Women In Business: Jane Karuku, East African Breweries

Ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, African Business is collecting the experiences of women leaders in African businesses and asking them how future progress can be assured.

In this interview, we hear from Jane Karuku, CEO of East African Breweries.

Is the glass ceiling getting easier to crack for African women in business?

The glass ceiling is certainly cracking, but it hasn't shattered just yet. In Africa, and particularly in Kenya, we've seen tremendous progress in women's leadership across business, politics, and other sectors. More organizations are actively driving diversity and inclusion, and we have inspiring women breaking barriers in industries that were traditionally male-dominated like FMCG where I operate.

However, challenges remain. Women still face unconscious bias, limited access to funding and leadership opportunities, and the pressure of balancing career growth with societal expectations. In the corporate world, while we have more women in boardrooms and C-suite roles than before, true equity requires continuous effort, mentorship, policy changes, and a shift in workplace cultures to create more opportunities for women to thrive. I actively champion these efforts at EABL, ensuring that diversity is not just a box to check but a fundamental driver of business success.