The definition of beauty varies from one culture to the other, from one individual to another and is often based on a set of dynamic parameters that tend to shift with the times. For a continent with such a diverse set of cultures, values and beliefs, naming the most beautiful women in Africa is no mean feat, and we didn’t expect it to be. Most beautiful women in the world.
In this social media age, words like gorgeous, hot, fab, sexy and super cute are added as comments to affirm a woman’s beauty as judged by physical appearances, often highlighted and influenced by the use of the right “filters.”
In the words of Ninon de L’Enclos, “That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.” As a conscientious brand, we often take an unconventional approach in our selection processes. So it should come as no surprise that in selecting the most beautiful African women of the decade we have chosen to look beyond just physical appearances and instead focus on the impact these gorgeous women are making in their communities and beyond.
From actresses to models, singers to beauty queens, the women on this list are among many who use their platforms and give of their time and resources in a bid to give back to society. They are attractive women whose beauty isn’t just their outward looks but also their elegance, charisma and most importantly, their philanthropic and humanitarian works. Most beautiful women in the world.
Here are the 30 most beautiful African women of this decade…
#30. Halima Aden
Age: 22
Profession: Model
Nationality: Somalian
Ever seen a hijab-wearing woman walk the runways of any pageantry? That woman’s ambition might have been influenced by Halima Aden. She is recognized as the first fully covered woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.
As if that wasn’t enough pacesetting, Halima went further to make her mark when she was featured in Sports Illustrated wearing a burkini (modesty swimsuit for women) looking totally fierce. The younger hijab-wearing models have found a role model in Halima as she keeps breaking barriers and blazing the trails for them.
In 2018, Aden became a UNICEF ambassador and her work is focused on children’s rights.
#29. Sonia Rolland
Age: 38
Profession: Actress, Model
Nationality: Rwandan
Sonia Rolland’s beauty isn’t up for any debate as the first African-born Miss France (2000) gets a second stare everywhere she goes. The beauty queen is very involved in helping Rwandan children recover from the genocide by focusing on their education and has raised cash to build a school for these kids.
She published her first book “Les gazelles n’ont pas peur du noir” which in English translates to “Gazelles are not afraid of the dark.” Sonia really is not afraid of the dark and has become the light beaming towards a brighter path for the children of Rwanda.
#28. Carol Bouwer
Age: 45
Profession: TV Presenter, Producer
Nationality: South African
Carol Bouwer is a TV host on the only women’s talk show geared towards the empowerment of African women in South Africa. She has also been appointed by UNICEF as Special Advocate for UNICEF South Africa’s Influential Women’s Forum. Carol is using her platform to positively garner media attention to aid in her numerous philanthropy works. She helps stand against gender-based violence and provides care for youths recovering from substance abuse.
#27. Tara Emad
Age: 26
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Egyptian Most beautiful women in the world.
Tara Emad is exceptionally attractive and it comes as no surprise why she has graced the cover of over 50 magazines in Egypt, Lebanon, France and Italy.
Tara’s busy schedule as a model doesn’t deter her from giving back to society through her charity organization “Help from your heart foundation,” through which she helps less privileged families and children in orphanages in Cairo.
#26. Anitah Fabiola
Age: 25
Profession: Actress, Event host, Tourism ambassador
Nationality: Ugandan
Anitah Fabiola is a woman who puts her voice to purposeful use. While she’s best known for hosting some of Africa’s biggest red carpet shows, she also uses her voice through her foundation, “Fab Girls Foundation” to empower young girls.
Anita is so resilient about her cause to change the lives of underprivileged young women that she’s dedicated her custom calendars to raise money for her charity.
#25. Terry Pheto
Age: 38
Profession: Actress
Nationality: South African
The 2008 face of L’Oréal, Terry Pheto partners with charities that help shape the future of South African children. The importance of this kind of preventive measures cannot be overemphasized.
Terry knows how to apply the right foundation and this isn’t just when it comes to makeup but also when it comes to the lives of children – the leaders of tomorrow. She strongly lives by these words which she spoke “… I truly believe it’s easier to build a child than to fix a broken man or woman and that is why I decided to be part of Save the Children.”
