As we commemorate Women’s Month this March, it’s a powerful reminder of the remarkable strides women are making across various industries, including the traditionally male-dominated field of transportation.
Africa is home to a dynamic pool of talented and innovative women who are paving the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient transportation future. Join us as we celebrate 13 trailblazing African women at the forefront of driving transformative change in this crucial sector.
1. Yvonne Manzi Makolo (Rwanda):
Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the first female CEO of RwandAir, has significantly transformed the airline’s operations, enhancing air transportation connectivity within Rwanda and beyond. Since taking on the role in April 2018, Makolo has overseen RwandAir’s expansion efforts, resulting in the airline’s rapid growth and establishment as one of Africa’s fastest-growing airlines.
Under her leadership, RwandAir has modernized its fleet, expanded its routes, and improved service quality, while fostering diversity and inclusion within the organization. Makolo’s background in telecommunications, coupled with her commercial acumen, has played a crucial role in the airline’s success.
Her appointment as the Chair of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors in 2023 underscores her leadership and advocacy for critical industry issues.
2. Siza Mzimela (South Africa)
Siza Mzimela made history as the first woman to found and lead an airline in Africa with the establishment of Fly Blue Crane in 2015. Her entrepreneurial spirit and vision propelled her to success, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry.
Following her success with Fly Blue Crane, Mzimela assumed leadership roles at prominent airlines such as South African Airways and South African Express, showcasing her exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen. Her journey exemplifies resilience and commitment to advancing gender diversity within the aviation sector.
3. Abimbola Akinajo (Nigeria)
Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is a distinguished civil engineer with over 30 years of experience in transportation infrastructure.
Her expertise in project management and coordination has been evident throughout her career, including her leadership at Nexant Consulting Limited. Akinajo’s commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable mobility solutions underscores her dedication to advancing transportation infrastructure in Lagos and beyond.
4. Valerie Labi (Ghana)
Valerie Labi is an entrepreneur and social innovator known for her role as the co-founder and CEO of Wahu Mobility (formerly Mana Mobility), a startup dedicated to manufacturing affordable and connected electric vehicles tailored for the African market.
Labi’s entrepreneurial journey reflects her commitment to driving sustainable mobility solutions and fostering innovation within the transportation sector in Africa.
With a background rooted in social impact entrepreneurship, Valerie Labi has demonstrated a keen focus on addressing the unique mobility challenges faced by communities in Africa.
5. Esther Gyebi-Donkor (Ghana)
Esther Gyebi-Donkor, the General Manager of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), is a driving force in Ghana’s maritime sector. Leading marketing, corporate affairs, and port operations, her impact spans modernizing infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and forging partnerships. Gyebi-Donkor’s leadership has been instrumental in driving efficiency, innovation, and growth, earning her numerous accolades for her contributions to the industry.
6. Nancy Karigithu (Kenya)
Nancy W. Karigithu is a distinguished maritime leader with over 30 years of experience. As the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Maritime and Shipping Affairs in Kenya, she oversees shipping and maritime affairs.
Her extensive background includes serving as the Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority, chairing the International Maritime Organization for three terms, and sitting on the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University.
Holding law degrees from the University of Nairobi and IMO International Maritime Law Institute, Karigithu has played a pivotal role in updating Kenya’s maritime legal framework, promoting safety and security, and shaping policies within the global maritime industry, earning her international recognition and an honorary fellowship.
7. Dr. Patricia Nzolantima (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Dr. Patricia Nzolantima is a trailblazing entrepreneur championing women’s empowerment and innovation in Africa’s transportation sector. As the Founder and Chairwoman of Bizzoly Holdings and Founder of Ubizcabs, she established the first female-driven taxi company in the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing employment opportunities and reshaping the regional transportation landscape.
Nzolantima’s initiatives, including a women’s economic empowerment hub and female drivers academy, promote gender equality, economic empowerment, and technological advancement across the continent. Her visionary leadership and commitment to market disruption have made her a prominent figure in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
8. Miishe Addy (Ghana)
Miishe Addy, the Co-founder and CEO of Jetstream Africa, is revolutionizing logistics technology in Africa. Her company offers digital freight forwarding, trade financing, and cargo tracking tools, transforming how businesses manage supply chains and logistics on the continent. Addy’s visionary leadership and innovative solutions are streamlining complex processes, enhancing transparency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for African companies, and positioning Jetstream Africa as a trailblazer in the logistics tech space.
9. Allen Kagina (Uganda)
Allen Kagina is the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), overseeing the country’s extensive road network. With a track record of transformative leadership, including her tenure at the Uganda Revenue Authority, Kagina has driven institutional reforms at UNRA, enhancing transparency and service delivery in Uganda’s road sector. Her focus on organizational restructuring, anti-corruption measures, and strategic management has revitalized UNRA, streamlining processes, accelerating road construction, and increasing community engagement, laying the foundation for progress in Uganda’s road infrastructure.
10. Maguelone Biau (Côte d’Ivoire)
Maguelone Biau is the co-founder and CEO of Twende, a ridesharing company tackling urban mobility challenges in Africa. With a vision of providing direct, affordable, and reliable transport options, Biau has pioneered innovative solutions through Twende, leveraging technology to streamline services and enhance connectivity for city dwellers. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects a commitment to sustainable transportation focused on user convenience and accessibility.
11. Sophia Bekele (Ethopia)
Sophia Bekele, Founder of DotConnectAfrica Group, is a leading advocate for ICT infrastructure advancement and digital connectivity in Africa. With expertise in entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and policy advocacy, Bekele has shaped digital transformation across the continent.
Through initiatives at DotConnectAfrica Group, she champions technology to bridge digital divides, including in transportation. Her commitment to robust ICT infrastructure underscores her dedication to fostering innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s transportation industry.
12. Samrawit Fikru (Ethiopia)
Samrawit Fikru, the Founder and CEO of RIDE in Ethiopia, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and software developer modernizing the country’s transport sector. Driven by personal experiences, she established RIDE, an innovative app offering safe and efficient cab services through a network of competent drivers. Despite starting as an SMS-based service, RIDE evolved into an internet-based platform in 2017, revolutionizing how Ethiopians access transportation. With over 100,000 users and a 90% female staff, Samrawit leverages technology for social impact, addressing mobility challenges while serving as a role model for Ethiopian women in tech. Her vision and dedication to creating solutions that enhance safety, convenience, and accessibility position her as a tech pioneer driving positive change.
13. Valentina Giacobbe (Ghana)
Valentina Giacobbe is a Ghanaian sustainability entrepreneur renowned for co-founding Enroute 54, a company curating immersive cultural travel experiences in Ghana and across Africa. As the managing partner, Giacobbe shapes Enroute 54’s mission to offer authentic travel that connects guests with local communities, promotes sustainable practices, and celebrates African heritage. Her passion for responsible tourism, environmental conservation, and community engagement is reflected in Enroute 54’s innovative programs that redefine travel by emphasizing authenticity, social impact, and stewardship.