 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. “These extraordinary women represent the heartbeat of African sports. Their courage, vision, and excellence inspire not just the next generation of women in sport, but an entire continent striving for transformation,” said Leslie Koroma Sr., Founder & CEO of the Africa Sports Ventures Group. 2025 HONOREES – 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN WOMEN IN SPORTSKirsty 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 A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE AND IMPACTThe 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. LOOKING AHEAD TO DAKAR 2026ASVG 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. About the AwardsThe 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. Media Contact: Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) EMAIL: [email protected] Website: www.africasvg.com By Editor
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