What started as an intimate gathering of 100 ambitious women has evolved into one of the continent’s most influential platforms for female leadership. Now in its 11th year, the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit returns to Johannesburg on March 18, 2026, marking International Women’s Month in the heart of Sandton — often dubbed Africa’s richest square mile.

With over 1,000 founders, executives, policymakers, investors and creatives expected under one roof, the 2026 edition carries a powerful theme: The Voice, Vision, and Victories of Her Africa.

For more than a decade, Forbes Woman Africa has documented and amplified the women redefining enterprise, capital markets, technology, sustainability and culture. The summit’s growth mirrors a broader economic shift across the continent — one where women are no longer just participating in growth, but actively shaping Africa’s economic future.

Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Africa, describes the summit as more than an annual event:

“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.”

A Power Line-Up for 2026
The 2026 speaker roster reflects the diversity of influence shaping Africa’s present and future — from boardrooms and capital markets to culture and community impact.

Among the confirmed speakers:

• Penny Coelen – The South African icon who won Miss World in 1958, symbolising a legacy of global representation.
• Mahlet Afework – Founder and Creative Director of MAFI MAFI, championing sustainable Ethiopian fashion on international platforms.
• Rachel Kolisi – A passionate advocate for women’s rights and measurable social 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 and a respected voice in business and social development.
• Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu – Founder of soleRebels and Tefftastic, and a driving force behind Ethiopia’s electric vehicle ambitions through Oasis Motors.
• Akuvi – A Ghanaian Afro-soul artist blending R&B, neo-soul and Afrobeats across global stages.
• Zainab Jama – Miss World Somalia 2025 and founder of the Female Initiative Foundation.
• Lara Markthaler – Alpine ski racer set to compete at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Additional speakers are expected to be announced in the lead-up to the summit.

Conversations That Matter in 2026

This year’s programme is set to tackle the issues defining Africa’s next growth chapter.

Expect robust discussions on:

• Women in the C-suite navigating economic uncertainty while building resilient, growth-focused institutions
• Artificial intelligence across fintech, healthtech and agritech
• Policy frameworks addressing ethics, gender equity and local data ownership
• The green economy — from renewable energy and agriculture to conservation
• Mental health, neuroscience and inclusivity in special needs development

A highlight of the summit will be the much-anticipated ‘Over 30 Under 50’ list-makers from the February/March 2026 issue of Forbes Africa. These industry shapers in their 30s and 40s will take the stage to unpack scale, disruption and ownership in today’s competitive landscape.

And, of course, the emotive Spotlight segment returns — a space where entrepreneurs, executives and creatives share personal stories of reinvention, resilience and bold decision-making.

Honouring Africa’s Female Changemakers

The summit culminates in the prestigious Forbes Woman Africa Awards, celebrating women whose work has reshaped industries and influenced global narratives.

Past honourees have included trailblazers such as:

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
• Angelique Kidjo
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
• Nomzamo Mbatha
• Connie Ferguson
• Graca Machel

The awards recognise measurable achievement across business, technology, sports, entertainment and social impact — followed by a celebratory after-party befitting the occasion.

Strategic Partnerships

The 2026 Leading Women Summit is proudly presented by McDonald’s South Africa, with official banking partner ABSA South Africa. The summit also partners with Stanford Seed Graduate School of Business and Eskom.