The Power of African Sisterhood: Breaking Bread. Building Bridges in Johannesburg.

In a quiet corner of Johannesburg, beneath the twinkling lights and soft hum of conversation, 14 women from across Africa gathered around a single table. From mining to healthcare, finance to real estate, the women seated at this table represented not only industries but countries, cultures, and, most importantly, visions of Africa’s future. What started as a casual Instagram connection transformed into a celebration of sisterhood, leadership, and the undeniable force of African women coming together.

It was a night that began with a simple invitation but evolved into something far greater—a catalyst for change, a collective commitment to rewrite Africa’s leadership narrative through the power of women.

The Power of an Invitation

It all began when Carol Bouwer, a powerhouse, and I connected on Instagram DM in April, of this year- 2024. We again connected over my upcoming trip to Cape Town in September for the Impact Investing in Africa Programme at the Bertha Centre, University of Cape Town. She casually suggested we meet while I was in South Africa, saying she’d love to  host me in a private dinner to "break bread" with other women leaders. I was delighted and said Yes,  expecting a small, intimate gathering. Little did I know, this was the beginning of something transformative.

When Carol reached out again to say the gathering had been moved to Johannesburg, I adjusted my plans, committed to making the trip. I could feel something important was brewing. What I didn’t anticipate was the profound impact the night would have—not just on me, but on all of us seated at that table.

A Gathering of Powerhouses

As I walked from my room at the elegant Fairlawns Hotel, Morningside, Sandton, I was greeted by 13 women whose stories and achievements could fill volumes. These were women from Botswana, Mozambique, Cameroon, Republic of Benin, Mali, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria—each representing industries that spanned from medical tourism and real estate to cyber security, energy and mining. Former MDs of global banks, senior public sector directors, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs—all gathered in one room, not just to celebrate, but to connect.

Yet, the most remarkable thing about that evening was not the accolades or the industries represented. It was the humility and purpose each woman carried. These were women who understood that leadership is not about titles; it’s about creating opportunities for others to rise, for lifting as you climb, for using your platform to pave the way for the next generation.

Sisterhood with a Purpose

The conversations flowed effortlessly. We spoke not just about our individual journeys but about the collective responsibility we felt as women leaders. There was an unspoken understanding among us that we were there for something bigger than ourselves. As we talked, the themes of mentorship and legacy kept rising to the surface.

We asked each other, “What are we doing for the young African women coming behind us?” This was not a rhetorical question. It was a challenge, a reminder that with power comes responsibility. The young women of Africa are facing a world more complex than ever before, and it is up to us to create pathways for them—to ensure they are equipped with the skills, opportunities, and mentorship they need to thrive.

Every woman at the table had already been leading in transformative ways, while many were inspired that night to step things up, to stop hiding their lights and let their brilliance shine for all to see. It was a reminder that true leadership is about empowering others to lead, about ensuring that the doors we’ve opened stay open for the next generation.

Leadership Beyond Titles: The African Narrative

As I sat there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different this conversation was from the ones I’d had in boardrooms and conferences across the globe. Here, there was no need for pretence, tokenism or formality. We weren’t just discussing problems; we were actively engaging in solutions. We weren’t focused on individual success; we were focused on collective progress. We were asking the hard questions: How do we change the narrative about Africa? How do we create sustainable impact through leadership? How do we ensure that women are at the forefront of Africa’s future?

The women at that table weren’t just participants in their industries; they were creators, disruptors, and change-makers. Together, we represented the potential of Africa—an Africa where women lead with integrity, where we use our voices and platforms to challenge the status quo, and where the next generation of female leaders is nurtured and empowered.

It was in this moment that I realized this night wasn’t about me, despite the invitation being framed as a celebration of my leadership journey. This night was about all of us—about African women recognizing our shared power and stepping into the roles we are destined to play in shaping the future of the continent.

From Breaking Bread to Building Legacies

As the evening continued, we laughed, we shared stories, and we made commitments—to each other and to the next generation of African women. The air was thick with possibility. We weren’t just talking about ideas; we were forging a sisterhood that would extend far beyond that night.

This gathering reminded me of a similar moment in 2010 when I hosted 26 women from seven countries. That meeting, which started as a simple exchange of ideas, grew into the Inspired Women of Worth, a movement that would go on to mentor and train countless women across the continent. Out of that movement, the Power Leadership Programme was born at the height of the Covid pandemic —an academy that has graduated over 200 women leaders in its early years.

Now, over a decade since that fateful gathering in Johannesburg, I found myself at another table, surrounded by another group of remarkable women, each of whom has the potential to leave an indelible mark on Africa’s future. The question is, What will we build together?

The Future of Africa is Female

As I look back on this incredible evening, one thing is certain: the future of Africa is female. Women are stepping into positions of leadership in unprecedented ways, not just in Africa, but across the globe. Yet, in Africa, there’s something uniquely powerful happening. Women are not just claiming seats at the table; they are building new tables—spaces where innovation, empowerment, and transformation can flourish.

What we started that night on September 14th, in Johannesburg was the beginning of something bigger—a movement rooted in sisterhood, purpose, and the belief that we, as African women, hold the keys to the continent’s future.

Carol Bouwer’s generosity in hosting this night will stay with me for a long time, but what will remain even longer is the impact of the conversations we had and the commitments we made. The Africa we want to see—the Africa we are creating—is within reach. Together, as women, we will lead the way.

Lessons in Leadership and Legacy

1. The Power of Collective Impact: When women come together with purpose, the possibilities are endless. We achieve more when we collaborate and support one another.

2. Mentorship Matters: As leaders, our greatest responsibility is to mentor and create opportunities for the next generation.

3. Authentic Leadership: Titles and accolades mean little if they are not used to uplift others. True leadership is about empowering those around you.

4. Changing the Narrative: We have the power to change how Africa is seen, heard, and understood. It starts with the stories we tell and the actions we take.

5. Sisterhood Rocks: The Power of Lasting Connections. Beyond simply connecting and celebrating, we recognised the profound strength in maintaining genuine relationships. Sisterhood is about more than just camaraderie—it’s about inspiring each other, sharing resources, and consistently rooting for one another's success.

When we stay connected, we create a network of support that helps us all rise higher and achieve more together.

The Future Awaits Us!

As I boarded my flight back to Lagos, I knew this was just the beginning. 

African women are rising, and together, we will create the future we’ve always dreamed of—one where leadership is defined not by power, but by purpose!

With Joy and Purpose,

Udo Okonjo

PS: African Radiant Sisterhood is the light that shines brighter when we come together—empowering one another, lifting each other up, and creating a legacy of leadership and love across the continent.

Watch This Space!