To mark International Women’s Day 2026, KFC Africa has celebrated 55 trailblazing women whose impact is transforming communities across the continent, aligning with this year’s global theme, Give to Gain.
The initiative continues a growing tradition by the brand. In 2024, KFC recognised 53 female firsts across its 22 African markets, while in 2025 it honoured 54 women accelerating action towards gender equality. This year, the spotlight turns to women whose spirit of giving is creating ripple effects across Africa.
Among those recognised is Lesego Chombo, crowned Miss Botswana in 2022, who established a foundation to support disadvantaged rural youth and parents. After serving as Miss World Africa, she became Botswana’s youngest cabinet minister when appointed Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, where she is championing a Gender-Based Violence Bill focused on prevention and victim support.
Also honoured is Raïssa Banhoro from Côte d’Ivoire, who developed Lucie, the country’s first mobile literacy app with local-language vocal assistance to tackle digital illiteracy among women. She later pioneered a free, intensive digital training model for unemployed youth, achieving a 100% employment rate for graduates.
Other honourees include Nice Leng’ete of Kenya, who persuaded Maasai elders to abandon female genital mutilation and has helped over 21,000 girls escape the practice; Dr. Germaine Retofa of Madagascar, who transformed maternal healthcare delivery in impoverished regions; and Alexandra Machado of Mozambique, whose circular mentorship model has impacted 25,000 women and significantly improved school transition rates.
“These are not just stories of individual achievement,” said Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa. “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.”
KFC Africa notes that women make up 60% of its workforce, and empowerment has long been central to its community programmes. Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer, Nolo Thobejane, said the Give to Gain theme reflects the organisation’s philosophy.
“For years, we’ve seen how giving creates exponential returns,” she said, pointing to initiatives such as Add Hope, Women on the Move, and Streetwise Academy, which support vulnerable children, nurture female leadership, and equip young women with accredited qualifications.
According to Qengqe, while progress toward gender parity in sub-Saharan Africa remains slow — with projections suggesting it could take over a century to close the gap — the 55 women recognised demonstrate that transformation is already happening.
“These 55 women are not prepared to wait more than a century,” she said. “They are giving now so their communities can gain now. And when communities gain, Africa rises.”
The full list of the 55 Women Who Give Africa More has been made available by KFC Africa.
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