As International Women’s Day approaches on 8 March, KFC Africa is shining a spotlight on 55 women across the continent whose work is transforming communities, advancing gender equality, and creating opportunities in fields ranging from education and healthcare to technology and social activism.
The initiative, titled “Women Who Give Africa More”, honours one woman for each year the brand has operated in Africa.
The programme recognises women whose contributions often go unnoticed but whose impact resonates widely, touching thousands of lives and strengthening local communities.
This year, the focus is on the power of giving, celebrating women who drive meaningful change quietly but consistently.
From digital innovators to grassroots campaigners, the women on this list exemplify leadership, vision, and service, showing how small acts of empowerment can ripple into broader societal transformation.
Among those recognised are some of Africa’s most dedicated changemakers:
Nice Leng’ete in Kenya, who persuaded Maasai elders in 2014 to abandon female genital mutilation. Working with Amref Health Africa and her foundation, she has helped over 21,000 girls avoid the practice.
Lesego Chombo, Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister, who founded a foundation to support disadvantaged youth and parents in rural areas. She is now leading efforts on a Gender-Based Violence Bill, focusing on prevention, protection, and care for victims.
Raïssa Banhoro from Côte d’Ivoire, creator of Lucie, the country’s first mobile literacy app with local-language vocal assistance. Her work addresses the lack of literacy, limited numeracy, and digital access for women. Banhoro also pioneered a model of free intensive digital training for youth not in employment, education, or training, achieving a 100% employment rate for graduates.
Dr. Germaine Retofa in Madagascar, who has restructured maternal care in impoverished regions, ensuring that a woman’s location or income does not affect her chances of survival.
Alexandra Machado in Mozambique, whose circular mentorship model has reached 25,000 women, tripled school transition rates, and demonstrated the high return on investing in female leadership for national development.
The women recognised come from diverse professional backgrounds including law, politics, healthcare, entrepreneurship, technology, and community organisation.
While some are well-known, many are unsung heroes whose initiatives deliver mentorship, education, healthcare access, and resources to communities that need them most.
KFC Africa emphasises that these contributions create a ripple effect, strengthening entire communities. Programmes such as Add Hope, which provides meals to vulnerable children, and Streetwise Academy, offering young women accredited qualifications, exemplify how investing in women’s skills, leadership, and visibility generates broad social and economic benefits.
For 55 years, KFC Africa has been giving to communities while empowering women, who make up 60% of its workforce.
In previous years, the company has celebrated African female firsts 53 women in 2024 and 54 in 2025 recognising those breaking barriers and creating pathways for others to succeed.
This year, the focus expands to the multiplier effect of giving, showcasing women whose work builds access, opportunity, and hope in tangible ways.
The initiative also underscores ongoing gender equality challenges in the region.
According to the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2025, sub-Saharan Africa is projected to achieve gender parity in 107 years.
By celebrating these 55 women, KFC Africa highlights how immediate action can accelerate change and empower communities today rather than wait for gradual progress.
“These 55 women are not prepared to wait more than a century,” said Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa. “They are giving now so their communities can gain now. And when communities gain, Africa rises.”
From creating safe learning spaces for children and mentoring future leaders to developing digital literacy tools and advocating for policy change, the women on this list represent a new wave of African leadership.
Their combined work illustrates the profound impact of giving, showing that social change often begins with dedicated individuals who act with purpose and vision.
The full list of 55 Women Who Give Africa More and details of their initiatives is available at: https://apo-opa.co/3MZ2rEs.
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