#24. Connie Ferguson
Age: 49
Profession: Actress, Model, Presenter, Producer
Nationality: South African
Connie Ferguson is a South African household name recognized for her role as Karobo Moroka in the popular soap opera “Generations.” She is not just a veteran actor but has evolved into a producer and a health ambassador.
We are not the only one who thinks she’s one of the most beautiful women in Africa. In 1993, Cosmopolitan Magazine awarded her “one of South Africa’s Ten Most Beautiful Women” and in 1997, she got featured in David Dodd’s Portraits of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Women.
#23. Stephanie Tum
Age: 32
Profession: Actress, Model
Nationality: Cameroonian
Stephanie Tum is a great actress but her philanthropic way of life is beyond make-believe. It would be a literal sin to mention the most beautiful women in Africa and skip her name.
It is no news that many underprivileged African women can not afford a sanitary pad and this ultimately ties to poor menstrual hygiene among such women. Stephanie has admiringly taken action to fill this gap in her society. Her foundation distributes sanitary pads and creates awareness for menstrual hygiene.
#22. Danai Gurira
Age: 41
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Zimbabwean Most beautiful women in the world.
We all know Danai Gurira as Okoye from her role in the groundbreaking movie “Black Panther.” The melanin queen co-founded an organization which ensures that art education is available and continued in Zimbabwe. She uses her place as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador to promote gender equality globally. Wakanda forever!
#21. Thando Thabethe
Age: 29
Profession: Radio DJ, Actress
Nationality: South African
In this era of women empowerment, Thando Thabethe doesn’t just talk the talk but went ahead to launch Bethany Home For Abused Women. To support the home, she hosts an annual netball challenge to create awareness and help alleviate women abuse. She’s also created a #makeitstop campaign to further create awareness about gender-based violence.
#20. Yasmine Sabri
Age: 32
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Egyptian
Yasmine Sabri’s personal style can’t go unnoticed and as she gets more influential, she uses her platform to fight for Arab women’s rights. She also visits refugee camps in Syria in hopes of using her star power to draw attention to the cause of refugees.
#19. Yvonne Nelson
Age: 34
Profession: Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur
Nationality: Ghanaian
Popular Ghollywood actress, Yvonne Nelson has become the face for Glaucoma awareness in Ghana. She is passionate about creating awareness and educating people on the disease through the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation. She’s been honoured by the likes of GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her works.
Yvonne is also known for lending her voice to political issues in Ghana and we won’t be surprised if she runs for a political office in the future.
#18. Osas Ighodaro
Age: 36
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Nigerian
Osas Ighodaro is one of the few Nigerian actresses who didn’t just stumble upon acting but was educated in Arts which reflects in her effortless acting skills. Life sometimes births a new passion out of our negative experiences. Osas’ NGO was launched to create awareness against malaria after her sister died of the disease in 2006.
The foundation holds community outreaches and offers free tests and mosquito nets to underprivileged families. Her team is currently working on a medical app that will help patients reach doctors faster. While she’s keeping her hands full with humanitarian services, she has also hinted about a movie that will showcase the different ways to have a child, thereby educating the public on different ways to have children.
#17. Bonang Matheba
Age: 32
Profession: TV Presenter, Radio personality, Businesswoman, Model
Nationality: South African
If Bonang Matheba, or Queen B as she’s fondly called by her loyal fans didn’t make it to our list of the most beautiful women in Africa, a huge number of her fans would have been giving us the digital side-eye. Relax, we love her too.
Bonang has not only been recognized for her media exploits but for her philanthropic work and was recently given an award as the first-ever recipient of the 5 For Change Maker Award. When Bonang is not slaying at events, she is working with “The Bonang Matheba Bursary Fund” to offer tertiary education scholarships to several young ladies. One of her dreams is to build a primary school for the less privileged children and she’s on her way to getting it crossed off her bucket list.
#16. Jokate Mwegelo
Age: 32
Profession: Politician, Media personality, Entrepreneur
Nationality: Tanzanian Most beautiful women in the world.
As gorgeous as she is, Hon. Mwegelo pops up on our screens for way more than her looks. This young woman was included in the 2017 “Forbes 30 under 30 in Africa” and is one of the youngest and most influential leaders in Tanzania.
Hon. Mwegelo volunteers to take care of children with HIV/AIDS and organizes sports facilities to improve the learning environment of public schools. It’s safe to say that she understands that education is not just in the classroom and children need a well-rounded environment for proper learning.
