Some eight Ghanaians have made the 2025 edition of the 100 African Female Finance Leaders Ranking chart with 18 honourees, as announced by Avance Media.
The eight are Abena Osei-Poku, Abiola Bawuah, Josephine Ankomah, Maame Dufie Achampong-Kyei Obeng, Mansa Nettey, Naomi Wolali Kwetey (Dr.), Patience Akyianu, and Victoria Kwakwa.
Nonetheless, Nigeria led the 2025 100 African Female Finance Leaders Ranking chart with 18 honorees.
Kenya followed with 9 honorees, while Ghana and South Africa recorded 8 women each.
This reflects both the depth of female leadership in the financial sector and the rising opportunities for women across African economies.
The 100 African Female Finance Leaders Ranking, a prestigious publication, celebrates outstanding women who are shaping Africa’s financial sector.
This year’s edition, which had honorees from 31 countries across the continent, was part of Avance Media’s commitment to spotlight and support women who have excelled in their careers and are mentoring the next generation of finance leaders in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The 2025 list features an impressive diversity of leaders, including Chairpersons, CEOs & Managing Directors, Founders, and senior executives of leading financial institutions across Africa and globally.
Their expertise spans banking, insurance, fintech, governance, investments, and trade, highlighting the breadth of women’s contributions to Africa’s growing financial ecosystem.
Notably, the 2025 edition acknowledges the significant presence of women in leadership positions within continental giants Ecobank Group and UBA Group, which recorded 9 and 5 honourees, respectively. This milestone reflects their continued commitment to gender-inclusive leadership in finance.
Additionally, the list proudly features 6 female Central Bank Governors and 9 female Finance & Development Ministers, emphasising women’s increasing influence in economic governance at both national and continental levels.
The selection process was anchored on standardised criteria, which included holding a C-Suite level or equivalent leadership role, demonstrating leadership excellence and impact within their organisation, and driving measurable contributions to local and continental economies.
Founder & Managing Director of Avance Media, Prince Akpah, acknowledged the contribution of women to Africa’s financial sector, indicating that “African women are on the rise in the finance sector, contributing in diverse and significant ways across the continent.”
“Through their resilience, innovation, and leadership, they are not only breaking barriers but also shaping the future of finance in Africa,” he added.