LEADERSHIP – Zara Randriamanakoto among the top 50 most inspiring African women of 2025, according to Forbes Africa.

Zara Randriamanakoto has made it into this prestigious top 50 list, alongside notable figures such as Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Edith Mala Diop, the first Ivorian female captain of a Boeing 777 for Qatar Airways. "What they have in common is their ability to influence and inspire the continent and the rest of the world through their actions and messages," explains the Forbes Africa editorial team, justifying its selection.

She continues to inspire young Malagasy women in science through the Ikala STEM network. As Forbes Africa recalls, Randriamanakoto was previously an executive member of the African Astronomical Society. She is currently a researcher at the South African Astronomical Observatory and contributes to the giant radio telescope project within the Department of Astronomy at the University of Cape Town.

This type of recognition is not new for the Malagasy astrophysicist. She was already among the winners of the 11th Young Talents Award for Sub-Saharan Africa, presented by the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO. This award honored 20 female researchers from across the continent for the academic excellence of their work.

Ikala STEM is proud to have Zara as its founder and wishes the very best for Zara and continued success for the organization.

For More information: https://www.forbesafrica.com/