The Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) celebrates with immense pride the recognition of our Secretary General, Ms. Peninnah Kabenge, who has been named among the 2025 honorees of the prestigious 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards.

The announcement was made by the Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG), which unveiled the distinguished list celebrating the exceptional women transforming the landscape of sports across Africa and the diaspora. This cohort includes Olympic icons, federation presidents, CEOs, and grassroots trailblazers who embody leadership, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of African excellence.

Ms. Kabenge’s inclusion on this list highlights her profound impact and dedicated leadership in steering the growth and development of university sports across the African continent. In her roles as Secretary General of FASU and Vice President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), she has been instrumental in creating competitive platforms, enhancing governance, and empowering student-athletes.

“This recognition is a testament to Peninnah’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership,” said a FASU 1st Vice President. “Her work resonates deeply with the core mission of these awards breaking barriers and shaping the future of African sports. We are incredibly proud to see her influence acknowledged on this prestigious continental stage.”

The 2025 list features a powerful array of leaders, including:

• Kirsty Coventry – President, International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• Fatma Samoura – Former FIFA Secretary General
• Clare Akamanzi– CEO, NBA Africa
• Nkechi Obi – CEO, Sport Nigeria Ltd
• Nelly Mukazayire – Minister of Sports, Rwanda
• Augusta James Teima – Minister of Sports, Sierra Leone
• Amb. Amina Mohamed – Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture & Heritage, Kenya
• Faith Kipyegon – Athlete, Global Icon & Multiple World Record Holder
• Bouchra Hajij – President, Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB)
• Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa *– Director of Sport & Recreation, Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, Zimbabwe
• Benny Bonsu – Chief Content Officer, Olympic Channel
• Yetunde Olopade – CEO & MD, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd
• Game Mothibi – Senior Manager, TAFISA
• Yvonne Namai Mukabana – African Schools Programme Manager, CAF
• Peninnah Kabenge – Secretary General, FASU & Vice President, FISU
• Fomum Victorine Agum – Founder & President, Abakwa Sports Academy of Bamenda
• Aminata H. Turay – Founder & CEO, AMI Women Sport Foundation-SL & President, Sierra Leone Table Tennis Association
• Syombua A. Kibue – Founder & CEO, SKEIYA
• Doreen Nabwire – Director of Women’s Football & Development Manager, Football Kenya Federation
• Dr. Miriam Mpaata – President, Africa Women in Sports Initiative (AWISI) & The Afrika Sports Foundation Center
• Amb. Mary Onyali – CEO, Yali Yali Sportswear & Meet Director, Mary Onyali Classics
• Peris Mukoko – Senior Official, NOC-K Gender Commission
• Geraldine Yema Roberts – Former Pro Basketball Player & Consultant, Gabon Ministry of Sports
• Shanitha Sumayya Khan – Deputy Director-General, Recreation & Sport Promotion
• Akhona Zennith Makalima – South Africa Premier League & FIFA Referee
• Ashley Nakazwe – Professional Journalist & SuperSport Presenter, The Soccer Africa Show
• Naledi Chabe – Coach, Referee & World Rugby Educator
• Moonira Ramathula – Founder/Executive Director, Futballing Girls
• Maha Mahmoud Hussein – General Secretary, Arab Ladies Committee, Arab Chess Federation
• Stephanie Olivia Duval – Founder, Liv African Institute of Innovation & Sports (LAIIS)
• Maureen Rosita Ojong – Olympism365 Manager, International Olympic Committee
• Coach Callista Sambaza – Founder, Sweat Field Fitness
• Caroline Wangari – Founder, Utawala Star Sports Club & PE Teacher
• Buhlebenkosi Ncube – Sports Marketer & Founder, SportsGrind
• Cynthia Mumbo – Founder & CEO, SportsConnect Africa
• Aisha Shuaibu – President, SWA Sports & Advisory Board Member, NAFA
• Janine Anthony – Sports Marketer & Founder, LadiesMarch
• Dorothy Okatch – Basketball Referee, Technical Official & FIBA-Licensed Referee
• Regina Lunyolo – Chairperson, Uganda Olympic Committee
• Lephai Marea Modutlwa – Vice President, Botswana Bowling Association & Member, Olympic Education Commission
• Dr. Mona Abdalla Ellabody – Founder, Chess and Culture Club for Girls & Board Member, Egyptian Chess Federation
• Safina Khan – Senior Official, WRC Safari Rally Project Oversight Team
• Rachel Ankomah – Founder, Accra Majestics Sports Academy
• Ayishatu Zakaria Ali – AIPS Reporter & Freelance Sports Journalist
• Celestine Karoney – BBC Sports Africa Reporter
• Phatsimo Ruele – Founder, Helping One Organisation (HOO)
• Barbra Banda – Athlete, Global Icon & 2024 CAF Player of the Year & BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
• Tega Onojaife – Founder, Ladies in Sports International; Sports Producer & Presenter
• Fatma El-Kindiy – Founder, A Try for Change
• Rebecca Eliot – Founder, ProTouch Africa

A Look Ahead to Dakar 2026

In a related announcement, ASVG revealed that the 2026 edition of the awards will be held in Dakar, Senegal, strategically aligned with the Youth Olympic Games. This convergence marks a historic moment for sports excellence and women’s leadership on the continent.

The entire FASU community congratulates Secretary General Peninnah Kabenge on this well-deserved honour. Her achievement inspires not only our member universities but also the next generation of female leaders in African sports.