Women pushing the boundaries of innovation, strategy and purpose-driven communication took centre stage as the Women in Marketing (WiM) Awards returned for their annual global showcase, celebrating female leaders who are redefining the future of marketing across continents.
Founded in the United Kingdom, the WiM Awards honour women who use marketing as a catalyst for social and economic transformation. The platform recognises professionals whose work is shaping industries, uplifting communities and inspiring emerging leaders, from Europe to Africa and the Americas.
This year’s edition highlights a growing wave of African excellence, with nine outstanding women from the continent named among the 25 honourees globally. Ghana earned an impressive presence on the list, with three distinguished professionals recognised for their contributions to the fast-evolving global marketing landscape.
They include seasoned marketer, brand consultant and fintech professional Mariam Kaleem Agyeman-Buahin, Chief Marketing Officer of Aya Data Dr Gillian Hammah, and Agency Lead at Now Available Africa, Venus Tawiah. Together, they join a diverse cohort of winners from the United Kingdom, United States, France, South Africa, Romania and other markets.
Mariam was shortlisted in the esteemed Change Maker category, a recognition of her influence in shaping conversations around creativity, youth empowerment and sustainable brand growth. Her impact extends beyond corporate boardrooms through her platforms InsiderScoop with Mariam and Savor & Muse, where she has mentored more than 200 young creatives and entrepreneurs across Africa.
“Marketing is the bridge between ideas and impact,” she said. “It’s how we transform creativity into measurable growth and empower people to see the value in what they create.”
Organisers describe the WiM platform as a home for “those who use their craft to shape industries, uplift communities, and inspire a generation of women leaders.” Honourees span marketing executives, agency leads, fintech innovators and creative entrepreneurs whose work bridges creativity and commerce while championing ethics, empowerment and sustainability.
This year’s African shortlist includes professionals driving transformative work in their respective markets:
Gillian Hammah of Aya Data in Ghana; Michelle Marais of Dentsu Creative in South Africa; Esosa Osagiede of Insight Publicis in Nigeria; Andra Nel of KFC Africa; Sthando Msweli of Matte BLK; Khensani Nobanda of Nedbank; Venus Tawiah of Now Available Africa in Ghana; Mariam Kaleem Agyeman-Buahin of Papillon Brands & Marketing Specialists; and Enniye Timiebi of Spotify in Nigeria.
Since its inception in 2004, WiM has evolved into a global movement dedicated to elevating women in marketing and communications across agencies, boardrooms and entrepreneurial ventures. The awards pay tribute not only to professional achievement but to impact: the stories that shift culture, reshape industries and embolden the next generation of women to lead with courage and conviction.
As the 2025 spotlight shines on these 25 women, organisers say the awards serve as a reminder that marketing, at its best, remains a powerful tool for influence, creativity and societal progress.