Across business, music, governance, finance, and venture capital, African women continue to shape narratives of excellence and global relevance. This week’s selection highlights five women whose work reflects bold leadership, cultural influence, and strategic impact across the continent and beyond.
Claudia Lumor – Founder and CEO, Glitz Africa
Claudia Lumor is a leading force in Africa’s fashion and lifestyle media landscape. As founder and CEO of Glitz Africa, she has built a platform that celebrates African excellence through publishing, events, and storytelling. From Glitz Africa Magazine to the widely recognized Glitz Style Awards, her work has elevated African creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders onto global stages. Through strategic storytelling and brand building, Lumor continues to shape the perception of African luxury, style, and enterprise with a distinctly continental voice.
Next Read: Five Women in Africa Defining Impact and Influence This Week
Ayra Starr – Global Music Artist
Ayra Starr has rapidly become one of Africa’s most influential music exports. Signed to Mavin Records, she gained international acclaim with her debut album 19 & Dangerous and has since delivered chart-topping hits that resonate across continents. Her sound, a blend of Afropop, R&B, and soul, has positioned her among a new generation of African artists redefining global music culture. With international tours, award nominations, and a growing global fanbase, Ayra Starr represents the rising power of African youth culture on the world stage.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr – Mayor, Freetown
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is a transformative public leader serving as Mayor of Freetown. Since assuming office, she has championed urban development through initiatives such as the Transform Freetown agenda, focusing on environmental sustainability, sanitation, and public health. Her leadership gained global recognition during crisis response efforts and urban reform programmes that have improved living conditions for residents. Aki-Sawyerr continues to position Freetown as a model for innovative city governance in Africa, combining policy execution with citizen engagement.
Boitumelo Mosako – CEO, Development Bank of Southern Africa
Boitumelo Mosako is a key figure in Africa’s financial and infrastructure development ecosystem. As Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Southern Africa, she leads funding and investment strategies that support infrastructure growth across the region. With a strong background in finance and investment management, she plays a critical role in mobilising capital for projects that drive economic expansion and regional integration. Her leadership underscores the importance of development finance institutions in shaping Africa’s long-term growth trajectory.
Maya Horgan Famodu – Founder, Ingressive Capital
Maya Horgan Famodu is one of the most influential voices in Africa’s startup and venture capital ecosystem. As founder of Ingressive Capital, she has backed some of the continent’s most promising early-stage technology companies. Her work focuses on funding and supporting African founders, particularly in underserved markets, while expanding access to capital and mentorship. Recognised globally for her contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship, she continues to shape the future of Africa’s digital economy through strategic investment and ecosystem building.
These five women exemplify the diversity and strength of African excellence today. Through media, music, governance, finance, and venture capital, they are not only shaping industries but redefining Africa’s position in the global narrative of influence and innovation.
