Umi100 celebrates a hundred exemplary mums of African descent raising well-adjusted kids while blazing the trail in their profession and other areas of their lives.
These mums inspire us with their work to make a difference in the world and in raising their legacies to make the world a better place.
We love them!
You can also read more about the Umi100 Honourees in 2024 and 2025.
Adel Oosthuizen
Adel Oosthuizen is a long standing entrepreneur, mentor, and champion for female founders in Namibia with more than two decades…
Adenah Bayoh
Adenah Bayoh is a Liberian born entrepreneur, restaurateur, real estate developer, and community builder whose life story reflects resilience, purpose,…
Adenike Ogunlesi
Adenike Ogunlesi grew up in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, in a home where creativity and craftsmanship were part of everyday life….
Adesunmbo Adeoye
Adesunmbo Adeoye is a luminary per excellence. Her passion to see others fulfill purpose is the reason she is also…
Aisha Ayensu
Aisha Ayensu is a globally recognised Ghanaian fashion designer, creative entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador whose work has helped redefine African…
Ajara Bomah
Ajara Bomah is a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, educator, and founder whose work is transforming rural education and women’s economic empowerment….
Amina Abdi Rabar
Amina Abdi Rabar is a celebrated Kenyan television and radio presenter, media personality, and creative professional known for her dynamic…
Amina Hamdani
Amina Hamdani is an Algerian entrepreneur and biotechnology innovator making remarkable contributions to the healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation space. As…
Aminata Dumbuya
Aminata Dumbuya Jarr is a Sierra Leonean social entrepreneur, innovator, and sustainability leader dedicated to accelerating energy access and transforming…
Aminata Kane Ndiaye
Aminata Kane Ndiaye is an accomplished business executive and telecommunications leader recognized for her influence in Africa’s digital finance and…
Ariana Oluwole
Ariana Oluwole is a Sierra Leonean educator, entrepreneur, and pioneer in early childhood development, committed to nurturing the next generation…
Arlene Steyl
Ms. Arlene Steyl, also known as Arlene Mulder, is a dynamic South African entrepreneur and innovator who has built a…
Beatha Shitemba
Beatha Shitemba is a Namibian entrepreneur and founder of Nel’s Babies & Kiddies, a homegrown brand that designs and manufactures…
Bontle MaAfrika Moloi
Bontle MaAfrika Moloi is one of South Africa's most celebrated multi-disciplinary artists. She is an actress, television presenter, radio personality,…
Captain Londy Ngcobo
Captain Londy Ngcobo is a celebrated South African airline pilot, entrepreneur, and public speaker who broke barriers in aviation by…
Catherine Krobo Edusei
Catherine Krobo Edusei is a Ghanaian agribusiness entrepreneur, founder, and Managing Director of Eden Tree Limited, a leading fresh produce…
Charlot Magayi
Charlot Magayi is a 2025 TIME Climate 100 Leader and 2022 Earthshot Prize Winner, globally recognized as one of the…
Chief Justice Martha Koome
Chief Justice Martha Koome was born and raised in Kenya, where she developed a strong sense of justice, equality, and…
Dina El Mofty
Dina El Mofty is a visionary Egyptian entrepreneur, educator, and thought leader dedicated to expanding entrepreneurship and work readiness education…
Dr. Diane Karusisi
Diane Karusisi is a distinguished Rwandan banker, economist, and corporate leader currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Bank…
Dr. Ester Kali
Ester Kali is an innovative Namibian entrepreneur and social impact leader whose work bridges creativity, community development, and economic empowerment….
