Flavia Motsisi
Producer and Entrepreneur

Sector: Film, TV and Fashion
Country: South Africa

Flavia is an International Emmy–nominated creative executive, producer and entrepreneur whose leadership has helped redefine South Africa's film and television industry. Recognised by Forbes Africa and the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans (2025), she has spent more than a decade shaping award-winning African content with both commercial success and global ambition. From commissioning landmark series at MultiChoice to pioneering South Africa's first micro-drama slate, Flavia has consistently anticipated where the industry is heading. As Creative Producer at Both Worlds and founder of FMM, she continues to champion innovative storytelling formats while opening international opportunities for African creators. A co-founder of Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), she has also been instrumental in advancing safer, more inclusive pathways for women in the industry. Through visionary leadership, creative excellence and an unwavering commitment to mentorship, Flavia continues to shape the future of African storytelling on the world stage.

Mimi Bartels
Producer and Entrepreneur

Sector: Film and TV
Country: Nigeria

Mimi’s vision and leadership have helped transform Nollywood into a globally recognised creative force. With more than 15 years of experience spanning production, distribution, development and marketing, she has been instrumental in bringing African stories to audiences around the world. From overseeing many of Nigeria's highest-grossing box office successes to producing acclaimed titles for global platforms including Netflix, Mimi has consistently demonstrated that African content can compete at the highest international level. As Co-Founder of Anakle Films, she is championing bold new storytelling, international co-productions and sustainable business models that empower African creatives. Her work has also supported the growth of film financing, talent development and cross-border collaboration, creating lasting opportunities across the industry. Through her strategic leadership, commercial insight and unwavering commitment to African storytelling, Mimi continues to shape the future of the continent's screen industries and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

Celeste Ntuli
Comedienne, Actor and Producer

Sector: Film and TV
Country: South Africa

Celeste Ntuli is a trailblazer who has transformed South African comedy by breaking barriers and redefining what is possible for women in entertainment. Widely celebrated as the "Queen of Zulu Comedy," she became the first South African female comedian to record a one-woman stand-up special, paving the way for a new generation of women to take centre stage. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has successfully expanded into acting, producing and presenting, with acclaimed roles in Isibaya, Last One Laughing South Africa and Netflix's The Polygamist. While remaining unapologetically authentic to her language, culture and identity, Celeste has demonstrated that distinctly African stories and voices can achieve both commercial success and global recognition. Through her fearless humour, entrepreneurial spirit and enduring influence, she has not only changed the face of comedy in South Africa but has inspired countless women to find their voice and own the spotlight.

Anele Mdoda
Presenter, Producer and Entrepreneur

Sector: Broadcasting, Film and TV
Country: South Africa

Anele’s influence has evolved far beyond broadcasting to reshape South Africa's film and television industry. An award-winning presenter, producer and entrepreneur, she has built Rose and Oaks Media into one of Africa's most dynamic production companies, delivering internationally acclaimed projects while championing authentic African storytelling. In 2026, she led the landmark acquisition of Rapid Blue from BBC Worldwide, returning one of Africa's most influential television production companies to local ownership and creating one of the continent's largest independent production groups with continued access to the BBC Studios format catalogue. This transformative deal reflects Anele's vision that African creatives should not only tell stories, but also own the companies, intellectual property and infrastructure that shape the industry. Through bold leadership, strategic entrepreneurship and an unwavering commitment to African excellence, Anele is redefining what is possible for the continent's creative economy.

Temilola Balogun
Writer and Producer

Sector: Film and TV
Country: Nigeria

Temilola’s career exemplifies the power of reinvention, creativity and authentic storytelling. With more than 15 years of experience spanning radio, television, film and digital media, she has established herself as one of Nigeria's most respected creative voices. From her success as an award-winning broadcaster and screenwriter to founding and leading BoxTV, Temilola has consistently championed stories that reflect the realities, aspirations and diversity of Nigerian life. As a writer and producer, she has created compelling, culturally resonant content that proves authentic African stories can connect with broad audiences while remaining commercially successful. Through BoxTV, she is building a platform dedicated to developing original local content and creating new opportunities for emerging storytellers. Her ability to evolve with the changing media landscape while remaining committed to meaningful storytelling has positioned her as a leader shaping the future of Nigeria's creative industries and inspiring the next generation of African creators.

