If you are searching for a powerful African female storyteller whose work blends travel, identity, and culture, one of the most influential names today is Lola Akinmade Åkerström.

She is a Nigerian-born writer, photographer, and international author whose storytelling has reached audiences across the world through major publications, books, and her personal platform.

Her work explores African identity, migration, belonging, and the emotional realities of living between cultures.

Today, she stands as one of the most recognized voices in contemporary African storytelling.

 

Who is Lola Akinmade Åkerström?

According to her official website, Lola Akinmade Åkerström is an award-winning travel photographer and storyteller who has worked across 70+ to 80+ countries, contributing to global media outlets such as National Geographic, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, and The New York Times.

She is also a bestselling author whose books are published in multiple languages and widely recognized in international literary circles.

Her work is deeply rooted in cultural storytelling—especially focusing on how identity, place, and human connection intersect.

Early Life and Journey into Storytelling

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Lola Akinmade Åkerström moved between Nigeria, the United States, and later Sweden, where she is currently based.

Before becoming a full-time storyteller, she worked in information systems and technology, but eventually transitioned into writing and photography after realizing her passion for travel storytelling. This shift allowed her to merge her technical background with creative expression.

Her journey reflects a powerful truth: African stories do not have to follow a traditional path to become globally impactful.

A Global African Storytelling Voice

What makes Lola Akinmade stand out is her ability to tell African stories through a global lens.

Her writing often explores:

• African identity in Western societies
• Migration and diaspora experiences
• Cultural misunderstanding and belonging
• Everyday human stories across continents
• Travel as a tool for empathy and connection

Rather than presenting Africa as a single narrative, she highlights its complexity and diversity.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström has worked with an impressive range of global brands, tourism boards, airlines, and media organizations throughout her career as a travel writer, photographer, and storyteller. According to her official website, she has collaborated with major international brands including:

• Mercedes-Benz
• Dove
• Intrepid Travel
• National Geographic Channel
• Expedia
• Mastercard
• Marriott International
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
• Skyscanner
• Lonely Planet
• South African Tourism
• Visit Sweden
• Tourism Ireland
• World Travel & Tourism Council
• Absolut Vodka
• Austrian Airlines
• German National Tourism Board
• Swedish Institute
• Visit Stockholm

Her work has also appeared in globally respected publications such as National Geographic, BBC, CNN, The New York Times, The Guardian, and Travel + Leisure.

Including these brands in your article helps establish her authority and credibility because it shows that her storytelling and photography are trusted by internationally recognized organizations. If you’re writing a blog post about her, adding a short section titled “Brands and Organizations Lola Has Worked With” can strengthen both SEO and reader trust.

Books and Creative Work

Her storytelling extends beyond blogging and photography into published literature. She is the author of award-winning travel books and novels, including works that explore life as a Black woman navigating different societies and cultures.

Her novels often focus on themes such as immigration, class, race, and identity, especially in modern European settings. These stories give voice to African women experiencing life abroad in nuanced and emotional ways.

 

Why Her Website Matters for Readers

On her official platform,, she presents herself not only as a writer but also as a visual storyteller and educator.

The website highlights her collaborations with global brands, editorial work, speaking engagements, and creative projects. It also shows how African storytelling can exist across multiple formats—writing, photography, speaking, and education.

This makes her platform a valuable resource for readers, aspiring writers, and storytellers interested in African narratives.

 

The Impact of Her Work on African Storytelling

Lola represents a new generation of African women redefining storytelling beyond traditional publishing.

Her work proves that African stories are not limited to books alone—they live in:

• Digital essays and blogs
• Travel photography
• International journalism
• Personal storytelling platforms

She has helped bring African voices into global media spaces where they were historically underrepresented.

Final Thoughts

As an African female storyteller, Lola Åkerström continues to shape how the world understands identity, travel, and culture.

Her journey from Lagos to global recognition shows the power of storytelling rooted in lived experience. Through her website, books, and global collaborations, she continues to inspire a new generation of African writers and bloggers who want to tell their own stories authentically and boldly.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström is just one of many remarkable African women using their voices, creativity, and experiences to shape conversations around culture, identity, travel, and storytelling. At Miangos, we celebrate the achievements of African women across literature, business, travel, leadership, and the arts.

If you enjoyed learning about Lola’s journey, explore more of our articles featuring inspiring African women, emerging writers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the continent and the diaspora. Their stories may inspire your next adventure, creative project, or personal transformation.

👉 Continue exploring Miangos and discover the diverse voices, talents, and stories that make Africa extraordinary.

You might want to read Anjie C. Nkweti, a Cameroonian storyteller writing inspiring stories.