by Nasi Hako

“I dream of the realisation of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent.” – Nelson Mandela.

It has been said many times (and rightly so) that Africa’s problems could be better addressed, if not solved, through unity and cooperation among its nations. This past Sunday, 25 May 2025, marked 62 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), created to embody this very sentiment.

Now commemorated as Africa Day, the occasion serves not only to celebrate how far the continent has come despite a history marked by colonisation, war, and internal rivalries, but also to reinforce the imperative of unity among Africa’s 54 countries.

While Africa continues to make strides toward realising its full potential, challenges such as ideological divisions, language barriers, ongoing conflicts and stark inequality persistently hinder progress toward genuine solidarity.

I often wonder: would Tata Mandela’s dream of a united Africa be more achievable if we prioritised the upliftment of women?

While unity may be driven by diplomacy, policy and cooperation, it is also deeply rooted in inclusivity. Therefore, a prosperous and integrated Africa cannot be built without empowering those who have long been marginalised.

African women have been sidelined for centuries, but what if the solutions to some of Africa’s greatest challenges lie within the very women who have too often been left behind?

To forge a more united continent, Africa needs empathetic, inclusive leadership. Interestingly, research shows these are qualities often demonstrated by women leaders. Women are known to lead with emotional intelligence, creating spaces that foster trust, dialogue, and collaboration.

Their leadership style often places focus on inclusivity and shared purpose, qualities that are essential for building cohesion. Studies also show that women excel in conflict resolution and bridge-building, helping to connect fragmented communities and agendas.

Yet, despite progress in recent years, gender inequality remains pervasive, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where gender inequality is the highest in the world. While women are legally permitted to hold power in Africa and many have, the barriers to access and support remain high. If it is true that unity is the goal, then this is the gap we must address.

Across the continent, women have long shaped history, whether as activists, peacemakers, or innovators. Their growing influence in sectors ranging from business to politics is both inspiring and overdue.

To name just a few:

• Funke Opeke, named one of the Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018, founded MainOne, a major internet infrastructure provider in Nigeria.
• Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and environmentalist from Kenya, founded the Green Belt Movement, empowering women through reforestation and environmental activism.
• Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of South Africa served as Executive Director of UN Women and remains a formidable advocate for gender equality globally.

If African women continue to lead with unity, empathy, and innovation, we must ask: why are there not more women at the highest levels of leadership across the continent?

As Africa grapples with political instability, poverty, resource scarcity and inequality, the need for gender-inclusive leadership is more urgent than ever.

We can do more together. If we choose to join forces as a continent and as African women, who’s to say what we can achieve? For gender equality, for economic growth, and for every young African girl with a dream to lead.