Dr. Ethel Mupambwa
Dr. Ethel Chiwara Mupambwa is a Zimbabwean financial inclusion pioneer, entrepreneur, and founder of MoneyMart Finance Private Limited, a microfinance…
Dr. Hadia Hosny
Hadia Hosny is one of Africa’s most accomplished badminton players and the first Egyptian and Arab athlete to compete in…
Dr. Jennifer Riria
Dr. Jennifer Riria is a renowned Kenyan business leader, corporate executive, banker, and champion of women’s economic empowerment whose work…
Dr. Joyce Banda
Dr. Joyce Banda is a Malawian politician, diplomat, and philanthropist who made history as the first female President of Malawi,…
Dr. Kemi Oyedepo
Dr. Kemi Oyedepo is a Christian teacher, author, family life coach, mentor, and HR professional devoted to raising value-driven individuals…
Dr. Love Ogah
Dr. Love Ogah is a Christian minister, author, mentor, and passionate teacher of God’s Word who is dedicated to helping…
Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun
Dr. Martha Namundjebo‑Tilahun is a visionary Namibian business leader, investor, and advocate for women’s economic empowerment whose influence spans industry,…
Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown
Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown is a highly accomplished leader with expertise in high-level management, project management, problem-solving, communication, organization, implementation, and…
Dr. Olori Boye-Ajayi
Dr. Olori Boye-Ajayi, popularly known as OBA, is a Nigerian-born trade expert, gender development leader, author, and transformational coach with…
Dr. Omobola Olubusola Johnson
Dr. Omobola Olubusola Johnson, born on June 28, 1963, is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished women, a technocrat, engineer, investor,…
Dr. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Dr. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and recognisable faces, an actress, singer, philanthropist, and former model…
Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli
Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli (MON, OON) is a Nigerian pharmacist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, born on July 30, 1944, in Kano…
Dr. Tererai Trent
Dr. Tererai Trent is a globally celebrated educator, humanitarian, author, and advocate whose remarkable life story has inspired millions around…
Dr. Tope Mark-Odigie
Dr. Tope Mark-Odigie is one of Nigeria’s most inspiring multi-hyphenate women, a broadcaster, wealth coach, real estate entrepreneur, author, and…
Dr. Victoria Kisyombe
Dr. Victoria Kisyombe is a Tanzanian social entrepreneur, economist, and founder of Self-Reliance Women’s Fund (SRWf), a pioneering microfinance and…
Dr. Wendy Yvonne Nomathemba Luhabe
Dr. Wendy Yvonne Nomathemba Luhabe is one of South Africa’s most celebrated social entrepreneurs, authors, and champions of women’s economic…
Édith Brou Bleu
Édith Brou Bleu is a pioneering Ivorian tech entrepreneur, digital activist, writer, media personality, and advocate for women’s empowerment and…
Edith Dankwa
Edith Dankwa is a celebrated Ghanaian business leader, media entrepreneur, and strategist best known as the Group Publisher and CEO…
Edith Kahbang Walla
Edith Kahbang Walla, is a renowned Cameroonian entrepreneur, political leader, activist, and advocate for women’s leadership and civic empowerment whose…
Ellen Gunda
Ellen Gunda is an inspiring Malawian agribusiness entrepreneur whose work highlights the growing impact of women in agriculture and food…
Estelle Yomba
Estelle Yomba is a Cameroonian tech entrepreneur, software engineer, and education advocate making significant impact in the global technology space….
Esther Dassanou
Esther Dassanou is a distinguished African development leader and gender inclusion specialist driving financial empowerment for women across the continent….
