About 35 Under 35
A Pan-African community of daring and outstanding women under 35 who are changing the course of governance, industries and societies in Africa and the diaspora.
More than an accolade, the 35 Under 35 Listing serves as a catalyst for continental Visibility, Validation, and Influence, amplifying the stories of African women under the age of 35 whose notable pursuits are worthy of attention.
Nominations for 2025 Now Open
Six Distinct Categories
Who’s Next | 2025 Cohort
- Leadership & Governance - Young African women driving policy change and representation.
- Corporate & Professional Sectors - Trailblazers in law, finance, medicine, and more.
- Innovation & Technology - Disruptors advancing Africa’s digital and creative economy.
- Community Impact - Champions of social change, advocacy, and grassroots development.
- Arts, Culture & Sports - Voices and talents reshaping Africa’s craftmanship & vocational narrative.
- Entrepreneurship & Business - Visionary founders who have built impactful ventures generating employment.
Maiden Magazine
Africa 35 Under 35
The 35 Under 35 Magazine is Africa’s foremost Pan-African publication with an overarching mandate of elevating and empowering the continent’s women-led economy.
The magazine seeks to bridge Africa’s gender funding gap by validating the respective stories and amplifying the voices of young African women under the age of 35.
This initiative honors the ingenuity, resilience, and impact of young female leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers actively shaping the continent’s future through their ventures.
African Countries Represented
Nomination Enquiry Spot
Nomination Timeframe
- Nominations Open on Jul 25, 2025 & Closes on Sept 26, 2025
- The deadline for submitting nominations is Sept 26, 2025. After this date, no further nominations will be accepted. Kindly oblige.
Selection Criteria
- Female between the ages of 18 and 35
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Hold at least a first degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent)
- Professional work must align with any of the six award categories
- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant work experience
- Demonstrated impact with clear alignment to applicable SDGs
Evaluation Process
- Nomination: Self-nomination or nomination by peers marks the commencement of the evaluation process. No fee is involved.
- Screening: We undertake an initial screening process to confirm that all nominees fulfill our fundamental eligibility requirements. Only qualified applicants can move to the assessment stage.
- Assessment: This critical phase is essential for identifying exceptional young females who stand out from the crowd. Our expert panel evaluates nominees through an impartial assessment of potential, industry contribution, and overall impact.
- Shortlisting: Based on the results of the assessment made, we narrow down to our preferred number.
- Announcement: The final list of Africa’s Boldest Young Women of Impact is compiled in our Pan-African Magazine and announced at our annual Women’s Summit, HERizon Africa.
Why Apply?
- Continental Recognition & Visibility – Gain continental and global spotlight for your leadership, innovation, and impact.
- Credibility & Validation – Adds prestige to personal and professional brand, strengthening trust with partners, funders, and stakeholders.
- Pan-African Community & Network – Access to a powerful network of fellow changemakers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators across Africa.
- Capacity Building – Opportunities for mentorship and leadership development guided by Heads of State, distinguished industry leaders, and seasoned professionals.
- Inspiration & Influence – Serve as a role model for other young women and girls, amplifying your voice and story.
- Career & Funding Opportunities – Boost chances of securing fellowships, grants, partnerships, and professional opportunities.
2024 Awards: A Visual Recap
Awardee Spotlight
Q&A with Mary Aba Buckman
Driven by a desire for ultimate creative freedom and the ability to express her artistic vision without limitations, Mary ventured into entrepreneurship. This led to the founding of Creatrix Studios, a company specializing in 3D signage production.
Let’s Spotlight Together
of the 35 Under 35 evaluation process. No fee is involved.
Women-led Organizations
Spotlighted & Supported
Recent Updates
Call for Nominations: 35 Under 35 – 2025 Cohort
We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Cohort of WestlionCo’s 35 Under 35; a Pan-African community of daring and outstanding women under the age...
Courtesy Call to the Rwanda High Commission
Last week, a delegation from WestlionCo made a courtesy call to the Rwanda High Commission ahead of the upcoming Africa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Summit 2024. This meeting aimed to set the...
Nominations Open for 2024 Cohort: Africa’s Most Promising Female Entrepreneurs Under 35
We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Cohort of Africa’s 35 Under 35 Annual Listing and Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the incredible accomplishments,...