Rabat – Moroccan sports leader Bouchra Hajij, President of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) and Vice President of both the International and Arab Volleyball Federations, has been listed among the “50 Most Influential African Women in Sports for 2025.”
The Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) announced the 2025 honorees, a recognition celebrating the exceptional women transforming the sports landscape across Africa and its diaspora.
From Olympic champions and ministers to federation presidents, CEOs, journalists, and grassroots pioneers, these 50 women embody leadership, innovation, and the spirit of African excellence. Their collective achievements reflect the growing influence of women in shaping the future of African sports governance, participation, and entrepreneurship.
Established by ASVG to highlight women breaking barriers across every sphere of sport, from policy and management to performance and advocacy, the Awards have evolved into one of the continent’s most respected recognitions of female achievement in sports leadership and impact.
“These extraordinary women represent the heartbeat of African sports. Their courage, vision, and excellence inspire not just the next generation of women in sport, but an entire continent striving for transformation,” said Leslie Koroma Sr., Founder and CEO of the Africa Sports Ventures Group.
The honor acknowledges Hajij’s outstanding contributions to the development of African volleyball and her efforts to strengthen women’s representation in sports leadership.
Since assuming her role, she has been credited with reforming the CAVB’s structure and launching ambitious programs to support national teams, particularly in women’s categories, across the continent.
The list also features major international figures such as Kirsty Coventry, Chair of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission; Fatma Samoura, former FIFA Secretary-General; and Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa.
Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, holder of multiple world records, also makes the honored group.
This recognition cements Hajij’s standing as one of Africa’s foremost sports leaders and highlights the growing presence of Moroccan women in positions of influence and decision-making within global sports institutions.
