Leslie ‘Lee’ Kasumba is a visionary strategist and storyteller who shapes Africa’s future on the global creative and intellectual stage. As the Founder and CEO of She Speaks Africa (SSA) Global, she builds new narratives, frameworks, and possibilities for the continent—shifting the global conversation from visibility to impact.
At the helm of She Speaks Africa, Lee leads a dynamic agency that uses culture and creativity to connect brands and governments with Pan-African and diasporan audiences. SSA partners with multinational corporations, international development organizations, non-profits, government agencies, and individuals to clearly communicate Africa-focused projects. Under Lee’s leadership, the agency elevates African ingenuity through mixed media, storytelling, and cultural consultancy—showcasing the continent in authentic and compelling ways.
With a global outlook and deep local insight, SSA helps partners attract, engage, and grow audiences organically. The agency has become a trusted strategic partner for organizations including Canal+, Spotify, Nestlé CWAR, Platoon (Apple Music), African Tax Administration Forum, E! Entertainment, Africa Fashion International (AFI), Kunda Kids, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NBC Universal, L’Oréal Paris, NBA Africa, and Vlisco.
As a master conversationalist, Lee engages influential figures in substantive, agenda-setting dialogue. She is the host of the three-time internationally award-nominated podcast The Africa Whisperer. On her previous platform, The Africa State of Mind, she interviewed leaders including:
• Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (Former and first female VP of South Africa; former Executive Director of UN Women)
• Nima Elbagir (CNN International award-winning senior journalist)
• Tewolde Gebremariam (Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines)
• Black Coffee (Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer)
• Amadou Gallo Fall (President of Basketball Africa)
• Acha Leke (Chairman of McKinsey’s Africa Region)
• Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade (Mr Eazi) (singer, songwriter, record executive)
• Sir Richard Branson and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, among others
Convening Leaders & Shaping Policy
Lee’s influence spans sectors through her ability to convene leaders and elevate policy conversations. She moderated a powerful panel at the Glitz Female CEO Summit titled “Alternative Funding Sources for Women” with Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh (Brainwave Tech Africa), Yvette Adounvo Atekpe (Internet Solutions), and Pearl Esua-Mensah (Feniks Ltd; Ashesi University).
At Her Summit (hosted by Nkem Onwudiwe), she led a conversation with Abokuma Ellis on the discipline, resilience, and quiet victories behind scaling a journey.
Her strategic insights are sought by policy and development bodies worldwide. She has been a featured panelist at the Attorney General Alliance (AGA) Africa Annual Conference, engaged with AUDA-NEPAD on communications strategies, and hosted the event “‘Africanness’ for the Africa We Want” with former First Lady of South Africa, Graça Machel.
Building Pan-African Media Foundations
Lee’s vision is grounded in building Pan-African platforms from the ground up. She was one of the founding producers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), served as Executive Producer for Big Brother Africa, and as Head of Channel O Africa, oversaw the channel’s expansion across East, West, and Central Africa.
For Standard Bank’s Africa Connected, she traveled from Ethiopia to Nigeria, Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique, distilling complex narratives on emerging economies and innovation.
In December 2025, she demonstrated her versatility as the MC for Resonance, the official launch of The New House Church led by Pastor David and Lady Vanessa King.
Creative Excellence & Global Recognition
Lee’s expertise is recognized internationally by organizations that value her judgment and creative direction. She serves as a seasonal judge for the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee. Her craft is also celebrated—she is an award-winning voiceover artist honored by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS).
Her global ambassador role was highlighted by Uganda Airlines in a story on “The Ugandans Breaking Global Barriers.” Across boardrooms and creative spaces, Lee curates conversations that shape how Africa is seen—locally, globally, and beyond.
