The Africa Sports Ventures Group has announced the 2025 Honourees of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards, a list that celebrates 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.
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South Africa is represented by several outstanding women, including Football Ref Akhona Makalima, Rebecca Eliot, Futballing Girls’ Moonira Ramathula, and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Recreation, Sumayya Khan.
An international soccer official since 2014, Makalima was recognised for her achievements, including officiating at both the Women’s and Men’s African Cup of Nations, participated in the 2023 Women’s Soccer World Cup in Australia, and is well known in the Premier Soccer League.
Rebecca Eliot is co-founder of PROTouch, an African sports technology business that focuses on fan engagement and the purpose of enabling African Athletes to perform on the world stage.
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The event is established to bring a spotlight on women breaking barriers in every sphere of sport, from policy and management to performance and advocacy, and the Awards have evolved into one of the continent’s most respected recognitions of female achievement in sports leadership and impact.
“These extraordinary women represent the heartbeat of African sports,” said Leslie Koroma Sr, Founder and CEO of the Africa Sports Ventures Group. “Their courage, vision, and excellence inspire not just the next generation of women in sport, but an entire continent striving for transformation.”
50 Most Influential African Women in Sports 2025 Honourees
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
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
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 – Former 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
Main Photo Caption: The Africa Sports Ventures Group has announced the 2025 Honourees of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards, a list that celebrates exceptional women transforming the landscape of sports across Africa and the diaspora. Photo: Supplied
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