Exquisite Magazine Unveils 2026 Power List – Celebrating 30 Champions of Inclusion and Diversity Across Africa
LAGOS, Nigeria | March 18, 2026
Exquisite Magazine has officially unveiled its 2026 Power List, recognizing 30 remarkable individuals who have consistently championed and embodied the principles of inclusion, diversity, and women’s empowerment across Africa.
Powered by ELOY Awards Foundation and supported by Africa Women CEOs Network, the Exquisite Magazine Power List reflects a shared commitment to amplifying voices that are driving meaningful change and expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups across the continent.
This year’s honourees include:
Benina Bint Yahya: Entrepreneur & Cooperative Leader
Benina Bint Yahya is a Mauritanian entrepreneur and cooperative leader dedicated to empowering women economically. She co-founded a women-led cooperative enterprise that produces and sells pastries and food products, providing employment and income opportunities for women in her community. Through the cooperative model, she helps women build financial independence while supporting their families and communities. Her work demonstrates how entrepreneurship can serve as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
Dr. Shikoh Gitau: CEO & Founder, Qhala
Dr. Shikoh Gitau is a Kenyan technology leader and entrepreneur focused on advancing digital transformation and innovation across Africa. As founder and CEO of Qhala, she works with organizations to develop digital strategies and support technology-driven solutions. She is also a strong advocate for women in technology, working to close the gender gap in the tech sector through mentorship and capacity-building programs. Her work encourages more women to pursue careers in STEM and participate actively in Africa’s digital economy.
Chioma Nwano: Social Entrepreneur & Women Empowerment Advocate
Chioma Nwano is a social entrepreneur dedicated to empowering women and young people through leadership training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs. Her work focuses on equipping women with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in business and leadership roles. Through community initiatives and advocacy efforts, she promotes financial independence, education, and leadership opportunities for women. She believes that empowering women economically and socially contributes significantly to sustainable development.
Mispa Fri Awusam: Women’s Rights Advocate & Development Leader
Mispa Fri Awasum is a Cameroonian development professional and women’s rights advocate who works to advance gender equality and community empowerment. She collaborates with civil society organizations and development partners to implement programs that support women’s entrepreneurship, leadership and education. Her work focuses on addressing structural barriers that limit women’s participation in economic and social life. Through advocacy and community engagement, she continues to promote inclusive development and greater opportunities for women and girls.
Mahadi Buthelezi: Group Chief Executive Officer, RB Property Group
Mahadi Buthelezi is a South African business executive and social impact leader, serving as Group CEO of RB Property Group, where she drives strategic growth in property development and investment. Alongside her corporate role, she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and social justice, holding leadership positions within faith-based and civic organizations focused on gender equality, youth development, and community advancement.
Nomhle Maggie Mliswa: Member of Parliament, Zimbabwe
Nomhle Maggie Mliswa is a Zimbabwean Member of Parliament known for her outspoken advocacy on governance, social justice, and women’s empowerment. She actively supports policies that promote gender equality, economic inclusion, and improved social services. She also works to amplify the voices of women in political leadership, encouraging more women to participate in governance and public decision-making. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to push for reforms that create a more equitable society for women and marginalized groups.
Ifrah Arab: Women’s Rights Activist & Social Impact Leader
Ifrah Arab is a women’s rights advocate dedicated to advancing gender equality and supporting vulnerable communities. Her work focuses on promoting girls’ education, leadership development, and the protection of women’s rights. Through advocacy campaigns and community engagement initiatives, she raises awareness about gender inequality and encourages policies that support women’s empowerment. She works with local organizations and international partners to create programs that help women gain access to education, economic and leadership roles.
Fred Swaniker: Founder & CEO, African Leadership Group
Fred Swaniker is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and education innovator who founded the African Leadership Group, which includes institutions such as the African Leadership Academy and African Leadership University. He strongly advocates for gender inclusion within leadership development programs, ensuring that young women have equal access to opportunities and mentorship. Through his institutions, thousands of young women have been equipped with the leadership skills needed to drive positive change across Africa.
Simi Nwogugu: CEO, Junior Achievement Africa
Simi Nwogugu is the Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Africa, one of the continent’s leading youth development organizations. She leads programs that equip young people with entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and career readiness. A strong advocate for gender inclusion, she has championed initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in entrepreneurship, business, and technology. Through partnerships with schools, corporations, and governments, she helps create opportunities for young women to develop the skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce.
Aïcha Bah Diallo: Former Minister of Education, Guinea & Education Advocate
Aïcha Bah Diallo is an internationally recognized education leader and former Minister of Education in Guinea. She has spent decades working to improve access to education across Africa, with a strong focus on ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to attend school. As a former Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, she played a key role in shaping global education policies and programs. She continues to champion education as a tool for empowering women and girls, believing that education is one of the most powerful drivers of gender equality and sustainable development.
