From smart mobility platforms to rail engineering and inclusive commuter services, these African women are not just passengers in the transportation industry—they’re in the driver’s seat.
Innovating in metros, buses, and freight systems, they’re redefining how millions move across cities and borders.
Whether modernizing infrastructure, building tech solutions, or advocating for accessibility, these women are powering Africa’s public transport future with vision, grit, and purpose.
Meet the top five women leaders driving impact, connectivity, and sustainable mobility across the continent.
1. Dorothy Mofomme (South Africa)
Founder of Valotech228, Dorothy has built a 100% Black woman-owned engineering firm focused on railway signaling, track design, and fiber optic systems across South Africa. Her leadership drives innovation in rail infrastructure and workforce diversification.
2. Thandi Hillie (South Africa)
Co‑founder & CEO of Sbhekuza Rail, Thandi runs intermodal logistics services that link rail, ports, and warehouses. Her company provides seamless freight haulage and warehousing across industrial and port nodes.
3. Mariam Hamidou (Nigeria)
CEO of T40 Technologies, Mariam revolutionizes intercity transport with a SaaS platform used by over 180 companies. Her ERP solution enhances fleet management, routing, cashless payments, and even provides embedded financing—boosting revenues, reducing downtime, and enabling scale across African transport operators.
4. Damilola Olokesusi (Nigeria)
Founder of Shuttlers, a tech-driven corporate commuter-bus startup. Since its 2017 launch, Damilola’s platform has helped businesses offer reliable, shared bus transport in Lagos and beyond—raising $1.6M in seed funding by 2021 and earning recognition from the UN as a model for women-led digital mobility.
5. Elizabeth Kinuthia (Kenya)
A trailblazing conductor and station attendant in Nairobi’s public transport scene, Elizabeth champions passenger accessibility and safety—handling the needs of the elderly and hearing-impaired. She shares insights at conferences to drive policy changes for inclusive public transport.
Image Credit: The Benchmark
