To mark International Women’s Month, the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit returns to Johannesburg on March 18, convening more than 1 000 leaders from business, policy, investment and the creative industries in Sandton.
What began as a gathering of just 100 ambitious women has grown into one of the continent’s most influential platforms for female leadership. The 2026 edition carries the theme The Voice, Vision, and Victories of Her Africa, spotlighting women who are shaping industries, rewriting narratives and driving economic transformation.
Among the South African voices taking centre stage this year are Rachel Kolisi and Melissa Nyamuli, two women representing distinct but equally powerful forms of leadership.
Kolisi has emerged as one of the country’s leading advocates for women’s rights and community upliftment, championing measurable social impact initiatives that prioritise dignity, equity and access. Her work reflects a growing shift in how influence and philanthropy intersect with accountability and sustainable development.
Nyamuli, crowned Miss Universe South Africa 2025, embodies a new generation of leadership that merges creativity with entrepreneurship. As a creative producer and founder of Chosi Chosi, she is using storytelling and enterprise to elevate African narratives, demonstrating that cultural influence and business acumen can move in tandem.
Other voices on the 2026 line-up reflect the breadth of influence shaping Africa’s business, culture and global presence.
Among them is Penny Coelen, who made history when she won Miss World in 1958, placing South Africa on the global stage at a pivotal moment in history.
Ethiopian designer Mahlet Afework, founder and creative director of MAFI MAFI, continues to champion sustainable African fashion while positioning Ethiopian design within international markets.
Business leader Connie Mashaba, managing director of Black Like Me, represents homegrown enterprise success, steering one of South Africa’s pioneering haircare brands while contributing to social development and economic inclusion.
Entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu has built globally recognised sustainable brands, from footwear label soleRebels to Tefftastic, while also advancing Ethiopia’s electric vehicle ambitions through Oasis Motors, underscoring Africa’s capacity for innovation across industries.
From the creative arts, Ghanaian Afro-soul artist Akuvi brings a continental and international presence, blending R&B, neo-soul and Afrobeats on stages across Africa and Europe.
Representing youth leadership and advocacy, Zainab Jama combines her Miss World Somalia 2025 title with philanthropic work through the Female Initiative Foundation.
On the sporting front, South African alpine ski racer Lara Markthaler is set to compete at the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, carrying national pride onto one of the world’s most competitive sporting stages.
Together, these women embody a cross-section of heritage, enterprise, creativity, advocacy and athletic excellence, reinforcing the summit’s theme of voice, vision and victory across her Africa.
For over a decade, the summit has amplified women across enterprise, capital markets, technology, sustainability and culture. This year’s programme will explore how women in the C-suite are navigating economic uncertainty, building resilient institutions and advancing innovation in sectors such as fintech, healthtech and agritech, while engaging policy conversations around ethics and data ownership.
A defining highlight remains the emotive Spotlight segment, where entrepreneurs, executives and creatives share personal stories of resilience and reinvention. The event will culminate in the prestigious FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards, recognising women whose measurable achievements continue to reshape industries and influence global narratives.
As the summit gathers momentum, it reinforces a clear message: the authority, ambition and impact of African women are not only visible, they are investable, scalable and central to the continent’s future.
Saturday Star