18 March @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
What began as an intimate convening of 100 ambitious women has evolved into one of the continent’s most influential leadership gatherings. The Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit returns to Johannesburg on March 18, 2026, marking International Women’s Month with a powerful theme: The Voice, Vision, and Victories of Her Africa.
Hosted in Sandton—widely known as Africa’s richest square mile—the summit is expected to bring together more than 1,000 founders, executives, policymakers, investors and creatives under one roof.
For over a decade, Forbes Woman Africa has built a platform dedicated to documenting and amplifying women’s leadership across capital markets, technology, sustainability, culture and enterprise. The growth of the summit reflects a broader economic shift across Africa, where women are increasingly influencing nation-building and shaping the continent’s growth trajectory.
“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 Power Line-Up for 2026
The 2026 speaker roster showcases the breadth of African influence across industries—from global fashion and sustainable manufacturing to sport, entertainment and social entrepreneurship.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Penny Coelen – The South African who won the Miss World crown in London in 1958, representing an enduring legacy of grace and global impact.
- Mahlet Afework – Founder and creative director of MAFI MAFI, championing sustainable Ethiopian fashion on international platforms.
- Rachel Kolisi – Women’s rights advocate and social impact leader driving measurable change in South Africa.
- Melissa Nyamuli – Miss Universe South Africa 2025, creative producer and founder of Chosi Chosi.
- Connie Mashaba – Managing Director of Black Like Me, leading one of South Africa’s most pioneering haircare brands.
- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu – Founder of soleRebels and a driving force behind sustainable manufacturing and electric mobility initiatives in Ethiopia.
- Akuvi – Ghanaian Afro soul artist blending R&B, neo-soul and Afrobeats across Africa and Europe.
- Zainab Jama – Miss World Somalia 2025 and founder of the Female Initiative Foundation.
- Lara Markthaler – Alpine ski racer representing South Africa at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Additional speakers are set to be announced in the lead-up to the summit.
Conversations Defining 2026
This year’s programme will examine how women in the C-suite are navigating economic uncertainty while building resilient, growth-focused institutions. Discussions will explore artificial intelligence in fintech, healthtech and agritech, alongside policy frameworks addressing ethics, gender equity and local data ownership.
Sustainability will feature prominently, spotlighting women advancing Africa’s green economy across energy, agriculture and conservation. The summit will also address inclusivity in mental health, neuroscience and special needs development.
The much-anticipated ‘Over 30 Under 50’ list-makers from the February/March 2026 issue of Forbes Africa—highlighting women shaping industries across business, entertainment and technology—will take the stage to discuss scale, disruption and ownership.
A defining highlight remains the emotive Spotlight segment, where entrepreneurs, executives and creatives share personal stories of resilience, reinvention and leadership.
Honouring Africa’s Female Changemakers
The summit culminates in the prestigious Forbes Woman Africa Awards, celebrating women whose achievements have reshaped industries and influenced global narratives.
Previous honourees include global trailblazers such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Angelique Kidjo, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nomzamo Mbatha, Connie Ferguson and Graca Machel, among others.
The awards recognise measurable impact across business, technology, sports, entertainment and social development—cementing the summit’s role as a platform where women’s excellence is not only celebrated but strategically elevated.
Strategic Partnerships
The 2026 Leading Women Summit is proudly presented by McDonald’s South Africa, with official banking partner ABSA South Africa. Strategic partners also include Stanford Seed Graduate School of Business and Eskom.
The evening will conclude with a celebratory after-party, bringing together leaders, innovators and change agents in true Forbes style.
Tickets for the 2026 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit and Awards are now available via Webtickets. Limited seating is available.
