Lagos is set to become the stage for a historic celebration of female leadership as ARISE News marks International Women’s Day 2026 on Sunday, March 8, with the Africa Women of Impact Awards.
The event will recognise 100 of the continent’s most accomplished and influential women, highlighting leadership across governance, business, law, healthcare, technology, science, and the creative industries.
The official list of honourees reflects a cross-section of African excellence, with strong representation from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and accomplished African women based around the world.
The awards bring together women whose work has shaped institutions, driven enterprise, and influenced policy both on the continent and globally.
The business and finance sectors include leaders such as Ibukun Awosika, former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Plc; Halima Dangote, Executive Director at Dangote Group; and economist Arunma Oteh of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, reflecting the growing influence of African women in global boardrooms.
In governance and public life, the list features former Nigerian First Lady Aisha Buhari, Executive Director of UNAIDS (Uganda) Winnie Byanyima, and South African politician and activist Helen Zille, showcasing women who have operated at the highest levels of public policy and international engagement.
Healthcare and science will be prominently represented by Prof. Bosede Afolabi of the University of Lagos College of Medicine and Dr Iman Abuzeid, CEO of Incredible Health, underscoring the vital role of women in advancing medical innovation and strengthening health systems.
Other sectors, including energy, technology, and culture, will see leaders such as Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission), filmmaker Kemi Adetiba, operatic soprano Pretty Yende (The Metropolitan Opera, South Africa), and Microsoft MCAPS executive Pamela Maynard among the honourees.
The awards will also spotlight philanthropy and social enterprise, recognising leaders like Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, highlighting impact-driven leadership that extends beyond profit to social transformation.
By curating a diverse group of women across sectors and generations, the Africa Women of Impact Awards aim to present a narrative of African progress driven by female leadership. The event underscores that sustainable development and inclusive growth are inseparable from women’s innovation, resilience, and leadership.
As ARISE News unveils the 100 Women of Impact list, the awards will not only celebrate individual accomplishment but also amplify conversations about representation, access to opportunity, and systemic reform, positioning the platform as a benchmark recognition for female excellence across the continent.
Boluwatife Enome
