Over the last five years, the case for diversity and inclusion has looked good for Africa. In 2020, 38% of senior management positions in African businesses are held by women, compared to 29% of global businesses. The African average has steadily risen from 23% in 2015 to 38% in 2020. The changes are reflective of the actions that businesses are taking to improve or preserve the gender balance of their leadership team. 78% of mid-market businesses globally and 85% in Africa, are actively working on removing barriers to gender parity at senior levels according to the latest research from Grant Thornton’s International Business Report. The number of businesses driving initiatives such as ensuring developmental opportunities (34% globally, 45% in Africa), creating an inclusive culture (34% globally, 38% in Africa) and flexible working (31% globally, 39% in Africa), have all seen an increase across all initiatives measured by the report. Aparna Vijay, who recently took over as Partner in charge of the Corporate Services division of Grant Thornton says, “It is extremely encouraging to see deliberate action taking place as mid-market businesses ramp up activities that encourage progress and accessibility to leadership positions for women. The last couple of years have…