DID YOU KNOW THAT FUNMI IYANDA, CHIMAMANDA AND TWO OTHER NIGERIANS MADE FORBES' 20 YOUNGEST POWER WOMEN IN AFRICA

Chimamanda Adichie Nigerian. Writer

One of Africa’s leading contemporary literary voices, the Award-winning Nigerian writer has been heralded as a rebirth of the African literary greats – the likes of Chinua Achebe, Camara Laye and Cyprian Ekwensi. In 2006 her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, won the coveted Orange Prize, and Chinua Achebe (widely regarded as the father of African literature) said of Adichie: She’s “endowed with the gift of ancient storytellers…”

Ndidi Nwuneli Nigerian. Social Entrepreneur

Ndidi founded LEAP Africa - a leading nonprofit that provides social entrepreneurs, youth and small scale business owners with leadership training and executive coaching services. She is also a co-founder of AACE Foods, a Nigerian food processor. Ndidi is a leading authority on social entrepreneurship and in 2004 was bestowed with the national honor, Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian President at the time, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Funmi Iyanda Nigerian. Journalist & Broadcaster

Iyanda is a multi-award-winning journalist, broadcaster and blogger. She is the host of Talk With Funmi, a popular TV show that journeys through Nigeria, from state to state, capturing people and conversations around the country. She is an African Leadership Institute Tutu Fellow and a fellow of the ASPEN Institute’s African Leadership Initiative.

Juliet Ehimuan Nigerian. Google country manager, Nigeria

In April Nigerian-born Ehimuan was appointed as Google’s country manager for Nigeria. Tough job: As head of Google’s operations in Africa’s largest internet-user community, she is charged with the responsibility of representing the company in all its business development projects and partnership opportunities in the region.


Others are:

Saran Kaba Jones Liberian. Founder, Face Africa
Jonitha Gugu Msibi South Africa. Senior Partner, Ernst & Young
June Arunga Kenyan. Entrepreneur
Olga Kimani-Arara Kenyan. Google Country Manager, Kenya
Julie Gichuru Kenyan. Journalist & Broadcaster
Lisa Kropman, South African, Entrepreneur
Stella Kilonzo Kenyan. Chief Executive, Capital Markets Authority, Kenya
Magatte Wade Senegal. Entrepreneur
Isis Nyongo Kenyan. Managing Director, InMobi Africa
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu Ethiopian. Entrepreneur
Elsie Kanza Tanzania. Economic Advisor To Tanzania’s President
Yolanda Cuba South African. Corporate Executive
Dambisa Moyo Zambian. Economist

Khanyi Ndhlomo South African. Media Mogul

Phuti Malabie South African. CEO, Shanduka Group

Ory Okolloh Kenyan. Founder, Ushahidi

All are under-45.