her contributions to music and her successful ventures in the beauty and fashion industries.
These women exemplify leadership and influence across various sectors, contributing significantly to global progress and representation.
They represent the unity of Africa and its diaspora in their shared vision for equitable progress and sustainable transformation.
As we celebrate their accomplishments, one question becomes pivotal: How can we cultivate and empower the next wave of such leaders?
This is the mission driving Strategic Solutions Global (SSG)—a leadership institute committed to equipping Elite LeadHERs with the tools, resources, and networks needed to disrupt systems and drive meaningful change globally.
Source Forbes: "Forbes Unveils Its 21st Annual Ranking Of tThe World’s Most Powerful Women”
Strategic Solutions Global brought these ideals to life at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) through the LeadHERship Experience Panel. This transformative session connected senior and emerging leaders from Africa and the diaspora, fostering a dialogue on what it takes to lead in a complex, interconnected world.
The panel addressed three critical themes that resonate with the achievements of the Forbes honorees:
Leadership today demands an understanding of diverse perspectives. The panel explored how women from Africa and the diaspora can integrate cultural insights to drive innovation and inclusivity.
By connecting established leaders like Okonjo-Iweala and Brewer with emerging talents, SSG is cultivating mentorship and legacy-building that transcends borders and industries.
Disrupting entrenched systems requires a bold, collective effort. The panel underscored actionable strategies to challenge norms and redefine success on a global scale.
The synergy between Africa and the diaspora is pivotal to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. With Africa poised to contribute 40% of the global workforce by 2050 and the diaspora’s influence in industries such as tech, healthcare, and media, the potential for collaboration is limitless.
Women leaders in Africa and the diaspora bring unique strengths to this partnership. While Africa offers untapped innovation and growth opportunities, the diaspora provides access to global platforms and resources. Together, they form a powerful coalition capable of driving transformative change.
At Strategic Solutions Global, we’re not just training leaders—we’re cultivating changemakers. Our leadership programs are designed to equip women with the skills, networks, and confidence to lead boldly, whether they’re navigating corporate boardrooms, influencing policy, or innovating in entrepreneurship.
We are committed to bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora, ensuring that women across the globe have the tools to amplify their voices and expand their impact.
Whether you are an established executive like Bozoma Saint John or an emerging leader ready to make your mark, Strategic Solutions Global is here to support your journey. Through initiatives like the LeadHERship Experience, we are building a network of women leaders who are equipped to disrupt systems and create lasting change.
Together, we can ensure that the achievements of women like those on the Forbes list are not isolated successes but the foundation & standard of a global movement for equity and transformation.
Let’s create a future where women across Africa and the diaspora lead boldly and inspire change.
Visit Strategic Solutions Global today to learn more about how we’re transforming leadership—one LeadHER at a time.
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