Kenyan lawyer, music executive and former artiste Angela Ndambuki has earned global recognition after being named among the World IP Review (WIPR) Influential Women in IP 2026, a prestigious list celebrating women making a significant impact in the field of intellectual property.
The annual list honours women whose leadership, expertise and achievements are shaping the future of intellectual property across the world. It features professionals from private practice, in-house legal teams, academia and public institutions who are driving innovation, influencing policy, protecting intellectual property rights and advancing inclusion within the profession.
Ndambuki, who first rose to fame as a member of the celebrated Kenyan music trio Tatuu, has since built a distinguished career in intellectual property and the creative industry. She currently serves as the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), where she champions stronger copyright protection and fair compensation for creators across the region.
Over the years, she has also held several leadership positions within the sector, including serving as chairperson of KAMP Copyright and Related Rights Limited, playing a key role in advocating for reforms aimed at protecting the rights of musicians and other creators.
According to WIPR, this year's honourees were recognised for their contributions in areas such as IP strategy, enforcement, commercialisation, licensing, policy development, research, innovation and efforts to promote greater inclusion in the profession.
Speaking to TNX after the announcement, Ndambuki described the recognition as both humbling and motivating.
"I am honoured and deeply grateful to be recognised by World IP Review in its Influential Women in IP 2026 list. This recognition reflects not just a personal milestone, but the collective efforts of so many colleagues and partners working to strengthen intellectual property across Africa and ensure that creators are fairly valued and rewarded,” she stated.
Ndambuki says the recognition was particularly meaningful because it placed her alongside remarkable women from across Africa who are shaping the future of intellectual property through policy, innovation and leadership. She noted that their collective efforts demonstrate the vital role strong intellectual property systems play in fostering creativity, attracting investment and driving sustainable economic growth.
"My sincere thanks to the team at IFPI, our members, partners, governments and the wider music community across Sub-Saharan Africa. This recognition only strengthens my commitment to advancing an environment where the recording industry can thrive," she added
WIPR noted that this year's selection process was highly competitive, with nominees evaluated through a combination of public nominations, independent research and assessment by the publication's editorial team.