By The 7th Africa Women Summit brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, diplomats, development partners, gender advocates, and women leaders from across Africa and the Diaspora. Conversations centered on women’s health, empowerment, leadership, and sustainable development.
Guided by the D.R.E.A.M framework—Driving Resilience, Empowerment, Access, and Mobilisation—the summit focused on strengthening healthcare systems, advancing women’s economic empowerment, supporting advocacy efforts, and building collaborative networks across the continent.
The summit also honoured 100 outstanding women of African descent for their contributions to leadership, governance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community development worldwide.
The initiative was led by Africa Scorecard, a Pan-African news platform dedicated to assessing and promoting excellence across various sectors on the continent.
Organisers in a statement said the listing celebrates women of African descent who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, influence and commitment to driving positive change within their communities, industries and across the global stage.
The summit brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, diplomats, development partners, private sector leaders, advocates and women changemakers from Africa and the Diaspora for discussions centred on women’s empowerment, leadership inclusion, healthcare and sustainable development.
Speaking during the event, Founder of the Africa Women Summit Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, said the recognition aligns with the summit’s broader vision of amplifying women’s voices, platforms, and influence to inspire transformational change across Africa and beyond.
According to him, the initiative was designed not only to celebrate excellence but also to promote mentorship, collaboration, visibility and sustainable impact among African women globally.
Meshack-Hart further disclosed that women recognised in the 2026 class would collectively support a humanitarian initiative to distribute 100,000 menstrual pads to underserved girls across Africa under the summit’s “Period Poverty Project.”
He explained that the intervention seeks to address menstrual hygiene challenges, promote dignity for young girls and improve access to menstrual health support in vulnerable communities.
The project, he added, aligns with the D.R.E.A.M framework of the Africa Women Summit — Driving Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Mobilisation.
Among those recognised in the 2026 edition are Mrs Ngozi Aneke, Maynard Pamela, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, Kaba Niale, Mrs Aisha Idi Abbas, Dr Abuzeid Iman, Edo-Osagie Anita, Dr Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, Chalya Shagaya, Dr Victoria Osuashi Gomina Amaegbo, Hon Mariatu Rachel Sesay Pessima, Hon Gathoni Wamuchoba, Asanda Penny, Amb Mrs Asmaa James and Adaora Umeoji.
The organisers also launched a capacity-building initiative for attendees of the summit. As part of its commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership development, the summit will provide all registered participants with access to a fully sponsored Certified Masterclass from UNICAF University.
The initiative is designed to ensure participants leave with more than inspiration, gaining practical knowledge, professional development opportunities, and tools for personal growth and leadership advancement.
The fully funded masterclass reflects the summit’s goal of creating lasting value beyond the conference by connecting participants with globally recognised educational resources.
The UNICAF-sponsored masterclass further advances the summit’s mission of equipping women not only to lead conversations but also to build capacity, expand opportunities, and drive transformational impact in their communities and industries.
As momentum from Zanzibar 2026 continues, the Africa Women Summit says it remains committed to fostering partnerships, creating access to opportunities, and empowering African women through advocacy, education, leadership, and sustainable development.
