Every year, ambitious women across Africa are doing big things—leading teams, breaking ceilings, building businesses, shaping industries. But recognition often lags behind the action. That’s where 9to5Chick comes in.
What is the Top 100 Career Women List?
The Top 100 Career Women list by 9to5Chick is a curated recognition of mid- to senior-level female professionals across Africa who are making major waves in their fields. Urban Woman Magazine+4exquisitemag.com+4abujacityjournal.com+4 It started in Nigeria and then broadened to cover many African countries. womenofrubies.com+2exquisitemag.com+2
Why it matters
- Visibility: Many of the women featured are in roles where women are historically under-represented—tech, corporate leadership, STEM, fintech. abujacityjournal.com
- Inspiration: For young career women (that’s you!), seeing someone who looks like you, from your region, doing that job is powerful.
- Network effect: The list isn’t just a plaque—it becomes a platform. Being listed means being connected, seen, and boosted.
What’s the selection process?
The list uses a multi-stage process with an independent advisory panel. BellaNaija+1 Criteria include leadership excellence, personal accomplishments, knowledge-sharing and fostering inclusion. exquisitemag.com Additionally, the representation covers different African regions (West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, North Africa, Central Africa) to reflect continental diversity. Urban Woman Magazine
What we’re seeing from the 2024 list
A few trends stand out:
- Leadership across sectors: From technology to education, energy to finance—you’ll find women in a wide variety of roles.
- Tech & fintech presence: Women in STEM and digital leadership are increasingly prominent. rewardinvestments.com
- Pan-African spread: While West Africa remains strongly represented, there’s meaningful inclusion of East, South and North Africa as well. abujacityjournal.com
- Inclusion & impact-orientation: It’s not just about having a title — many listed are working on inclusion, mentorship, transformation. exquisitemag.com
Why YOU should care (especially if you’re building your career)
- Role models close to home: Seeing women in the same “game” you play gives you options, ideas, and a sense of possibility.
- Motivation to level up: These aren’t overnight successes. They’re deliberate, strategic, persistent. Use their journeys as a blueprint.
- Network mindset: Even if you’re early in your career, knowing what kinds of profiles are recognised can help you plan: what skills to build, what visibility to create, who to know.
- Own your narrative: The list reinforces that your work matters. Even if your role feels small now, the impact can be big.
Quick tips for your own career journey
- Identify someone from the list whose path aligns with you—industry, role, region—and study their moves.
- Start logging your wins (projects, leadership moments, impact metrics). When recognition opportunities come, you’ll be ready.
- Build visibility: write, speak, mentor, contribute. Recognition often follows contribution.
- Cultivate inclusive leadership: Whether you lead a team of 2 or 200, ask how you can lift someone else as you rise.
- Choose growth seasons and rest seasons. Recognition matters—but sustainability matters more (echoing your theme: “balance vs burnout”).
Final Word
The 9to5Chick Top 100 Career Women list isn’t just about a list of names—it’s a movement. It says: “Yes, women in Africa are doing world-class work. Yes, your ambition is valid. Yes, your career matters.”
So if you’re reading this and wondering, “Can I be on a list like that someday?” — the answer is yes. With strategy, visibility, and purpose, you’re more than capable.