Breaking Barriers: eSwatini’s Sylvia Mthethwa elected as vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women

SHOPRITE Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa has been elected as Africa’s Most Influential Women vice president.

The businesswoman and former Regional Administrator (RA) of the Lubombo Region was elected during the recent African Women Leadership Conference in Sierra Leone and will serve with Her Excellency Jewel Howard Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia, who was elected as the President of Africa’s Most Influential Women.

Madam Hawa Sally Samai, the executive secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, has been elected as the secretary.

Other members of the Executive Committee include the Honourable Rosemarie Bangura, Member of Parliament (MP) in Sierra Leone, who serves the organisation as the Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Queen Dr Afolashade Shona-Aluko is the Programs Manager; Mrs Olive Baimba, CEO of Olive B Academy, is the Finance Manager; and Honourable Theresa Faye, a Senegalese member of parliament, is the Projects Manager.

Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia, is the organisation’s adviser.

Senator Sylvia Nonhlanhla Mthethwa is an accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and pioneering socio-economic development leader from the Kingdom of Eswatini, who has broken barriers and set new standards across business, governance, and public service.

Her career is marked by historic firsts, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a deep dedication to uplifting ordinary citizens through sustainable economic empowerment and inclusive development.

Senator Mthethwa’s career is distinguished by groundbreaking achievements that have redefined possibilities for women in the Kingdom of Eswatini’s public sector.

She became the first woman to be appointed to the Royal Board of Trustees by His Majesty, a testament of her exceptional capabilities, integrity, and trusted counsel. This historical appointment reflects her standing as one of the nation’s most valued advisors, placing her at the highest levels of national institutional governance where she influences critical decisions affecting the entire nation.

In a further milestone, she became the first woman appointed as Regional Administrator (RA/Governor) of the Lubombo Region, one of Eswatini’s four administrative regions.

In this significant position, she demonstrated her capacity to manage complex regional affairs, coordinate development initiatives, implement national policies at the local level, and serve as an effective bridge between national government and community needs.

Her tenure established her credentials as a capable administrator and visionary leader capable of managing diverse stakeholder interests.

Subsequently, she was appointed as a senator, where she continued to advocate for inclusive governance, women’s participation, economic development, and social justice.

As a senator, she has leveraged her platform to champion policies and initiatives that benefit all citizens, with particular emphasis on women’s empowerment and grassroots economic development.

Senator Mthethwa was elected by the Senate to be a member of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), where she became exposed to policy framework development at a continental level. In the PAP, she served in various committees where she advocated for women’s empowerment and recognition of the youth.

During her tenure as an MP, she travelled the length and breadth of the continent, speaking strongly about women’s issues and the youth. At one instance, the UNDP in Pretoria made her a panellist to speak on these issues on a live broadcast covering the continent.

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