London, UK – 9 July 2025
Nona Chili, Chief Executive Officer of Makwande Energy Trading (Pty) Ltd, South Africa, has been named African Female Business Leader of the Year (Co-Winner) at the 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2025, hosted during the ALM Africa Summit London.
This prestigious recognition honours Ms. Chili’s outstanding leadership in transforming South Africa’s energy trading sector and her role as a trailblazer for women in Africa’s male-dominated oil and gas industry. As CEO of Makwande Energy Trading, she has guided the company to become one of the continent’s fastest-growing independent energy trading firms, known for its innovation, integrity, and strategic foresight.
Under her stewardship, Makwande Energy Trading has expanded its market presence across Southern and West Africa, championed local content development, and promoted sustainability-focused business practices. Her commitment to inclusive leadership and the empowerment of women and youth in the energy value chain has set a benchmark for excellence and social impact in African enterprise.
The African Female Business Leader of the Year Award celebrates dynamic women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and delivering exceptional results in their industries. Ms. Chili’s recognition as co-winner reflects her unmatched contribution to the continent’s economic and leadership transformation.
The African Business Leadership Awards, organised by African Leadership Magazine, honour visionary individuals and organisations across sectors that are driving Africa’s sustainable development and economic empowerment.
About African Leadership Magazine
African Leadership Magazine is published by the African Leadership Organisation, a UK-registered company (Company No. 07435198). Since 2008, the magazine has been a premier platform for spotlighting African excellence, engaging over 1.2 million readers worldwide, and facilitating more than $5 billion in investments and strategic partnerships through its global events and editorial content.
