Rolling Stone Africa, the continental edition of the legendary American cultural magazine, proudly announces the appointment of Gwen Madiba as its new Editor in-Chief. An award-winning journalist, television host, and advocate for women’s and children’s rights, Madiba embodies a new editorial chapter for this iconic media brand in Africa.
Rolling Stone Africa is the result of a strategic partnership between Rolling Stone and MWANKOM Group, a media and innovation platform dedicated to championing Afro-centric content and narratives. This collaboration brings together the global influence of Rolling Stone and the cultural insight and reach of MWANKOM, reinforcing their shared mission to amplify African voices and talent across the continent and the diaspora.
Gwen Madiba brings to Rolling Stone Africa a bold editorial vision shaped by an exceptional journey spanning journalism, social impact, and cultural diplomacy. As the founder of the Equal Chance Foundation, she made global headlines in 2022 by launching a humanitarian coalition that helped rescue and support nearly 3,000 vulnerable people, primarily women and visible minorities, fleeing the war in Ukraine.
She made history as the first UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for her native country, Gabon, and from 2014 to 2016, served as the official North American representative of Nelson Mandela’s family under the title of Mandela Legacy Ambassador. Her commitment to human rights and justice has earned her numerous honors, including being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network (2010 and 2019), the Order of Ottawa (2019), and most recently, the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025).
Before joining Rolling Stone Africa, Madiba held senior editorial roles at major international publications, including a branch of ELLE International and KROWD Magazine, where she oversaw impactful storytelling at the intersection of culture, music, fashion, and social change.
“As a proud person of African descent, I am deeply honoured to be named the first Editor in Chief of Rolling Stone Africa. To carry this torch alongside such an incredible team is both humbling and exhilarating. Together, we are committed to telling our stories with authenticity, celebrating the brilliance of our artists, our people, and contributing to a powerful, unapologetic narrative of Africa, one that reflects the depth, diversity, and dynamism of our continent.” – Gwen Madiba
Her appointment was warmly welcomed by David Romuald Bellegarde-Smeralda, CEO of Rolling Stone Africa, who emphasized her arrival as a defining moment for the magazine’s editorial future: “With Gwen Madiba, we could not have chosen a more capable, talented and AfroCentric leader to become the very first Editor-In-Chief for RollingStone Africa and one of our Board Member for the Mwankom Group. For those of you who know Madiba, you absolutely understand my decision; and for those who have not yet met Madiba, you will quickly learn why she is the right leader – she’s a smart, driven and fair journalist deeply entrenched in our industry and our Afro community globally who also brings with her a progressive digital perspective. I look forward to all we plan to achieve together.”
This appointment aligns with RollingStone’s commitment to amplifying African voices on the global media stage by celebrating the continent’s artists, thinkers, and cultural movements.
About RollingStone
Rolling Stone, founded in 1967, is a global cultural authority on music, politics, and entertainment. Published in 10 languages and reaching over 75 million people worldwide, the brand is known for its in-depth journalism, iconic covers, and fearless storytelling. Rolling Stone is operated by Penske Media Corporation.
About MWANKOM
MWANKOM is a Pan-African content and innovation platform focused on elevating Afro culture and voices globally. With initiatives spanning media, education, technology, and business, MWANKOM aims to reshape storytelling about Africa and its diaspora. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, MWANKOM works with a global network to connect stories, talents, and opportunities across borders.