Across the continent, women are quietly – and sometimes boldly – reshaping Africa’s future. This International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March 2026, KFC Africa is shining a spotlight on 55 extraordinary women whose impact reflects this year’s global theme: Give to Gain.
These are not symbolic acknowledgements. They are stories of measurable change, generational influence and communities transformed.
Leadership That Begins With Service
When Lesego Chombo was crowned Miss Botswana in 2022, she did not wait for applause to fade before taking action. She established a foundation to support disadvantaged children and their parents in rural communities.
After concluding her term as Miss World Africa in November 2024, Chombo became the youngest cabinet minister in Botswana’s history, appointed Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs. Today, she is leading the charge on a Gender-Based Violence Bill centred on protection, care, victim support and prevention.
Her journey reflects a broader truth echoed in this year’s campaign: when women lead with purpose, communities move forward.
Innovation That Opens Doors
In Côte d’Ivoire, Raïssa Banhoro identified three barriers holding women back from digital participation — low literacy, limited numeracy and inaccessible technology.
Her solution was Lucie, the country’s first mobile literacy app with local-language vocal assistance, directly addressing those challenges. But she did not stop there. Banhoro pioneered a free, intensive digital training model for youth not in employment, education or training — achieving a 100% employment rate for graduates.
Her work demonstrates how access to knowledge can become access to dignity.
A Legacy of 55 Years, 55 Women
According to Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa, the initiative is rooted in action, not symbolism.
“These are not just stories of individual achievement,” she says. “These are stories of women who give Africa more. They give access where there was exclusion. They give opportunity where prospects were limited. They give hope where there was none.”
For 55 years, KFC Africa has operated across the continent, with women making up 60% of its workforce. The brand has consistently marked International Women’s Day with meaningful recognition:
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In 2024, it celebrated 53 female firsts across 22 markets.
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In 2025, it honoured 54 women accelerating action toward gender equality.
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In 2026, it honours 55 women — one for every year KFC has been in Africa.
Courage, Care and Community
Among the 55 honourees:
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Nice Leng’ete from Kenya, who persuaded Maasai elders in 2014 to formally abandon female genital mutilation. Working with Amref Health Africa and her own foundation, she has helped over 21,000 girls escape the practice.
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Dr. Germaine Retofa from Madagascar, who transformed maternal care in one of the country’s poorest regions into a life-saving system ensuring that geography or income does not determine survival.
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Alexandra Machado from Mozambique, who pioneered a circular mentorship model impacting 25,000 women, tripling school transition rates and reinforcing that investing in female leadership delivers national returns.
From Visibility to Voice
“For this year’s list of Africa’s female firsts, we deliberately sought out women whose influence may not fill stadiums but whose impact fills hearts,” Qengqe explains.
The honourees include lawyers, politicians, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, authors, technologists and community organisers. Some are widely known. Many are not.
What unites them is what they give: mentorship, protection, access, knowledge, visibility, opportunity, resources and time.
The Multiplier Effect of Giving
Nolo Thobejane, Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer at KFC Africa, says the Give to Gain theme reflects what the organisation has witnessed over decades.
“When KFC Add Hope gives meals to vulnerable children through women-led feeding centres, communities gain nutrition and dignity. When Women on the Move develops female leaders in our business, the organisation gains stronger leadership. When Streetwise Academy gives young women accredited qualifications, families gain economic mobility.”
She adds that many women within KFC Africa are giving quietly and consistently — mentoring young professionals, running after-school programmes and opening doors to business ownership.
When Communities Gain, Africa Rises
Progress toward gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa remains slow. The World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report 2025 projects gender parity is still 107 years away.
But the 55 women recognised this year are not waiting.
“They are giving now so their communities can gain now,” says Qengqe. “And when communities gain, Africa rises.”
The full list of the 55 Women Who Give Africa More is available at:
https://purpose.kfc.co.za/people/africas-female-firsts/africas-female-first-2026/