Ethel Delali Cofie
Ethel Delali Cofie is a pioneering Ghanaian tech entrepreneur, innovation strategist, and champion for women’s inclusion in technology. She is…
Fadimatou Noutchemo
Fadimatou Noutchemo is a Cameroonian aviation entrepreneur, STEM advocate, and youth empowerment leader making significant impact in Africa’s aviation and…
Farah Emara
Farah Emara is an Egyptian entrepreneur and digital strategist passionate about helping businesses grow their brand and presence online. She…
Farah Meghji
Farah Meghji is a Tanzanian business leader and logistics expert known for driving innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in African…
Flora Mutahi
Flora Mutahi is a Kenyan entrepreneur, business strategist, and author widely recognised for building one of East Africa’s leading home-grown…
Generose Ndalami Dziko
Generose Ndalami Dziko is a pioneering Malawian entrepreneur and community development leader whose work centres on women’s economic empowerment, skills…
Grace Amey-Obeng
Grace Amey-Obeng is a visionary Ghanaian entrepreneur, skin health advocate, and the Founder and CEO of the FC Group of…
Gwendoline Abunaw
Gwendoline Abunaw is a distinguished Cameroonian banking executive and business leader currently serving as the Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon…
Hendrina Hango-Ndakola
Hendrina Hango-Ndakola is a respected Namibian pharmacist, entrepreneur, and award winning business leader best known as the Founder and CEO…
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe (born May 7, 1984) is a dynamic Ghanaian businesswoman, philanthropist, and politician who currently serves as…
Iyabo Ojo
Iyabo Ojo is one of Nollywood’s most remarkable and resilient women. From her early days in Lagos to becoming a…
Jeanne-Nicole Menemene
Jeanne-Nicole Menemene is an inspiring Congolese environmental entrepreneur and social innovator dedicated to transforming waste into opportunity. She is the…
Jetto Myaba
Jetto Myaba is a Malawian entrepreneur and founder of Mwaya Enterprises, a diversified trading business that distributes beverages such as…
Karen Mutasa
Karen Mutasa is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and founder of KaroCare, a sustainable health and body care brand that…
Kearoma Rantao Hams
Kearoma Rantao Hams is a dynamic Botswana entrepreneur and innovative leader in the beauty and wellness space, best known as…
Khalila Sadrah Mbowe
Khalila Sandrah Mbowe, MBA, is a Pan African systems builder and social entrepreneur designing the platforms, enterprises, and ecosystems through…
Lina Mowafy
Lina Mowafy is an Egyptian entrepreneur, contemporary artist, and creative industry leader known for her contribution to promoting Egyptian art…
Linda Tchatchoua
Linda Tchatchoua is a trailblazing Cameroonian entrepreneur and business leader whose adventurous spirit and dedication have made a lasting impact…
Lindiwe Masuku
Lindiwe Masuku is an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader with a strong background in finance, administration, and management. She holds…
Lucy Quist
Lucy Quist is a Ghanaian-British business executive, engineer, author, and global thought leader known for breaking barriers in technology and…
Madame Janine Kacou Diagou
Janine Kacou Diagou is a distinguished Ivorian business leader, financial expert, and champion for entrepreneurship whose impact spans across Africa’s…
Madame Leila Akli
Leila Akli is an Algerian entrepreneur, communications strategist, and advocate for women’s entrepreneurship. She is the Founder and CEO of…
Mariama Kamara
Mariama Kamara is a Sierra Leonean social entrepreneur and clean energy pioneer committed to expanding sustainable access to electricity across…
Marie Bliss
Marie Bliss is a Ghanaian-born lawyer, creative personality, and emerging influencer whose journey has recently gained attention across West Africa….
