African Influential Women and leaders, distinguished by their exceptional talents, are shattering the status quo and redefining what leadership looks like in a multitude of fields. The year 2024 marks a particularly significant chapter in this ongoing story. Several extraordinary women have come to the forefront, leaving their mark through their powerful contributions and undeniable influence. This article serves as a tribute to seven such exceptional women, leaders who inspire positive change and pave the way for a brighter future.

1. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania

A formidable figure on the list of African influential women is Samia Suluhu Hassan. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first female president of Tanzania, has made history by assuming the role in 2021. She has brought a fresh perspective to the nation’s leadership, with a focus on economic development, education, and women’s empowerment. President Hassan’s efforts to improve the economy have been particularly noteworthy, as she has worked to attract foreign investment and promote business growth in the country. Her commitment to education has resulted in increased access to schooling for Tanzania’s youth, and her advocacy for women’s rights has been a driving force for gender equality in the nation. President Hassan’s leadership has been a positive and transformative force, and her contributions continue to inspire progress and change.

2. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a distinguished economist and development expert, has made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO). She brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously served as Nigeria’s finance minister and foreign minister. She is also the managing director at the World Bank. In her new role, Okonjo-Iweala is focused on reforming the global trade body and promoting inclusive trade, to ensure that all countries, particularly those in the developing world, can participate in and benefit from the global economy. Her leadership and vision for the future of trade are widely regarded as crucial to the WTO’s success.

3. Sahle-Work Zewde

4. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women

One of the most African influential Women of our time is Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is a respected advocate for gender equality. She currently leads the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). Throughout her career, she has focused on improving the rights and opportunities of women and girls worldwide. At UN Women, she has launched several important projects to boost women’s involvement in politics, enhance their economic standing, and stop violence against them. She has also worked hard to spread awareness about women’s issues like the wage gap, access to education and healthcare, and violence based on gender. Because of her strong dedication to gender equality, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has become a symbol and inspiration for women and girls everywhere.

The award night of the Oscars 2024 was both unforgettable and fashionable. In terms of inclusivity, they went the extra mile by inviting well-known content creators to grace the carpet.  The likes of Drea Okeke and Kristy Sarah were live for some thrilling content. But there were even more delightful highlights.

For one, Oppenheimer triumphed at the 2024 Oscars, sweeping the night with a whopping seven awards. Director Christopher Nolan emerged victorious, taking home the award for Best Director. Cillian Murphy delivered a performance so powerful it earned him Best Actor honors. Robert Downey Jr. wasn’t left out either, adding Best Supporting Actor to his trophy case. The film’s brilliance extended beyond acting, with wins for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. Oppenheimer’s dominance at the Oscars was evidence of its cinematic masterpiece.

Emma Stone took home the Best Actress award for her role in “Poor Things.” This unexpected win came as a surprise, as many expected Lily Gladstone to win for her acclaimed performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Poor Things” didn’t stop there; the film racked up three additional awards in the technical categories, winning Best Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her powerful performance in “The Holdovers!” The heartwarming animated film “The Boy and the Heron” by Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki soared to victory, winning Best Animated Feature. International cinema also got its moment in the spotlight, with Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” winning Best International Feature. The hard-hitting documentary “20 Days in Mariupol” earned the award for Best Documentary.

See the full list of winners.

Best Picture

• American Fiction
• Anatomy of a Fall
• Barbie
• The Holdovers
• Killers of the Flower Moon
• Maestro
• Oppenheimer  (WINNER)
• Past Lives
• Poor Things
• The Zone of Interest

Best Directing

• Justine Triet (Anatomy of a Fall)
• Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon)
• Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) (WINNER)
  
• Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things)
• Jonathan Glazer (The Zone of Interest)

Actor in a Leading Role

• Bradley Cooper (Maestro)
• Colman Domingo (Rustin)
• Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)
• Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) (WINNER)
  
• Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction)

Actor in a Supporting Role

• Sterling K. Brown (American Fiction)
• Robert De Niro (Killers of the Flower Moon)
• Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer) (WINNER)
  
• Ryan Gosling (Barbie)
• Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things)

Actress in a Leading Role

• Annette Bening (Nyad)
• Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon)
• Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall)
• Carey Mulligan (Maestro)
• Emma Stone (Poor Things) (WINNER)

Actress in a Supporting Role

• Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer)
• Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple)
• America Ferrera (Barbie)
• Jodie Foster (Nyad)
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers) (WINNER)

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

• Anatomy of a Fall  (WINNER)
  
• The Holdovers
• Maestro
• May December
• Past Lives

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

• American Fiction  (WINNER)
  
• Barbie
• Oppenheimer
• Poor Things
• The Zone of Interest

Animated Feature

• The Boy and the Heron  (WINNER)
  
• Elemental 
  
• Nimona 
• Robot Dreams
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 

Documentary Feature Film

• Bobi Wine: The People’s President
• The Eternal Memory
• Four Daughters
• To Kill a Tiger
• 20 Days in Mariupol  (WINNER)

International Feature Film

• Io Capitano (Italy)
• Perfect Days (Japan)
• Society of the Snow (Spain)
• The Teacher’s Lounge (Germany)
• The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom) (WINNER)

Best Animated Short Film

• Letter to a Pig
• Ninety-Five Senses
• Our Uniform
• Pachyderme
• War is over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko (WINNER)

Live-Action Short Film

• The After
• Invincible
• Knight of Fortune 
• Red, White, and Blue
• The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (WINNER)