Across journalism, film, fashion, politics and gastronomy, African women continue to redefine what it means to lead with excellence. From shaping global conversations to building brands, telling powerful stories and influencing public policy, these five women represent a generation of African excellence driven by talent, courage and purpose.
Nnenna Mbonu – Head Chef at Food2Pot, Model and Lifestyle Influencer
Nnenna Mbonu is building a distinctive presence across gastronomy, fashion and entertainment. A chef, model, lifestyle personality and former Big Brother Naija Season 9 finalist, she currently serves as Head Chef at Food2Pot. Her journey reflects the growing influence of African creatives who are successfully moving across industries while developing personal brands rooted in versatility and authenticity. Through food and lifestyle storytelling, Mbonu continues to expand her creative identity and connect with a growing audience.
Adefemi Akinsanya – Africa Inc. Host at CNN, International Correspondent for Arise News, Nieman fellow
Adefemi Akinsanya represents the evolving face of African journalism on the global stage. The British born Nigerian journalist recently joined CNN International as host of Africa Inc., a multiplatform series highlighting African companies competing and thriving globally across technology, hospitality, manufacturing and entertainment. Before CNN, Akinsanya was an International Correspondent and Anchor at Arise News and previously worked with Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News and TRT World. A 2023 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, she has reported from major global events including the Russia Ukraine war, the #EndSARS protests, the US presidential election, Davos and the G7 Summit. Her new CNN role places her at the centre of telling a more expansive story about African enterprise and global economic influence.
Chinonye Chukwu – Nigerian-American Filmmaker
Nigerian American filmmaker Chinonye Chukwu has carved out a significant place in contemporary cinema through stories that confront justice, humanity and social consciousness. Her breakthrough came with Clemency, which earned the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, making her the first Black woman to win the honour. She later directed Till, bringing the story of Mamie Till Mobley and her pursuit of justice for her son Emmett Till to a global audience. Chukwu’s work demonstrates the power of cinema to preserve history, challenge systems and place underrepresented experiences at the centre of major cultural conversations.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings – Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Dr Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings has transitioned from medicine and parliamentary leadership into one of Ghana’s most significant government portfolios. The medical doctor and Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle was sworn in on August 29, 2026 as Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science and Technology. Her portfolio places her at the intersection of environmental sustainability, scientific research, technological development and national innovation. During her parliamentary vetting, she emphasised stronger responses to illegal mining, greater support for scientists and researchers, and closer collaboration between research institutions, industry and government to commercialise innovation. Her appointment signals the growing importance of science, technology and environmental leadership in Africa’s development agenda.
Sandrah Tubobereni – Founder and Creative Director of TUBO
Sandrah Tubobereni has transformed a passion for design into one of Nigeria’s distinctive contemporary fashion brands. The Port Harcourt born founder and Creative Director of TUBO established the label in 2014, bringing together African heritage, modern aesthetics and meticulous craftsmanship. With an MBA in Global Financial Services from Coventry University and a background in business development, Tubobereni brings both creative instinct and business discipline to her work. TUBO has developed collections spanning bespoke fashion, bridal and ready to wear, while its designs have increasingly placed African cultural narratives within global fashion conversations. Her approach continues to champion craftsmanship, cultural identity and the empowerment of women through fashion.
Why SHE Matters
They are expanding the definition of African excellence. Through media, film, fashion, public service and gastronomy, they are creating platforms, shaping narratives and proving that African women can lead conversations that resonate far beyond the continent.
