One of Africa’s leading health investors, Dr Ola Brown, was recently honored with Women of Impact Award in celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day.

The award, which was organised by ARISE News and ThisDay Newspaper, was packaged to celebrate 100 women that have distinguished themselves by redefining leadership across the continent.

The high profile event, which took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos State, brought together heads of governments, global financiers and culture icons in honour of excellence in governance, healthcare, business and the arts.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of women that are transforming Africa’s healthcare landscape among whom was the Founder and General Partner, HealthCap Africa, Dr Ola Brown.

Brown, a multiple award winner was distinguished for her exceptional contributions in the healthcare venture capital and infrastructure.

Her firm has backed startups that have collectively served over two million patients and created over 13,000 jobs across the continent.

She was joined in the healthcare category by other luminaries, including Professor Bosede Afolabi, who was recognized for pioneering research in maternal health and iron deficiency; Dr Iman Abuzeid, the co-founder of Incredible Health, honoured for her global impact on health-tech and nursing as well as Dr Annette Gbemudu, recognized for her contributions to pharmaceutical access and public health policy.

To celebrate the global icons, the ceremony was graced by a distinguished guest list, including the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and former Vice President of the World Bank, Arunma Oteh.

No doubt, the class of 2026 featured powerhouses from various sectors, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and business leader, Ibukun Awosika.

The night underscored a unified commitment to leveraging innovation, policy and investment to solve the continent’s most pressing developmental challenges.

Dr Ola Brown is a British-Nigerian medical doctor and healthcare entrepreneur, whose huge investment in the healthcare sector, has greatly complemented government’s interventions.