Rasha Kelej: CEO, Merck Foundation
Dr. Rasha Kelej is the Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany. The foundation has implemented numerous programs aimed at improving healthcare capacity and empowering women across Africa and Asia. She leads initiatives that provide scholarships for medical professionals, promote girls’ education, and raise awareness about social issues such as child marriage and gender-based violence. Through programs like “Educating Linda,” she advocates strongly for keeping girls in school and creating opportunities for women to become leaders in healthcare and society.
Hafsatu Kamara: Gender Equality Advocate & Social Entrepreneur
Hafsatu Kamara is a Sierra Leonean women’s rights advocate who focuses on empowering women economically and socially. She is involved in initiatives that provide skills development, financial literacy training, and entrepreneurship support for women. Her work seeks to address the economic barriers that many women face by helping them build sustainable livelihoods and achieve financial independence. Through advocacy and community engagement, she promotes the importance of gender equality and encourages women to take active roles in leadership and development.
Leymah Gbowee: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Peace Activist
Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate recognized globally for her role in mobilizing women to help end Liberia’s civil war. She led the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace movement, which united Christian and Muslim women in nonviolent protest to demand peace and political accountability. Today, she continues to advocate for women’s leadership in peacebuilding and governance through her work with the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa. Her initiatives focus on empowering young women through education, mentorship, and leadership training.
Raissa Malu: Education Leader & Gender Equality Advocate H.E.
Raissa Malu is an education policy leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo who has been actively involved in advancing educational reform and development initiatives. She works closely with government institutions and development organizations to improve access to quality education for children, particularly girls in underserved communities. Her work focuses on strengthening educational systems and promoting inclusive policies that ensure girls have equal access to learning. She advocates for education as a pathway to empowerment and long-term social transformation.
Nomzamo Mbatha: Actress & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African actress, humanitarian, and global advocate for refugee rights and youth empowerment. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, she raises awareness about the challenges faced by displaced communities, particularly women and children. Beyond her entertainment career, she actively supports initiatives that promote education, leadership, and opportunities for young African women. Through public advocacy, philanthropy, and mentorship, she continues to highlights issues affecting women and encourage young people to pursue leadership roles in society.
Kunle Erinle: Social Impact Advocate & Development Leader
Kunle Erinle is a Nigerian development professional dedicated to promoting social inclusion, youth empowerment, and gender equality. Through his work with development programs and social initiatives, he supports projects that provide women with access to training, economic opportunities, and development. He believes in engaging men as allies in the pursuit of gender equality and works to foster inclusive communities where women’s voices and contributions are recognized. His efforts help create pathways for women and young people to participate in social and economic development.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim: Former President of Mauritius & Scientist
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a renowned scientist and former President of Mauritius who has dedicated her career to advancing scientific research, education, and innovation. As a biodiversity expert and academic, she has published extensively on medicinal plants and sustainable development. She has actively promoted the participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She mentors young women and advocates for inclusive policies that enable women to pursue careers in research, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: President of Namibia H.E.
Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is a veteran Namibian politician, diplomat, and one of Africa’s most respected leaders in governance and diplomacy. Over several decades in public service, she has held key roles including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation before assuming the presidency of Namibia. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making. She has championed policies that support gender equality, inclusive governance, and social development, helping to expand opportunities for women in government, business, and civil society across Namibia and the broader African region.
Solange Swiri Tumasang: Founder & CEO, Better Breed Cameroon
Dr. Solange Swiri Tumasang is a Cameroonian social entrepreneur and founder of Better Breed Cameroon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, mentorship, and leadership training. Through her organization, she runs programs that address gender based violence, promote girls’ education, and provide economic empowerment opportunities for women. Her work focuses on building communities where women are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to achieve their full potential.
Medard Ouedraogo: Community Gender Equality Activist
Medard Ouedraogo is a community activist from Burkina Faso dedicated to advancing gender equality and protecting women’s rights. Through local advocacy initiatives, he works to address harmful practices such as early marriage and gender-based violence. Medard collaborates with community leaders and grassroots organizations to raise awareness about women’s rights and the importance of educating girls. His work focuses on creating safer and more inclusive communities where women and girls can thrive.
Nagadya Hamidah: Founder, Nagadya Foundation
Nagadya Hamidah is a Ugandan gender equality activist and founder of the Nagadya Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women through education and mentorship. Her work focuses on supporting girls from underserved communities by providing educational opportunities, life-skills training, and leadership development programs. Through the foundation, she advocates against gender-based discrimination and works to ensure that girls have equal access to education and career opportunities. Nagadya is passionate about creating safe spaces where young women can develop confidence, leadership skills, and the capacity to drive positive change in their communities.
