The Lagos Oriental Hotel was a hive of glamour and inspiration on Sunday, November 23, 2025, as dignitaries, innovators, creatives, and industry leaders convened for the 4th edition of the Top 50 Most Industrious Women in Africa Awards. The prestigious ceremony honoured exceptional African women making impactful contributions across various sectors including entrepreneurship, governance, technology, media, community development, and the creative industry.
This year’s edition, themed “The African Woman in Leadership,” underscored the growing continental momentum towards empowering women and amplifying their influence in global and local development spaces.
In a show of international support, the event received backing from Canada. The City of Brampton extended representation through Mr. Richard Forward, Financial Adviser at the Corporate Budget Office, and Mr. Maurice Imadu, Community Engagement Specialist from the Mayor’s Office. Both delegates commended the initiative, stressing the importance of fostering inclusive leadership.
The event featured inspiring speeches, emotional tributes and moments of celebration as honorees took the stage to receive their awards. A highlight of the event was the recognition of the Founder of the South African Embrace Foundation, who was awarded Woman Empowerment Advocate of the Year for her outstanding commitment to enhancing lives through social support and leadership advancement.
In her remarks, Ambassador Adeshola Onadipe, Founder of the Africa-Arab Chamber of Commerce and recipient of the Woman of the Year Award, urged women to prioritise leadership and collaboration over competition. She emphasised that “when women lead, nations prosper,” advocating for unity, elevation, and mutual support among women.
Also honoured was Dr. Ebosetale, President of the Women Mentorship Forum, who received the Young Achiever of the Year Award. She encouraged young women to embrace collaboration instead of rivalry, noting that “when women rise, Africa rises as well.”
Delivering the keynote address, the convener of the event, Ambassador Abraham, explained that the awards were created to encourage women who remain consistent and resilient in their pursuit of excellence. He noted that the initiative aims to not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also stimulate a shift in societal attitudes toward women’s leadership.
Beyond the glitz and elegance, the awards served as a powerful reminder of the central role of women in shaping a prosperous Africa. Organizers highlighted their commitment to inspiring younger generations to pursue their dreams boldly and contribute meaningfully to societal growth.
With guests arriving on the red carpet from 3 p.m. and the ceremony showcasing a vibrant blend of culture, fashion, innovation, and heartfelt recognition, one message echoed at the close of the night: African women are not only contributing to the continent’s growth, they are leading it.
