19 African Women Shaping Global Change and Development 

When it comes to global development, African women are no longer waiting for seats at the table they are building new tables entirely. 

With a bold mix of strategy, heart, and innovation, these women are shaping policy, leading billion-dollar programs, and challenging outdated systems. From boardrooms in Nairobi to UN summits in New York, their voices are creating ripples of change. 

Here’s a celebration of the powerhouse African women whose work is transforming the lives of millions across the world.

Hawa Seydou Diop

Hawa leads communications in West and Central Africa for IFC, the World Bank Group’s private sector arm. She brings complex development goals to life through real-world storytelling. Previously with UN Women, she helped spotlight gender initiatives across the continent. Her work promotes financial inclusion, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth turning policy into action.

Iris Mwanza

As Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, Iris blends strategy with storytelling. She tackles gender inequality through investments in health, law, and economics. Raised in Zambia and holding a PhD in International Relations, Iris uses her lived experience and academic insight to fight for the marginalized, even beyond the office as a novelist and feminist advocate.

Jackie Chimhanzi

Jackie serves as Regional Director for Southern Africa at the Tony Blair Institute. She previously led the African Leadership Institute and nurtured future changemakers through the Archbishop Tutu Fellowship. Her influence spans corporate boards and think tanks, proving that sustainable development begins with strong leadership.

Dr. Jemimah Njuki

Jemimah heads Economic Empowerment at UN Women. She pushes for women-centered economic systems, fair labor policies, and better access to land and finance. Grounded in rural Kenyan realities, her work makes the economy work for women, not the other way around.

Pearl Uzokwe

At Catalyst Now, Pearl directs Africa Forward driving the Sustainable Development Goals with over 20 years of global leadership experience. Her influence stretches across four continents, building programs that spark social impact and elevate African voices on global stages.

Tsitsi Masiyiwa

Tsitsi co-founded the Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies. With nearly three decades in philanthropy, she invests in human capital through education and entrepreneurship. Her work nurtures African youth and shapes a future led by homegrown leadership.

Esther Dassanou

Esther leads gender programs at the Mastercard Foundation. She focuses on giving African women better access to jobs and finance. Her work with the African Development Bank helped mobilize over $1.2 billion for women entrepreneurs.

Caroline Kouassiaman

As head of ISDAO, Caroline stands at the intersection of LGBTQI rights and feminist advocacy. Her participatory grantmaking approach ensures that communities decide how support flows amplifying local voices and shifting power dynamics in West Africa.

Moussoukoro Diop

Moussoukoro leads digital storytelling for IFC, making development work accessible and human. Her creative approach reaches wider audiences and keeps important conversations engaging and impactful.

Nadia Ahidjo

At the Black Feminist Fund, Nadia connects philanthropic partnerships to causes that uplift Black women and girls. She drives funding to movements that often get overlooked ensuring resources reach the people who need them most.

Hafsat Abiola-Costello

As President of Women in Africa Initiative, Hafsat combines her background in democracy and development to empower African women entrepreneurs and leaders. Her work redefines what inclusive leadership looks like.

Neimat Abubaker Abas

Neimat works with the SIHA Network to challenge gender based violence and push for policy change in the Horn of Africa. Her advocacy supports grassroots women’s movements and promotes justice in often overlooked regions.

Jessica Horn

Jessica directs East Africa programming at the Ford Foundation. She applies a feminist lens to philanthropy, making sure that giving actually empowers and doesn’t exploit those it’s meant to help.

Mendi Njonjo

Mendi works at KCB Bank Group, where she designs inclusive financial services. She bridges the gap between banking and real community needs, especially for underserved populations.

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli

Ndidi leads The ONE Campaign and has spent years advocating for sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and youth development. Her social enterprises empower small farmers and ensure food systems become equitable and resilient.

Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi

As Executive Vice President at ACET, Mavis helps African countries design strategies for inclusive growth. She focuses on sustainable transformation, proving that development must be both people and policy driven.

Nayé Anna Bathily

At the World Bank, Nayé serves as the bridge between African governments and global development conversations. She makes sure African priorities get heard, funded, and supported at the highest levels.

Zuriel Oduwole

Zuriel, a teen prodigy turned global activist, uses filmmaking and education to advocate for girls’ rights. Through her DUSUSU Foundation, she trains young girls in storytelling and leadership, turning creativity into a weapon for change.

Damilola Ogunbiyi

As CEO of Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola champions energy access across Africa. Her work connects governments, private companies, and civil society to deliver affordable, clean energy fueling development from the ground up.