Olori Atuwatse III: Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom & Founder, Elevate Africa
Olori Atuwatse III is a Nigerian royal, lawyer, and social impact leader dedicated to empowering women and youth. As founder of the Elevate Africa initiative, she champions programs that support entrepreneurship, leadership development, and educational opportunities for young people. She is particularly passionate about empowering women to become economically independent and influential leaders within their communities. Through mentorship, advocacy, and social programs, Olori Atuwatse III works to break barriers that limit women’s access to leadership and opportunities, inspiring women across Africa to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.
Jaha Dukureh: UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa
Jaha Dukureh is an internationally recognized Gambian activist and founder of Safe Hands for Girls, a global organization dedicated to ending female genital mutilation (FGM). A survivor of FGM herself, she has become one of the most powerful voices advocating for the protection of girls and women worldwide. Through advocacy, community education, and policy engagement, she works to change harmful cultural practices and promote gender equality. As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, Jaha continues to lead campaigns that empower girls to live free from violence and discrimination.
Bineta Diop: African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security
Bineta Diop is a Senegalese diplomat and global leader in women’s rights and peacebuilding. As the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, she works to ensure that women play a meaningful role in conflict resolution and governance across Africa. She is also the founder of Femmes Africa Solidarité, a network that mobilizes African women leaders to promote peace, democracy, and development. Through her work, Bineta has helped create platforms that amplify women’s voices in policy and decision-making, advancing gender equality across the continent.
Mohamed Tejan Jalloh: Human Rights Advocate & Community Educator
Mohamed Tejan Jalloh is a Sierra Leonean community activist who works at the grassroots level to combat gender-based violence and child marriage. Through community education programs and awareness campaigns, he advocates for girls’ rights and equal opportunities for women. He works closely with local leaders, schools, and families to encourage girls’ education and challenge cultural practices that limit women’s rights. His work demonstrates the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the fight for gender equality.
Lilian Njeri Mbuthi: Gender Equality Advocate & Social Impact Leader
Lilian Njeri Mbuthi is a social impact leader dedicated to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment across East Africa. She works with development organizations and community groups to implement programs that promote education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities for women and girls. Lilian’s work focuses on helping women gain access to training, financial resources, and professional networks that enable them to thrive economically. Through advocacy and grassroots engagement, she champions policies that strengthen women’s participation in leadership and ensure that women have equal access to opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Shannin Jones: Entrepreneur & Women Empowerment Advocate
Shannin Jones is an entrepreneur and mentor committed to supporting women in business and leadership. Through her professional work, she provides mentorship, capacity-building programs, and strategic support for female entrepreneurs seeking to scale their businesses. She is passionate about addressing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and works closely with aspiring women founders to provide guidance on financial literacy, business strategy, and leadership development. By creating networks that connect women to resources, training, and funding opportunities, Shannin plays a key role in promoting economic empowerment and strengthening the participation of women in the business ecosystem.
Inam Maso: Founder, Inam Maso Foundation
Inam Maso is a social entrepreneur and gender equality advocate dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls. As the founder of the Inam Maso Foundation, she leads initiatives focused on girls’ education, leadership development, and community empowerment. Her organization provides mentorship programs, educational support, and advocacy platforms that help young women build confidence and develop leadership skills. Through her work, Inam actively challenges societal barriers that limit women’s participation in education and the workforce. She believes that empowering women economically and socially is critical to building stronger and more equitable communities across Africa.
Gladys Rebecca Emmanuel: Gender Equality Advocate & Community Development Leader
Gladys Rebecca Emmanuel is a passionate advocate for social justice and gender equality whose work focuses on empowering women at the grassroots level. She collaborates with community organizations and development partners to design programs that promote women’s leadership, education, and economic independence. Her initiatives focus particularly on marginalized communities where women often face barriers to education and financial opportunities. Through community engagement, leadership workshops, and advocacy campaigns, she promotes inclusive policies that create equal opportunities for women and girls, helping them become active contributors to social and economic development in their communities.
Chiedza Kambasha: Senior Partner & Lead Crisis Strategy Consultant, AKG Global
Chiedza Kambasha is a Zimbabwean global strategist, policy advisor, and social entrepreneur known for her work in crisis strategy, governance, and public sector transformation. As a Senior Partner at AKG Global, she advises governments, international organizations, and corporate institutions on leadership strategy and sustainable development. Beyond her professional consulting work, she is deeply committed to advancing gender equality across Africa. Through mentorship programs, advocacy initiatives, and leadership platforms, she works to increase women’s representation in decision-making spaces and equip young women with the skills needed to lead in governance, business, and social development.
The Power List celebrates individuals who not only excel in their respective fields but also use their platforms to advocate for representation, equity, and systemic change. From policymakers and social entrepreneurs to corporate leaders and grassroots advocates, each honouree reflects the evolving landscape of African leadership driven by purpose and impact.
About Exquisite Magazine:
Exquisite Magazine is Africa’s leading visibility platform dedicated to empowering women through wellness, business, beauty, and personal growth content. Through curated storytelling, events, and community initiatives, the brand continues to create meaningful spaces that inspire connection, recognition, and elevated living.
