Ghanaian Women's Advocate Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong Honoured with Global Social Impact Award in Cairo

A Ghanaian champion of women's empowerment and sustainability has earned international recognition on one of the world's biggest entrepreneurship stages. Rev. (Mrs.) Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Founder and President of Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) and General Manager of EIB Network, has been awarded the prestigious Social Impact Award at the Global Entrepreneurs Awards, held during the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Cairo, Egypt.

The festival, described as the largest entrepreneurship gathering in the world, took place at the JW Marriott Hotel from 6 to 8 November, drawing more than 10,000 participants, over 100 exhibitors, upwards of 60 global speakers, and representatives from more than 70 countries. Being singled out for recognition at such a platform places Sarpong among an elite group of global change-makers whose work is reshaping communities and industries.

Decades of service behind the honour

The award is not simply a recognition of a single achievement but rather a testament to decades of sustained community service and leadership. Sarpong's work spans multiple organisations and initiatives, most notably WiSA and the League of Extraordinary Women, through which she has consistently championed the role of women in driving sustainable development across Africa.

Her contributions also extend to collaboration with the United Nations and active ministry outreach, through which she has worked to empower individuals, promote environmental and social sustainability, and support community development initiatives across the continent. The breadth of her work — spanning civil society, faith-based engagement, international organisations and professional networks — reflects a uniquely holistic approach to social impact.

Reacting to the honour, Rev. Sarpong expressed humility and dedicated the award to the women and communities across Africa whose resilience continues to fuel her mission. She emphasised that social impact, sustainability and service remain among the most powerful instruments available for transforming lives and securing a better future for the continent.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana has long positioned itself as a leader in Africa's development conversation, and achievements like Sarpong's reinforce that image on the global stage. At a time when African women entrepreneurs and social leaders are increasingly gaining international visibility, her recognition at an event of this scale sends a strong signal about the quality of leadership emerging from Ghana.

WiSA, in particular, addresses a critical gap — ensuring that women are not left at the margins of sustainability discussions and green economy transitions, which are becoming ever more central to Africa's development agenda. With climate change, sustainable agriculture, and green energy dominating policy conversations across the continent, organisations that centre women in these debates carry significant strategic importance.

Sarpong's recognition also comes at a personally momentous time. She was recently called to the Bar in Ghana at the 63rd Ceremony organised by the General Legal Council, adding a legal qualification to an already distinguished profile. This combination of legal expertise, entrepreneurial leadership and social advocacy positions her as a formidable voice in shaping policy and community outcomes in Ghana and beyond.

A rising profile for African women leaders

The Global Entrepreneurs Awards honour individuals whose work transcends borders and creates measurable change. For a Ghanaian woman to claim the Social Impact category at such a competitive global forum is a noteworthy milestone — not just for Sarpong personally, but for the broader movement of African women who are redefining leadership in sustainability and social development.

• Her organisations, WiSA and the League of Extraordinary Women, focus on empowering women across Africa through sustainability and community development.
• Sarpong has collaborated with the United Nations and engaged in ministry outreach as part of her broader social mission.
• She was recently called to the Bar in Ghana, adding legal expertise to her growing portfolio of leadership roles.