Kudi Maradzika
Director, Producer and Writer

Sector: Film and TV
Country: Zimbabwe

Kudi is a rising star whose bold storytelling and international success are positioning her as one of Africa's most exciting creative voices. A Zimbabwean screenwriter, director, producer and performer, her work has reached global audiences through Netflix, Paramount, Showmax, Amazon Prime, MTV and Comedy Central. As the founder of Lincoln Green Media, she is creating original African intellectual property with international appeal, while championing authentic stories rooted in African experiences. Her achievements include an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination, a SAFTA, an AMVCA Award, an International Emmy nomination as part of a producing team, and selection for prestigious programmes including the Sundance Screenwriters Lab consideration, Locarno Open Doors, the Realness x Netflix Episodic Lab and the +WScripted Cannes Screenplay List. Recognised on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 50 list and as a Forty Under 40 Africa honouree, Kudi is redefining what is possible for African storytellers and is rapidly emerging as a global force in film and television.

Tracy Lee Rosslind
Creative director and Stylist

Sector: Fashion
Country: South Africa

Tracy Lee’s influence extends far beyond fashion, using creativity as a powerful tool to drive sustainability, empower local talent and redefine African style. As a creative director, stylist and sustainable fashion advocate, she has consistently championed South African designers, artisans and small businesses, demonstrating that fashion can be both commercially successful and socially responsible. Through her work across television, digital media and live events, Tracy has elevated African fashion while encouraging more ethical and environmentally conscious industry practices. She has become a respected voice for authenticity, inclusivity and creative entrepreneurship, using her platform to amplify emerging talent and inspire the next generation of creatives. By seamlessly blending storytelling, fashion and advocacy, Tracy has helped position sustainability at the forefront of the creative conversation. Her visionary leadership continues to strengthen Africa's fashion ecosystem while proving that purpose-driven creativity can deliver lasting cultural and economic impact.

Autumn Bailey-Ford
Producer

Sector: Film and TV
Country: United States (Atlanta) and South Africa  

Autumn’s career has redefined international collaboration between Africa and the United States. An accomplished producer and founder of Autumn Bailey Entertainment, she has spent more than two decades championing independent filmmaking while producing over 30 film and television projects and creating pathways for diverse storytellers to reach global audiences. In 2026, she further strengthened Africa's position in the global production landscape by producing the international action-comedy Boyz Trip, filmed in Cape Town with an African and international cast, while also partnering with NV Film Studios Africa to launch AfriNova Entertainment Group—an integrated creative, production and studio business designed to connect African stories with global markets. Through her leadership, she is building sustainable infrastructure, attracting international investment, and creating opportunities for African creatives to participate in every stage of the value chain, from development and production to financing and distribution. Her vision, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cross-continental partnerships are helping shape the future of Africa's creative economy.

Kim Jayde
Host, Entrepreneur & Content Creator

Sector: Film and TV
Country: Zimbabwe and South Africa

Kim Jayde is a trailblazer who has redefined what it means to be a modern African media entrepreneur. From her beginnings as a self-funded fashion blogger to becoming an award-winning television host, entrepreneur and founder of KJ Productions, she has built a globally recognised brand rooted in authenticity, storytelling and creative ownership. Rather than simply creating content, Kim has focused on owning and producing it, using platforms such as Kickin' It With Kim Jayde to amplify African culture, fashion and creative talent. Recognised as a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree, she has collaborated with leading global brands while remaining committed to showcasing African excellence. Today, she is an international speaker, creative director and producer who continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to build sustainable creative businesses, own their intellectual property and tell African stories with confidence on the global stage.

Hloni Modise
Entrepreneur

Sector: Music
Country: South Africa 

Hloni’s leadership has transformed the landscape for women in Africa's music industry. As the founder and CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, she created South Africa's first major awards platform dedicated to celebrating women across every facet of the music business—from artists and producers to executives, publicists and creatives working behind the scenes. With more than two decades of experience spanning artist management, marketing, publicity and label leadership, including senior roles at Sony Music, Hloni has consistently championed equity, representation and opportunity within the industry. Through HM Entertainment and the Hloni Modise Foundation, she continues to mentor emerging talent, develop future leaders and create platforms that elevate African excellence. Her vision extends beyond recognition; she is building an ecosystem where women can thrive, lead and shape the future of the music industry. Hloni's unwavering commitment to inclusion and industry transformation has established her as one of Africa's most influential music leaders.