Dr Jennifer Riria Honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Strategic Business and Leadership Awards 2025

Echo Network Africa Foundation proudly celebrates our President and CEO, Dr Jennifer Riria, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement in Leadership Award at the 2025 Strategic Business and Leadership Awards. The ceremony brought together leaders from across the region to recognise individuals shaping progress in leadership, governance and social transformation.

In her acceptance remarks, Dr Riria reflected on a journey defined by courage, service and unwavering commitment to empowering women and communities. She spoke powerfully about the responsibility of leaders to create opportunities that last beyond their time.

“As we look ahead, the next generation of leaders must not inherit our challenges but our courage.”

Her message highlighted the need for intentional mentorship, value-based leadership and institutional building that outlives personalities.

Dr Riria also acknowledged the women who paved the way and those still rising, reminding the audience that transformation requires persistence.

“This recognition is not just for me. It belongs to every woman who has dared to dream, to rise and to lead with courage and conviction across Kenya and across Africa.”

She reflected on the early days of her journey, when women were often excluded from decision-making spaces. Her leadership helped reshape those spaces and create new platforms for women’s voices and agency.

“Leadership spaces were not designed with women in mind, but we learned to create our own tables when we were not invited.”

For more than four decades, Dr Riria has championed women’s economic empowerment, pioneered access to finance for women, strengthened institutions and advanced inclusive leadership across Africa. Her influence continues to guide new generations of leaders and stands as a testament to the power of purpose, resilience and service.

Echo Network Africa Foundation congratulates Dr Jennifer Riria on this well deserved honour and celebrates the legacy she continues to build for women and communities across Africa.