What began as a convening of 100 women with a shared ambition has grown into a gathering of more than 1 000 founders, executives, policymakers, investors and creatives in one room, says the publication.

For a decade, Forbes Woman Africa has aimed to build a platform dedicated to documenting and amplifying leading voices across enterprises, capital markets, technology, sustainability and culture. The growth of the summit aims to mirror a broader economic shift across the continent, as women are increasingly influencing nation-building and shaping Africa's growth trajectory, adds the platform.

"Our stage has hosted heads of state, billion-dollar founders, investors, activists and cultural architects who influence policy, capital allocation and market confidence across the continent. We are witnessing a structural shift in who builds enterprise and who shapes regulatory conversations. This summit exists to ensure that women's authority is not only visible, but investable, scalable and globally competitive,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Africa.

The 2026 Line-Up

The 2026 speaker line-up aims to reflect the breadth of influence shaping Africa's present and future, from capital markets and corporate boardrooms to creative industries and social impact platforms, says the platform.

This year's speakers include leaders building global brands, ecosystem builders backing early-stage ventures, changemakers in technology aiming to reshape community outcomes and cultural czarinas shifting narratives, adds the platform. 

Among those confirmed are:

  • Penny Rey: Also known as Penny Coelen, she represented South Africa and won the Miss World contest in London in 1958.
  • Mahlet Afework: Founder and Creative Director of MAFI MAFI, a sustainable Ethiopian fashion brand launched in 2011, she aims to position Ethiopian design on international platforms while advocating for sustainable African fashion ecosystems.
  • Rachel Kolisi: An advocate for women's rights and social impact leader, she aims to drive measurable change in South Africa.
  • Melissa Nyamuli: Miss Universe South Africa 2025, she is also a Creative Producer and Founder of Chosi Chosi.
  • Connie Mashaba: Managing Director of Black Like Me, a South African haircare brand, she is a leader in business and social development.
  • Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: Founder of soleRebels, a globally recognised African sustainable footwear brands, she also founded Tefftastic, a brand aimed at celebrating Ethiopia's gluten-free supergrain. She is also the driving force behind Oasis Motors advancing Ethiopia's electric vehicle manufacturing.
  • Akuvi: A Ghanaian Afro-Soul artist blending R&B, Neo-Soul and Afrobeats, she has toured across Africa and Europe sharing stages with global artists.
  • Zainab Jama: The reigning Miss World Somalia 2025, she is also the founder of the Female Initiative Foundation.
  • Lara Markthaler: A South African alpine ski racer competing in the Milano — Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Additional speakers will be announced in the lead-up to the summit, adds the platform.

Conversations Defining the 2026 Summit

The 2026 programme aims to examine how women in the C-suite are navigating economic uncertainty while building resilient, growth-focused institutions. Conversations will explore artificial intelligence in fintech, healthtech and agritech, alongside policy frameworks addressing ethics, gender equity and local data ownership, says the platform.

Sustainability will feature prominently, aimed at spotlighting women advancing Africa's green economy across energy, agriculture and conservation. Discussions will also address inclusivity in mental health, neuroscience and special needs development, adds the platform.

Additionally, the "Over 30 Under 50" list-makers from the February / March 2026 issue of Forbes Africa, or women aged between 30 and 40 years old, shaping industries across business, entertainment and technology, will take the stage to discuss scale, disruption and ownership, says the platform.

A recurring element of the annual summit remains the Spotlight segment featuring voices from across the continent, in which entrepreneurs, executives, creatives and community builders share personal stories of resilience and reinvention, adds the platform.

Honouring Africa's Female Changemakers

The summit will culminate in the Forbes Woman Africa Awards, which aims to recognise women whose work has reshaped industries and influenced global narratives. Previous honourees include names like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Angelique Kidjo, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nomzamo Mbatha, Connie Ferguson and Graca Machel, among others. The awards also recognise measurable achievement across business, technology, sports, entertainment and social impact, says the platform.

The 2026 Leading Women Summit is presented by McDonald's South Africa and official banking partner, ABSA South Africa. The Summit has also partnered with Stanford Seed Graduate School of Business and Eskom, adds the platform.

The awards ceremony will culminate in a celebratory after-party, concludes the platform.

Tickets for the 2026 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit and Awards are now available here, Limited seating is availabile.

For more information, visit www.leadingwomensummit.co.za. You can also follow the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit on Facebook, Twitter, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor