Celebrating African Women’s Achievements in All Fields

As International Women’s Day approaches, we celebrate the amazing achievements of African women across all fields, reflecting resilience, innovativeness, and leadership. In fields as diverse as the vibrant world of art to the political sphere, from boardrooms to playing grounds, African women are not only making a difference but leading groundbreaking changes that resonate everywhere in the globe.

African women have consistently pushed against the odds, overcome structural barriers, and paved the way for generations of women leaders. Their contributions are visible in every aspect of society, and their stories need to be told, heard, and celebrated.

Artistic Triumphs

The African art market has traditionally been dominated by men, but times are changing. For the first time ever, women African artists have surpassed their male counterparts in auction sales. Women artists accounted for 52.8% of sales in 2024, totaling $22 million. This is a landmark moment in African art history and the affirmation of women artists in a market where their voices were silenced for so long.

Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu led this charge, realizing a record $5.8 million at Christie’s. Her massive, abstract works continue to push the boundaries of modern African art, putting her in the short list of most influential artists working today.

Others in the limelight are Zanele Muholi, a South African photographer and visual activist whose gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights activism has sparked debate globally. Also causing ripples is Njideka Akunyili Crosby, a Nigerian-American mixed-media artist who has been widely acclaimed for her deeply personal explorations of post-colonial African identity.

This shift in the art world is more than a sales figure issue—it is a growing awareness and appreciation of the contributions of African women to the arts. The appearance of women artists in auction houses and international exhibitions is a fundamental shift in the art world, enabling more African women to showcase their unique perspectives and skills.

Musical Milestones

The strength of African women as artists in the music industry has never been greater. The global music industry is witnessing an undeniable rise of African women artists that are redefining the face of contemporary music and burning the world.

In 2024, artists like Tyla, Tems, Aya Nakamura, and Ayra Starr not just dominated the charts but redefined genres, translating African notes to the global audience. South African newcomer Tyla was the first to receive a inaugural Best African Music Performance Grammy for her hit single Water. Not only did this make her a force to be reckoned with in the world music industry but also took South African-born genre Amapiano to global acclaim. Nigerian talent Tems also enjoyed a phenomenal year. Her album Born in the Wild was widely acclaimed by critics and appeared on numerous global charts. Renowned for her ethereal voice and impassioned songcraft, Tems has been relentlessly pushing boundaries and challenging the norms.

At the same time, Aya Nakamura, born French but Malian-bred singer, has taken over the world’s Afropop and R&B platform. Her French-sung music with West African influences has gained enormous global acclaim and placed her as the world’s most-streamed female African artist. Ayra Starr, the song popularizer Rush, is still a pioneer who has made Afrobeat and Afropop popular for more international exposure. She also won Best International Music Act and Best African African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, the second honor making her the first woman in 16 years to achieve this.

The rise of African women in music is not just individual success—it’s a cultural revolution. These women are breaking barriers, breaking records, and inspiring a generation of young African girls to aim high.

Literary Laurels

African women continue to shape the literary scene, bringing forth compelling narratives that capture the vibrancy of African identities, histories, and futures.

South African writer Nadia David’s was awarded the 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story Bridling. The story, described as a “triumph of language,” is about identity, womanhood, and power, making Davids one of the most important contemporary African voices in literature.

Beyond Davids, the African literary scene is teeming with women who are penning interesting stories. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, globally acclaimed Nigerian writer, continues to be a strong gender equality activist through her writing and activism. Tsitsi Dangarembga, Zimbabwean writer and director, continues to be a key voice in discussions around colonial histories and African feminism.

As more African women authors are heard from, they are expanding the literary canon and ensuring that African stories are told through authentic, complex voices. They are contributing to the ongoing process of decolonizing literature and challenging Western narratives of Africa.

Leadership and Recognition

African women are leaving no one in doubt about their mark in leadership and governance. The 2024 list of the 100 Most Influential African Women, who were recognized from 32 countries, shows the diverse and effective contributions of women leaders on the African continent.

Nigeria led with 22 honorees, then Kenya with 12, South Africa with 7, and Rwanda with 5. This annual publication recognizes women who are breaking barriers and driving transformational change.

Among the top awardees is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, who is still a strong voice for economic reform and trade justice around the world. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the President of Tanzania, is still a force to be reckoned with in African politics, paving the way for generations to come of women leaders.

Other top women are Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Executive Director of UN Women, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former

President of Liberia, keep inspiring and mentoring future generations of women leaders.

The increasing number of women in leadership roles is a sign of movement towards gender parity in politics, business, and government. While much more is yet to be accomplished, these women are opening doors for future leaders and showing that African women belong in the highest levels of decision-making.

Advancements in Gender Equality

Celebrating while noting the work that needs to be done to achieve gender equality in Africa is not only important but also vital.

Côte d’Ivoire emerged as the best performing African country against gender discrimination, according to the Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) 2023 of the OECD. This reflects the country’s improvement in economic empowerment initiatives for women, new legislation promoting gender rights, and efforts in reducing gender-based violence.

Other African countries are also doing well. Rwanda, for example, is still the leader when it comes to political representation, with over 60% of its parliament women-the world’s highest. In South Africa, legislative reform and firm policies are gradually enhancing women’s presence in key leadership roles within industries.

Despite all this, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. There are still constraints like limited education, economic inequality, violence based on gender, and cultural limits to many women across the continent. However, organizations, activists, and legislators are working diligently to bridge the gaps.

A Future Defined by African Women

These women represent the indomitable spirit and achievement of African women. In remembering their accomplishment on this International Women’s Day, we recall the collective progress already achieved and the journey ahead to achieve equality, representation, and recognition.

From arts to leadership, from music to literature, African women are creating the future, redefining success, and shattering ceilings. Their presence is indisputable, their stories are motivevating, and their legacy will shape generations yet to come.

Let’s continue celebrating, empowering, and advocating for African women—not just on International Women’s Day, but every single day.