09 February 2026 – The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit is set to host its 11th annual edition, bringing together some of Africa’s most influential female leaders across business, entertainment, sport, politics and civil society. The summit will take place on March 18, 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Africa’s richest square mile, where an exceptional line-up of speakers from across the continent and beyond will convene for a day of dialogue, inspiration and forward-thinking engagement.
Held during International Women’s Month, this year’s summit will unfold under the theme “The Voice, Vision and Victories of Her Africa.” The theme is a powerful call to amplify women’s voices, centre their leadership visions and celebrate the tangible achievements shaping Africa’s next chapter of growth and progress.
“For over a decade, the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit has led the conversation on leadership, equity and the role of women in Africa’s growth story,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA. “How can today’s leaders translate authority into action that moves the continent forward? This is the crucial discourse we look forward to every year, while simultaneously celebrating outstanding female achievers.”
As the conversation around women’s leadership continues to evolve, corporates are playing an increasingly deliberate role in advancing gender empowerment across the continent. FORBES WOMAN AFRICA is therefore proud to partner with McDonald’s South Africa for the fourth consecutive year.
Commenting on the partnership, Daniel Padiachy, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at McDonald’s South Africa, notes: “As a proud partner of the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, McDonald’s South Africa continues its commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusive leadership. Through platforms such as Together Mzansi and initiatives like the Women in Leadership Network (WLN), we actively invest in creating opportunities for women to lead, grow and thrive. This partnership is a natural extension of McDonald’s 30-year legacy in South Africa. We believe inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment are essential to sustainable growth, not only for business but for society.”
The day-long summit programme will feature fireside chats, one-on-one interviews, dynamic panel discussions, spotlight sessions and live performances designed to inspire meaningful exchange. Proceedings will conclude with the prestigious FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards, honouring women who have made remarkable strides across various sectors, followed by a celebratory networking reception.
Returning as the official banking partner is Absa, reinforcing its commitment to recognising and promoting female leadership. Candice Thurston, Absa Group Managing Executive for Brand and Marketing, says: “As we enter the second year of our partnership, we remain proud to support a platform that elevates women’s leadership across the continent. This collaboration reflects our commitment to championing women’s achievements and unlocking opportunities that drive meaningful progress across Africa.”
The 2026 edition will also welcome the Stanford Graduate School of Business as an associate collaborator for the first time, with CNBC Africa joining as the official media partner. Attendees can expect an immersive experience featuring interactive activations aimed at engaging and empowering participants throughout the day.
Confirmed speakers include H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; cybersecurity lecturer and author Popina Khumanda; Miss Universe South Africa 2025 Melissa Nayimuli; Ethiopian fashion entrepreneur Mahlet Afework; South African Olympic ski racer Lara Markthaler; Miss World Somalia 2025 Zainab Jama; Nigerian motorbike adventurer Ebaide Joy; and Grammy Award-winning singer and businesswoman Chandrika Tandon, among others. More than 30 additional speakers will be announced closer to the event.
The summit is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees from more than 50 countries, reinforcing its status as one of the continent’s premier platforms celebrating women’s leadership.
Tickets for the 2026 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit and Awards are now available via Webtickets.
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1576335252