Onyali, Kipyegon among 2025’s 50 most influential African women in sports
The Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) has unveiled the 2025 class of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports, honoring trailblazers who are redefining the continent’s sporting landscape.
From Olympic legends and government ministers to CEOs, referees, and grassroots innovators, the honorees represent a powerful cross-section of leadership, excellence, and impact.
Among the celebrated figures are Nigerian sprint icon Mary Onyali, now CEO of Yali Yali Sportswear and Meet Director of the Mary Onyali Classics, and Kenyan middle distance superstar Faith Kipyegon, a global icon and multiple world record holder.
They join a distinguished list that includes IOC President Kirsty Coventry, former FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Sports Augusta James Teima.
ASVG founder and CEO Leslie Koroma Sr. praised the honorees, stating, ‘These extraordinary women represent the heartbeat of African sports. Their courage, vision, and excellence inspire not just the next generation of women in sport, but an entire continent striving for transformation.’
The awards, now a cornerstone of African sports recognition, spotlight women driving change across governance, performance, media, and entrepreneurship.
Dakar, Senegal has been announced as the host city for the 2026 edition of the awards, continuing ASVG’s commitment to celebrating and amplifying female voices in sport.
