W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL 5 AUGUST2026Editor's NoteWomen Hold the Key to Africa's Future Growth & DevelopmentAfrica is one of the largest continents globally and is home to 54 sovereign countries. Although women constitute nearly 50 percent of the region's population, yet they continue to be at a disadvantage when it comes to opportunities and rights. Women's empowerment has emerged as a key factor to boost development and growth across Africa. Women's empowerment in Africa focuses on economic independence, leadership, and education. Despite challenges like unpaid care work and asset gaps, progress is driven by grassroots female entrepreneurship and continental frameworks like the African Union Strategy for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. A key role is also being played by women leaders who serve as a source of inspiration for young African women. The current edition of GWL magazine highlights women CXOs of repute from across Africa. One of the featured leaders is Kavita Ajay Upadhyay, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Computech Limited. An ACCA-qualified finance leader with over 12 years of experience, she has built expertise across audit, healthcare, technology, and multinational operations. We also feature an interaction with Teresa McNeill, the Group CEO of DEGSA. She is recognised for driving operational excellence, workforce innovation, and HR technology solutions that bridge education, employability, and organisational growth across Africa.Joining this edition is also Aeysha Coetzee Ismail - Ex-Chief People Officer at Nutun and now Vice President of People for a global business. She is recognized for her expertise in talent strategy, leadership development, and organizational culture. This Africa special magazine edition also features an interaction with Zetu Damane CM, the Founder and Chief Strategic Officer of Pulse Impact Agency, a strategic consultancy specializing in data, consumer insights, and brand strategy. A Chartered Marketer with over 20 years of experience in advertising and marketing, she has worked with leading brands and agencies, including serving as the strategic force behind successful pitches for Nando's, Mr D, and Virgin Active. Read in-depth conversations with the aforementioned women leaders and get to know more about their success journeys.Read on and let us know your thoughts. Rachita SharmaManaging Editor
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