The privilege of new beginnings is reflection. At the commencement of the new decade, and as the pursuit for personal and continental progress endures, it’s the ideological contemplation of what ‘power’ is that challenged FORBES AFRICA to compile an unprecedented, unranked listing of Africa’s 50 most powerful women. We examine ‘power’ as more than wealth, assets, control or accomplishment. We explore ‘power’ as a utility of success. The stories, journeys and current efforts of all the women uncover the truth of the great African proverb: “When sleeping women wake, mountains move.” The list on the following pages is in no particular order.
‘POWER IS PROVOKING POSITIVE IMPACT’
Graça Machel’s name will be etched in history as a political activist, public servant, global humanitarian and advocate for the rights of women and children. Dressed in a regal purple suit, and sporting a chic new look and hairdo, she arrives for an exclusive FORBES AFRICA photoshoot late January, in a studio in a leafy suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. With an alluring aura and a disarming “hello”, she puts the team at ease, and shares her personal odyssey including her journey as a social entrepreneur through the Graça Machel Trust that she founded. Excerpts from the interview:
You were born in 1945, the youngest of six children. What was it like growing up?
I was born three weeks after my father passed away, and my mother was a widow at the time, but I am [fortunate as] it was always a very loving environment. I was given solid foundations to provide me with a very clear value system. I had the guidance, even in those old days, to be myself within my family, within society, but to also be a child and person connected to others. My inclination for social work comes from the foundations I received from my family.
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Esta historia es de la edición March 2020 de Forbes Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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HIP-HOP'S HOTTEST HUSTLER
The Memphis rap star runs one of the biggest music labels, owns a piece of an MLS team and is looking to expand his empire like his billionaire mentor Jay-Z. But first, he's going to business school.
Kigali Triennial, The Ambitious New Event On The African Cultural Calendar
Rwanda has rightly earned the nickname of \"a land of a thousand hills and a thousand and one opportunities\" because of the country's impressive economic progress. However, after the recently-concluded celebration of arts which was the inaugural Kigali Triennial festival, you can now add culture to the list of things the country offers for tourists and investors.
The dark Side of AI
There is a thin line between innovation and abuse. A look at how large language models (LLMs) are making cyber-criminals even better at mastering the art of deception.
Gene Gamechanger
Disease-resistant crops? Cows that can withstand climate change? Here's how CRISPR is already transforming the continent, and why building a network of skilled scientists can help position Africa as a key global contributor in this frontier of crop development.
Women Empowerment And Transformation In Mining: A Distinctive Perspective
GMDC is a mining company that specializes in tungsten (wolfram) and operates in the city of Kigali, Nyarugenge District, Mageragere Sector.
How The Mining Sector Contributes To Community Development Initiatives
It plays a significant role in Rwanda's overall development, contributing to infrastructure, job creation, health, education, and even environmental conservation. It's not just about extracting resources; mining is mandated to build up the communities and nation alongside its operations.
Reflecting On 2023 Milestones And A Look Ahead
Last year solidified Rwanda's position as a prime African mining investment destination and a burgeoning hub for mineral value addition. What will 2024 hold?
Rwandan Mining Regulator Unveils Three-Year Mineral Exploration Campaign
A holistic approach to responsible mineral resource management in the country.
TASTING SUCCESS
Paul Siguqa has had an unlikely journey in the wine business in South Africa. His mother worked in the vineyards as a laborer during the apartheid era and now, his fully black-owned wine farm sells premium products.
Creating Stronger Communities In Africa Through Digital And Financial Inclusion
In Sub-Saharan Africa, a silent barrier to economic inclusion and social mobility persists: one in four adults lacks identification, according to a World Bank report.