Graça Machel

On the third anniversary of the death of Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted “Mandela the Freedom Fighter and Mandela the Democracy Builder”....

"We should reach out to each other." This was the message Graca Machel, global activist and widow of South African statesman and international icon...

There are thousands of African women creating successful businesses, leaving inspiration and change in their wake, and in a small way helping to uplift Africa's narrative. The five women below are making massive strides in their respective business sectors, changing their industries and improving business for other women in Africa.

South Africa's former first lady, Graça Machel celebrated her 70th birthday a little early by working on a cause - to help end world hunger. She took part in a meal packing drive in her home country of Mozambique and worked with the Stop Hunger Now organisation.

African countries are emerging as global green energy leaders, although electricity constraints still hamper growth in many regions of the continent. The Africa Progress Report points to inequality in pricing and a need for greater investment.

A planned sequel to Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, will unpack the years when he was the president of South Africa. Mandela began the book in 1998 but was unable to complete it. Now a group of former senior advisers will finish the task for him.

Graça Machel and Tony Blair are the keynote speakers at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, now in its 20th year. As head of the Foundation for Community Development, Machel leads the sustainable development sessions. A host of other global mining leaders and economists are scheduled to speak.

With a life dedicated to universal education and ending child poverty, the wife of two of Africa's most revered leaders believes that we owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear. Widowed twice, she fights on, knowing her work is not yet done.

Graça Machel, Barack Obama, Jacob Zuma, Desmond Tutu, Nicolas Sarkozy, Tony Blair, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela ... and thousands of grieving South Africans. View a gallery of images from the memorial service for Nelson Mandela at FNB Stadium on 10 December 2013.