Lupita, Graa Machel among Forbes most powerful African women

Lupita Nyongo is among 50 women listed as the most powerful in Africa, according to Forbes Magazine.

In the list are women in business, politics, media, science, sports and public life who are challenging the status quo.

Lupita who is known for role in the movies 12 Years A Slave, Star Wars and Black Panther has also expressed interest in showcasing African stories on the big screen.

Lupita is one of the actors selected to adapt the books Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie and Born A Crime by Trevor Noah into movies.

Other women in the Forbes list include:

Graca Machel and Clare Akamanzi

She is widow of former South African president Nelson Mandela and founder of Graca Machel trust while Clare Akamanzi is a lawyer and CEO of Rwanda Development Board.

These two women are thriving in the social development sectors where they ensure that their communities are making significant progress.

Folorunso Alakija

The Nigerian oil mogul is the executive voce chair of Famfa oil and has other interests in fashion and real estate. As of November 2019, her wealth has been valued at Ksh. 100billion.

Forbes has ranked her as the richest woman in Nigeria.

Jennifer Riria

She is known for her exemplary work in the banking industry which led to her being the CEO of Kenya Women Holding Group .

The company serves nearly a million women mostly located in the rural areas. Jennifer is also the CEO of Echo Network Africa Limited.

Elsie Kanza

Elsie S. Kanza is one of the leading and most dynamic female leaders emerging from Africa.

She was born in Kenya to Tanzanian parents; educated in Kenya and then later in the United States.

Kanza is the Director, Head of Africa at the World Economic Forum, the Geneva, Switzerland-based organization whose mission is to engage political, business and social leaders to shape global agendas and effect local change.

She is the only Tanzanian to make the list.

Ibukun Awosika

Ibukun Awosika is the Chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and most valuable banking brand.

She is also the founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group.

The companies in the group include: The Chair Centre Limited, Sokoa Chair Centre Limited, Furniture Manufacturers Mart, TCC Security Systems and Cubes and Boxes Limited. These companies are involved in manufacturing, retail and bank-way security systems services.