Africa Sports Ventures Group Announces the 2025 Class of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports

Celebrating the Women Shaping Africa’s Sporting Future — Dakar, Senegal Announced as Host for the 2026 Edition

Nairobi, Kenya – November 8, 2025 — The Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) proudly announces the 2025 Honorees of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards — a distinguished recognition celebrating the exceptional women transforming the landscape of sports across Africa and the diaspora.

 

From Olympic icons and ministers to federation presidents, CEOs, journalists, and grassroots trailblazers, these 50 women embody leadership, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of African excellence. Their collective achievements underscore the growing influence of women in shaping the future of African sports governance, participation, and entrepreneurship.

 

Established by ASVG to spotlight women breaking barriers in every sphere of sport — from policy and management to performance and advocacy — the Awards have evolved into one of the continent’s most respected recognitions of female achievement in sports leadership and impact.

 

 

Kirsty Coventry – President, International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Fatma Samoura – Former FIFA Secretary General

Clare Akamanzi – CEO, NBA Africa

Nkechi Obi – CEO, Sport Nigeria Ltd

Nelly Mukazayire – Minister of Sports, Rwanda

Augusta James Teima – Minister of Sports, Sierra Leone

Amb. Amina Mohamed – Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture & Heritage, Kenya

Faith Kipyegon – Athlete, Global Icon & Multiple World Record Holder

Bouchra Hajij – President, Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB)

Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa – Director of Sport & Recreation, Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, Zimbabwe

Benny Bonsu – Chief Content Officer, Olympic Channel

Yetunde Olopade – CEO & MD, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd

Game Mothibi – Senior Manager, TAFISA

Yvonne Namai Mukabana – African Schools Programme Manager, CAF

Peninnah Kabenge – Secretary General, FASU & Vice President, FISU

Fomum Victorine Agum – Founder & President, Abakwa Sports Academy of Bamenda

Aminata H. Turay – Founder & CEO, AMI Women Sport Foundation-SL & President, Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association

Syombua A. Kibue – Founder & CEO, SKEIYA

Doreen Nabwire – Director of Women’s Football & Development Manager, Football Kenya Federation

Dr. Miriam Mpaata – President, Africa Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) & The Afrika Sports Foundation Center

Amb. Mary Onyali – CEO, Yali Yali Sportswear & Meet Director, Mary Onyali Classics

Peris Mukoko – Senior Official, NOC-K Gender Commission

Geraldine Yema Roberts – Former Pro Basketball Player & Consultant, Gabon Ministry of Sports

Shanitha Sumayya Khan – Deputy Director-General, Recreation & Sport Promotion

Akhona Zennith Makalima – South Africa Premier League & FIFA Referee

Ashley Nakazwe – Professional Journalist & SuperSport Presenter, The Soccer Africa Show

Naledi Chabe – Coach, Referee & World Rugby Educator

Moonira Ramathula – Founder/Executive Director, Futballing Girls

Maha Mahmoud Hussein – General Secretary, Arab Ladies Committee, Arab Chess Federation

Stephanie Olivia Duval – Founder, Liv African Institute of Innovation & Sports (LAIIS)

Maureen Rosita Ojong – Olympism365 Manager, International Olympic Committee

Coach Callista Sambaza – Founder, Sweat Field Fitness

Caroline Wangari – Founder, Utawala Star Sports Club & PE Teacher

Buhlebenkosi Ncube – Sports Marketer & Founder, SportsGrind

Cynthia Mumbo – Founder & CEO, SportsConnect Africa

Aisha Shuaibu – President, SWA Sports & Advisory Board Member, NAFA

Janine Anthony – Sports Marketer & Founder, LadiesMarch

Dorothy Okatch – Basketball Referee, Technical Official & FIBA-Licensed Referee

Regina Lunyolo – Chairperson, Uganda Olympic Committee

Lephai Marea Modutlwa – Vice President, Botswana Bowling Association & Member, Olympic Education Commission

Dr. Mona Abdalla Ellabody – Founder, Chess and Culture Club for Girls & Board Member, Egyptian Chess Federation

Safina Khan – Senior Official, WRC Safari Rally Project Oversight Team

Rachel Ankomah – Founder, Accra Majestics Sports Academy

Ayishatu Zakaria Ali – AIPS Reporter & Freelance Sports Journalist

Celestine Karoney – BBC Sports Africa Reporter

Phatsimo Ruele – Founder, Helping One Organisation (HOO)

Barbra Banda – Athlete, Global Icon & 2024 CAF Player of the Year & BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

Tega Onojaife – Founder, Ladies in Sports International; Sports Producer & Presenter

Fatma El-Kindiy – Founder, A Try for Change

Rebecca Eliot – Founder, ProTouch Africa

 

The 2025 journey began with the announcement of this year’s edition in March, followed by months of inspiring nominations, voting from across the continent, and the empowering workshops led by G100 and the Women Africa Sport Network.

These sessions reinforced unity, mentorship, and shared purpose among women changing the face of African sport.

Every nominee’s story is a testament to determination and leadership — from boardrooms to classrooms, and from Olympic tracks to rural academies — showcasing the brilliance and resilience of African women who continue to drive transformation in sports.

 

ASVG proudly announces that the 2026 Edition of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards will be held in Dakar, Senegal, alongside the Youth Olympic Games — marking a historic convergence of sports excellence, women’s leadership, and continental pride.

“Dakar 2026 will be a grand celebration of women’s influence in sports — an African moment on a global stage,” added Leslie Koroma Sr.

 

The 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards is an initiative by the Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) that recognizes and celebrates women whose leadership, vision, and achievements are driving transformation across Africa’s sports ecosystem.

 

Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG)

admin@africasvg.com