Mary Chokani Mphonda
Mary Chokani Mphonda is a respected Malawian educational leader, academic, and advocate for gender equality and girls’ education whose work…
Masada Terverite Deconnick
Masada Terverite Deconnick is a pioneering Botswana entrepreneur and leader in the automotive services industry whose resilience and vision have…
Matilde Mawelele Rungo
Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a Mozambican digital transformation consultant and cybersecurity specialist, leading the development of practical and scalable technology…
Mdingase Tewete
Mdingase Tewete is a Malawian entrepreneur, agribusiness pioneer, and founder of Kombeza Foods Ltd, a dairy food processing company she…
Milka Odigie
Milka Mebrahtu Odigie is a fashion, lifestyle, and beauty digital creator known for her work sharing fashion trends, beauty inspiration,…
Minnie Dlamini
Minnie Dlamini is a South African media personality, television presenter, actress, model, and producer whose career has spanned over 15…
Mome Mahlangu
Mrs. Mome Mahlangu is a multi-talented entrepreneur, author, wellness advocate, and former fashion stylist who built her name through a…
Mouna Abbassy
Mouna Abbassy is a celebrated Moroccan born beauty entrepreneur and founder of Izil Beauty, a global natural skincare and wellness…
Muriel Blanche
Muriel Blanche is a Cameroonian actress, singer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for her influence in the African entertainment industry and…
Nadia Gamal El Din
Nadia Gamal El Din is the Founder and CEO of Rahet Bally Co., where she leads the FemTech scene in…
Nana Ama McBrown
Nana Ama McBrown is a celebrated Ghanaian actress, TV presenter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for her versatile talent and enduring…
Nardine Farag
Nardine Farag is a renowned Egyptian television presenter, actress, and former beauty queen who has built a strong reputation in…
Nora El Sadat
Nora El Sadat is an Egyptian entrepreneur, economist, and women’s empowerment advocate best known as the Founder and CEO of…
Norah Magero
Norah Magero is a Kenyan Mechanical Engineer and Renewable Energy Expert with over ten years of experience driving transformative off-grid…
Oheneyere Gifty Anti
Oheneyere Gifty Anti (born Gifty Dansoa Anti) is an award-winning Ghanaian broadcast journalist, media entrepreneur, author, feminist, and traditional leader…
Oumou Sangaré
Oumou Sangaré is an internationally acclaimed Malian singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and women’s rights advocate widely known as the “Songbird of…
Peagie Foday
Peagie Foday is a Sierra Leonean social entrepreneur, advocate for girls’ education, and founder of the Peagie Woobay Scholarship Fund…
Pearl Modiadie
Pearl Modiadie was born in Tembisa, South Africa. She completed her diploma in Media Studies and Journalism at Rosebank College…
Pearl Tsheko
Pearl Tsheko is a visionary Botswana entrepreneur, creative leader, and dedicated mother. She is the founder of Black Fabrick, a…
Phyllis Wakiaga
Phyllis Wakiaga is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer, corporate executive, and private-sector development expert renowned for her leadership in industry, public…
Rita Maria Zniber
Rita Maria Zniber is a highly respected Moroccan business leader, entrepreneur, and Chairwoman and CEO of Diana Holding, one of…
Rukssana Saide
Rukssana Saide is a Mozambican leader, entrepreneur, and mother who has dedicated her life to turning economic potential into social…
Ruth Zaipuna
Ruth Zaipuna is a distinguished Tanzanian banker and corporate leader currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of NMB Bank Plc,…
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch is a trailblazing Moroccan businesswoman, entrepreneur, and retail pioneer whose visionary leadership has reshaped the modern retail…
Seshme Holloway
Seshme Holloway is a proud mother of three, an accomplished entrepreneur, award-winning business leader, and Managing Director of JRS Solutions,…
Sharon Mashishi
Sharon Mashishi, also known as Monne Sharon Mashishi, is a young, driven South African entrepreneur and business leader based in…
Tara Fela-Durotoye
Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and trained lawyer who single-handedly pioneered the professional makeup industry in Nigeria. She…
Tsitsi Masiyiwa
Tsitsi Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and global advocate for education, health, and women’s empowerment. She is the…
Tsitsi Mutendi
Tsitsi Mutendi is a globally recognised family business advisor, speaker, author, and entrepreneur with over 21 years of experience. She…
Tuduetso Tebape
Tuduetso Tebape is an inspiring Botswana entrepreneur, natural beauty pioneer, and founder of Nubian Seed, a green beauty brand dedicated…
Velma Owusu-Bempah
Velma Owusu-Bempah is an award-winning Ghanaian milliner, accessories designer, and fashion educator renowned for her influence in elevating African luxury…
Wandia Gichuru
Wandia Gichuru is a Kenyan entrepreneur and impact investor dedicated to supporting women-led businesses and fostering inclusive economic growth across…
Yemisi Edun
Yemisi Edun is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished women in finance, and a name that carries real weight in the…