Business
Africa’s influential women participating in the continents’ growth
Mamphele Ramphele. Nationality: South African
Ms. Mamphele Ramphele is celebrated as one of South Africa’s most inspirational female figures. As a former Managing Director of the World Bank and previous anti-apartheid campaigner, she is renowned as an activist and businesswoman.
As Managing Director and Vice-President of External Affairs at the World Bank, Ramphele was tasked with overseeing the strategic positioning and operations of the World Bank Institute – the first South African to hold the position. Ramphele also serves as Chairperson of Circle Capital Ventures, a South African-based Black Economic Empowerment company focused on growing businesses and investing in people.
Ramphele is involved in a variety of charitable work, most notably as a board member of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which supports good governance and leadership. Earlier this year, Ramphele announced the formation of a new political party.
Evelyn Oputu. Nationality: Nigerian
Evelyn Oputu currently serves as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Bank of Industry, Nigeria’s oldest development bank.
Born in the Delta State and schooled in Nigeria as well as outside of Nigeria, Oputu rose through the ranks in the financial sector.
In 1991, Oputu became an Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Plc. Since her appointment as CEO of the Bank Of Industry six years ago, Oputu has led the bank through some of the most successful years in its history – providing long term financing to Nigeria’s growing industrial sectors.
