This summer, Forbes contributor Mfonobong Nsehe compiled a list of the 20 youngest power women in Africa. Nsehe is quick to state that the list is by no means exhaustive, but honors women under 45 who, "wield enormous influence in African business, technology, policy and media. They are change makers, trendsetters, visionaries and thinkers, builders, and young global leaders. They are at the vanguard of Africa’s imminent socio-economic revolution and its contemporary renaissance.”
Number one on his list is Ory Okolloh, Kenyan born founder of Ushahidi. This woman is a Harvard trained lawyer who founded Ushahidi, “a revolutionary crowd sourcing utility that enables citizen journalists and eyewitnesses all over the world to report incidences of violence through the web, mobile E-mail, SMS, and Twitter." Okolloh “is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential women in global technology.”
In descending order, Mr. Nsehe includes: Chimamanda Adichie, Nigerian Writer; Yolanda Cuba, South African Corporate Executive; Ndidi Nwuneli, Nigerian Social Entrepreneur; Dambisa Moyo, Zambian Economist; Khanyi Ndhlomo, South African Media Mogul; Phuti Malabie, South African CEO of Shanduka Group; Funmi Iyanda, Nigerian Journalist & Broadcaster; Isis Nyongo, Kenyan Managing Director InMobi Africa; Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Ethiopian Entrepreneur; Elsie Kanza, Tanzanian Economic Advisor To Tanzania’s President; Julie Gichuru, Kenyan Journalist & Broadcaster; Lisa Kropman, South African Entrepreneur; Stella Kilonzo, Kenyan Chief Executive of Capital Markets Authority in Kenya; Magatte Wade, Senegalese entrepreneur; Jonitha Gugu Msibi , South African senior partner at Ernst & Young; June Arunga Kenyan, Entrepreneur; Juliet Ehimuan Nigerian Google country manager; Olga Kimani-Arara, Kenyan Google Country Manager; and Saran Kaba Jones, Liberian Founder of Face Africa.
Check out the entire list here.