#15. Juliet Ibrahim
Age: 33
Profession: Actress, Producer, Singer
Nationality: Ghanaian
Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim was once referred to as the “Most Beautiful West African Woman” by A-listers Magazine but her relevance goes beyond beauty. The gorgeous actress set up the “Juliet Ibrahim Foundation” which helps raise awareness on kidney diseases, specifically kidney cancer in Ghana and Africa at large. This passion was brought to life after two of her aunties suffered from kidney failure which left a very poignant feeling on Juliet.
Her foundation has grown to cover other diseases including Malaria, HIV / AIDS and Ebola.
#14. Yvonne Okoro
Age: 35
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Nigerian
Yvonne Okoro, who is of Nigerian-Ghanaian descent prefers to be called an “African.” The beautiful actress not too long ago supported the Black Queens, Ghana’s senior female soccer team with $10,000 cash. This is not strange coming from her as she has always been known for one philanthropic work or the other.
Her NGO, The Elizabethan Foundation (named after her late grandmother, Elizabeth Mills) caters to the underprivileged by providing convenient conditions and facilities including shelter, food and basic health care. Through the Elizabethan Senior Home, she also caters to the needs of the aged.
#13. Basetsana Kumalo
Age: 45
Profession: Businesswoman
Nationality: South African
Basetsana Kumalo, also known as “Bassie” who had a successful career as a beauty queen decades ago still remains relevant till this day. Bassie and her husband have a foundation which helps children, especially those orphaned by AIDS. She partners with organizations to eradicate neonatal and maternal tetanus in South Africa and volunteers to raise funds for Children’s hospitals.
#12. Joselyn Dumas
Age: 39
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Ghanaian
Being one of the most beautiful women in Africa is no mere title and Joselyn Dumas fits the bill. The top actress loves to give back and that birthed “Joselyn Canfor-Dumas Foundation” which focuses on the less privileged children in Ghana. In recent times, her foundation is focusing on raising Autism awareness.
#11. Hend Sabri
Age: 40
Profession: Actress, Lawyer
Nationality: Tunisian
Hend Sabri is the perfect example of beauty and brains with the way she gracefully balances her acting career with being a lawyer. She was appointed an ambassador against hunger by the UN World Food Programme and was listed among the “100 most powerful Arab women” in 2013. She uses her powerful position in the Arab community to fight for the fundamental human rights and security of Arabian women. Hend is a worthy role model.
#10. Uyanda Mbuli
Age: 41
Profession: Fashion Designer, Marketer, Actress
Nationality: South African
Former Mrs SA Globe Uyanda Mbuli is confirmation that lost time can be restored if you put your heart into it. After 14 years of absence from the movie scene, she recently made a comeback in the Mzansi Magic hit drama series “The Queen.” Uyanda not only spends her time churning out TV contents but also gives out lots of her statement clothes, shoes and bags to charity.
22 years ago, she launched the Uyanda Mbuli Youth Empowerment Project after winning the Miss Mpumalanga pageant in 1997. She’s also passionate about serving the deaf community of South Africa.
#9. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Age: 41
Profession: Actress
Nationality: Nigerian
Ace Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is as well rounded a celebrity as you’ll find. She admirably holds down the home front and is a non-repentant humanitarian. Omotola’s philanthropic drive is not alien to the general public.
She was honoured in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world and has a large followership on her digital platforms. Omotola’s NGO “Omotola Youth Empowerment Program” empowers youths in the society and she can be likened to a missionary with the way she tours different nations lending her voice to numerous humanitarian issues.
#8. Gelila Bekele
Age: 32
Profession: Model, Author, Photographer, Filmmaker, Activist
Nationality: Ethiopian
Gelila Bekele’s charm goes beyond those beguiling brown eyes to the way she takes it upon herself to help bring a solution to one of Ethiopia’s biggest challenges – water shortage. In addition to advocating for access to clean water for Ethiopians, education and women’s rights are also dear to her heart. Gelila does all these while pursuing her modelling career and being a mother to a son whom she shares with her partner, the uber-successful filmmaker Tyler Perry.
