As we begin 2025, Africa is poised to witness a significant shift in its political landscape. Despite historical challenges, women’s participation in politics has shown promising signs of growth, with a surge in female candidates, and elected officials. With women taking centre stage in the African political scene, here are the top African female politicians to watch in 2025.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah leads Namibia
Following her election on 3 December 2024 as president of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the governing South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), became the country’s first female president.
Recognised for her tenacity, organisational skills, and political portfolio spanning over 25 years in ministerial roles, including overseeing foreign affairs, tourism, child welfare and women’s rights, Nandi-Ndaitwah is poised to make positive changes in Namibia.
The newly elected president once declared in a speech: “I am an implementer, not a storyteller,” and no less is expected as her tenure begins.
Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to lead Tanzania
Breaking barriers as Tanzania’s first female president and one of the few female heads of state in Africa, Hassan’s ascent to power on 19 March 2021, after the passing of President John Magufuli marked a historic moment for gender equality and political representation on the continent.
Hassan has since demonstrated leadership and resilience in steering her country through Covid in 2019, championing unrestricted human rights and propelling the private sector as an engine of economic growth.
The Government also recently announced the removal of barriers to access to education, including those that had prevented pregnant girls and young mothers from attending formal school, a reflection of her commitment to women’s empowerment. With proof of her positive impact as President, Hassan is expected to do more in 2025.
Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang sworn in as Vice-President of Ghana
In Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang made history, following the presidential elections and her swearing-in on 7 January 2025, as the country’s first female Vice-President.
With her poised and capable leadership, proven by her achievements as former Minister for Education, years of public service and development in gender equality, and women’s empowerment, VP Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is set to leave an indelible mark on Ghana’s history.
Judith Tuluka Suminwa continues to excel as Prime Minister of DRC
Prime Minister Judith Tuluka Suminwa has shown dedication to the country’s progress since her appointment. Her contributions include an extremely ambitious investment program, estimated at almost $93 billion over the next five years, the introduction of Bills to curtail and monitor the country’s expenditure and budget, and an active involvement in peace and security initiatives across the country.
For her strides, the elected first female Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was recently ranked the 77th most powerful woman in the world on the Forbes list. Sworn in on 12 June 2024, Judith Tuluka Suminwa is expected to continue to play a pivotal role in the country’s politics this year.
Her economic expertise, humanitarian efforts with the United Nations (UN) and strategic leadership as deputy coordinator of the Presidential Strategic Watch Council will all come into play in navigating the country’s politics.
Nigeria’s ministerial appointees are expected to make impact
With several women appointed to ministerial positions by President Bola Tinubu, on 23 October 2024, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Suwaiba Said Ahmad (PhD) and Jumoke Oduwole will head the Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of State, Education, and Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment respectively.
The cabinet reshuffling also saw the reassignment of former ministers including Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the Minister of Women Affairs, and Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite as Minister of State Finance.
With these women set to lead their respective ministries, expectations are high to atone for the setbacks experienced in 2024 which saw the dismissal of four female ministers from the presidential cabinet.
These women, among others, will shape the political landscape in Africa in 2025. Their leadership, expertise, and influence will be crucial in addressing the continent’s challenges and opportunities.
