Africa's stunning First Ladies are taking over in their own way

Many of these amazing women have preferred to give up their own ambitions and professional lives for their partners, and have dazzled the world with their intelligence, beauty, wit and charm.

We rank some of the continent's most gorgeous and influential First Ladies:

8. Dominique Folloroux-Ouattara, (Ivory Coast)

The 61 year old is one of the world's most beautiful First ladies. Before becoming the First Lady of Ivory Coast, she was the CEO of the vast corporate of French Beauty Services. Even being 61 years old, Dominique as elegant and beautiful as ever. The mother of two also is a founder of ‘Children of Africa’ foundation.

7. Olive Lembe di Sita Kabila (Democratic Republic of Congo)

The current First Lady of Congo has been Joseph Kabila’s fiancée for a long time before they were married. She is a mother of two children, a daughter, Sifa born in 2001, and a son, Laurent-Desire. Marie Olive is considered to be one of the youngest women in Africa who became an official First Lady.

6. Aisha Buhari (Nigeria)

The current First Lady of Nigeria is a mother of five children. Being a cosmetologist and beauty therapist, Aisha knows how to look beautiful and stylish.

Before her husband became Nigerian president, she was a successful businesswoman as well as Founder/Managing Director of Hanzy Spa and Principal of Hanzy Beauty Institute.

5. Margaret Kenyatta (Kenya)

Margaret Gakuo Kenyatta knows how to present herself, she likes to look simple but fashionable at the same time. She is quite reserved and some might say shy, but that only adds to her beauty. Margaret is engaged into a campaign to reduce child maternal mortality rates through a campaign dubbed 'Beyond Zero Campaign.' In 2014, she was named UN Person of the Year.

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4. Hinda Deby Itno (Chad)

Hinda Deby is known for her signature style of flowing gowns and matching scarves. She is a member of the Civil Cabinet of the Presidency, serving as Special Secretary. The president of Chad reportedly claimed she helps him in his affairs. She is a great role model to the country’s female population.

3. Chantal Biya (Cameroon)

The First Lady of Cameroon is famous for her gorgeous hairstyles. She likes bright colors and isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd. Her favorite designers are Channel and Dior, however, most of the outfits she wears are custom-made. She is extremely social and is engaged in establishment of charitable organisations. Among them are African Synergy and the Chantal Biya Foundation.

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The Gabon First Lady has an exquisite fashion sense, she is a big fan of famous designer Valentino and the Channel brand. In 2011, she founded the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation entitled “For the family” to help disadvantaged people around the world.

1. Princess Lalla Salma (Morocco)

Princess Lalla Salma is the wife of the King of Morocco, Mohammed the VI. She is the first wife of a Moroccan ruler to have been publicly acknowledged and given a royal title. Lalla Salma is both beautiful and smart. She holds a degree in engineering. The 39 year-old supports different cancer associations and even founded one of her own.

Africa's most influential first ladies