#7. Stephanie Okereke Linus
Age: 37
Profession: Actress, Movie Director
Nationality: Nigerian
Stephanie Okereke Linus is one of the most respected Nollywood actresses. She became a producer after graduating from New York Film Academy and has produced films like “Through the glass” and “Dry,” a movie which focuses on vesicovaginal fistula condition and underaged marriage among young women.
Although publicly on the quiet side, Stephanie is a strong advocate for social matters like child marriage and women empowerment. She is someone who believes that as a filmmaker, your movies should always have a message and create awareness for societal issues and she is living that truth.
#6. Iman
Age: 64
Profession: Model, Entrepreneur, Actress
Nationality: Somalian
Zara Mohamed Abdulmajid or Iman as she is widely known is the epitome of beauty with her alluring accent and overall glamorous features. She is undeniably one of the most beautiful women in the world and even after decades of modelling, she’s still as relevant.
Iman is highly passionate about children and is involved in quite a number of charities whose aim is to provide healthcare, housing and support to children with HIV/AIDS, educating handicapped children and providing emergency aid in natural disasters, war and other unforeseen circumstances. Iman went as far as cutting off her deal with a diamond conglomerate over a clash of ethics. This further buttressed her advocacy for halting global trading of conflict minerals.
#5. Nomzamo Mbatha
Age: 29
Profession: Actress, Businesswoman, TV personality, Human Rights Activist
Nationality: South African
This pretty South African actress was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and has since shown total dedication to this office. Nomzamo Mbatha was a speaker at the first-ever TEDx event to be hosted in a refugee camp – TEDxKakumaCamp. Now, how’s that for groundbreaking endeavours?
Nomzamo, who’s set to appear in the sequel, Coming to America 2, is committed to using her high profile status to change the lives of refugees around Africa.
#4. Adut Akech
Age: 19
Profession: Model
Nationality: South Sudanese
In July 2018, Adut Akech was chosen as the second black model ever to walk as Chanel’s bride and she was barely two years in the industry then. In 2019, she beat top models like Gigi Hadid and Adwoa Aboah to be named Model of the Year.
Adut’s humble upbringing made a great impact on her so much so that she went back to the refugee camp where she spent 8 years of her childhood but this time working with UNHCR to alleviate challenges like malaria, unhygienic water and overcrowding. Adut might still be a teenager but she’s well wise beyond her years and has rightly earned her spot on our list of most beautiful women from Africa.
#3. Linda Ikeji
Age: 39
Profession: Blogger, Entrepreneur
Nationality: Nigerian
Africa’s biggest blogger, Linda Ikeji keeps evolving in ways that are quite unparalleled in the African media space. Linda is a role model for millions of young women and has taught many that it’s possible to monetize your passion and make a great impact in life through it.
For Linda, the saying “I’d rather be self-made, no thanks” was turned into a project which helps young ladies (16-25 years) with excellent business ideas kick off their businesses and become entrepreneurs. Reports have it that Linda spent 10 million Naira in the first phase of the project and she’s not relenting.
#2. Liya Kebede
Age: 41
Profession: Model, Actress, Fashion Designer, Maternal Health Advocate
Nationality: Ethiopia
This Ethiopian-born beauty was named Glamour’s Woman of the Year (2013) and for good reasons. Liya Kebede, who in 2005 was appointed WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health went ahead to start the Liya Kebede Foundation which has helped significantly reduce mother and child mortality in Ethiopia.
The supermodel is so passionate about this cause that she writes about maternal and child health for The Huffington Post. She is also part of the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation; an organization of African leaders.
#1. Jacqueline Mengi
Age: 40
Profession: Singer, Furniture Designer
Nationality: Tanzania
Jacqueline Mengi’s love for beautifying things around her isn’t just limited to furniture, it also involves the minds of the next generation and that’s why she provides libraries and books to primary schools.
Every career path she touches turns to gold – from being a successful vocalist and releasing hits for over a decade to becoming a furniture designer and being awarded for it.
In addition to her educational focus, Jacqueline is wildly passionate about protecting wildlife and supporting orphans. Her social media platforms are filled with images of her philanthropic works which in turn inspires other users to prioritize giving back.
Jacqueline Mengi is our African woman of the decade.
We are well aware that lists do have a way of inspiring debate but it is our hope that the conversations will focus on how we can all make an impact on improving our continent. Most beautiful women in the world Africa.
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