Vice President H.E. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has been ranked among the 2025 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media.
The annual ranking recognises African women whose leadership, influence, and accomplishments continue to shape decision-making at the highest levels locally and internationally.
Other Ghanaians on the list include Amma Twum-Amoah, Major General Anita Asmah, Anita Kiki Gbeho, Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Adelaide Siaw Agyepong.
The ranking, which is also in its seventh year, highlights women who have risen through corporate leadership, founded impactful institutions, influenced policy, and set global standards across governance, diplomacy, business, media, climate change, civil society, philanthropy, sports, and the creative industries.
The 2025 publication features influential women drawn from 32 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of female leadership across the continent. Nigeria emerged as the most represented country on the list with 20 women, followed by South Africa, Ghana, Kenya , Zimbabwe and Egypt making up the top countries with the highest number of women featured.
Collectively, these countries account for a significant proportion of Africa’s female leaders operating at national, regional, and global levels.
A strong political presence defines this year’s ranking, with two sitting Presidents and one former President which include Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Ndemupelila Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia.
The list also recognises other eight Vice Presidents, among them Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang of Ghana, Jessica Alupo of Uganda, Esperança da Costa of Angola, Mariam Chabi Talata of Benin, H.E. Mutale Nalumango of Zambia, and H.E. Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior of South Sudan, underscoring the growing role of women in executive political leadership across Africa.
Global governance and multilateral institutions feature prominently in the ranking, with several women holding senior leadership positions at the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the Commonwealth, the African Development Bank Group, the World Trade Organisation, and other international bodies.
Notable figures include H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; H.E. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa; Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; and H.E. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Africa.
Beyond governance and diplomacy, corporate leadership is represented by women such as Dr. Owen Omogiafo, Folorunso Alakija, Mpumi Madisa and Delphine Traoré Maidou, while media influence is reflected through global journalists including Nima Elbagir, Anne Soy, and Salma Abdelaziz. In arts, entertainment, and sports, the list features internationally celebrated figures such as Angélique Kidjo, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Tyla, and Olympic champion-turned-IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
Civil society, climate advocacy, and philanthropy remain key pillars of influence within the ranking. Women such as Dr. Rasha Kelej, Graça Machel, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Jaha Dukureh, and Zouera Youssoufou are recognised for their sustained commitment to social justice, development financing, gender advocacy, and community transformation across Africa.
According to Avance Media, selection into the 100 Most Influential African Women ranking is based on excellence in leadership and performance, personal accomplishments, commitment to sharing knowledge, the ability to break the status quo, and demonstrable impact as accomplished African women operating at national, continental, and global levels.
Commenting on the release, Prince Akpah, Managing Director of Avance Media, said the ranking is part of the organization’s broader mission to reshape Africa’s global narrative.
“These women are not only breaking barriers, they are redefining power, leadership, and influence across Africa and the world. This publication documents their impact while inspiring the next generation of African women leaders to pursue excellence without limits,” he said.
The 100 Most Influential African Women ranking serves as both a celebration of achievement and a record of contemporary African leadership, reaffirming the critical role women continue to play in shaping Africa’s future and its engagement with the global community.
Below is Avance Media’s 2025 100 Most Influential African Women, arranged in alphabetical order
