Casablanca, Morocco – In a city long known as a gateway between Africa and the world, a different kind of exchange unfolded at the end of January, one centred on leadership, power and the future of the continent shaped by women.
The Africa Women Leaders Summit & Awards 2026 brought together policymakers, executives, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Africa and beyond for two days of critical conversation and celebration. But beyond the programme schedule, the summit represented something larger: a continental recalibration of who leads and whose voices shape Africa’s economic and social future.
For many in attendance, the gathering felt less like another corporate summit and more like a declaration of momentum.
Celebrating Impact, Not Symbolism
The summit culminated in the Africa Women Leaders Awards ceremony, an evening designed not merely to celebrate achievements but to document and position them as part of Africa’s leadership story.
Held at the Barceló Anfa Casablanca Hotel, the awards brought together senior executives, entrepreneurs and policy leaders in an atmosphere charged with pride and recognition. Yet what stood out was the substance behind the accolades.
Among those recognised was Canon Central & North Africa for advancing gender-inclusive workplace practices, with Senior Internal Communications Coordinator Sarah Hammouri honoured for her role in driving equity-focused initiatives within the company.
YNNA Holding received recognition as Best Company Led by a Woman, with Secretary General Sarah Kerroumi acknowledged for leadership that continues to steer corporate growth and governance excellence.
Meanwhile, BioEridan founder and CEO Jelena Milovanovic was named Women Icon of the Year, recognised for innovative work that bridges science, sustainability and global impact.
One of the evening’s defining moments was the unveiling of the Top 100 Women Leaders in Africa list, spotlighting trailblazers across governance, business, technology and social impact sectors. For many attendees, this recognition carried symbolic weight – proof that African women are not waiting to be invited into leadership; they are already shaping it.
Private Sector Alignment
Another significant development emerging from the summit was the visible alignment between the private sector and leadership initiatives aimed at empowering women.
Organisations including PSA BDP, Al Haramain, eSTEMate, Lesieur Cristal, Leonis, CARE Maroc and MKLEAN Recruiting were present as partners and sponsors, signalling a growing recognition that inclusive leadership strengthens both businesses and economies.
Their involvement reflected a shift in how companies are approaching diversity not as an optional exercise but as a strategic investment in sustainable growth.
Beyond Casablanca
As conversations wound down and delegates prepared to return to their respective countries, what lingered was not just the success of the event, but the networks and collaborations formed in its wake.
Partnerships were initiated, mentorship connections established and cross-border collaborations discussed – tangible outcomes pointing to the summit’s long-term value beyond the conference rooms.
More importantly, the summit reinforced a reality increasingly visible across the continent: African women are not emerging leaders waiting for opportunity. They are already leading industries, building companies and influencing policy.
Casablanca became, for a moment, the meeting point of this momentum – a reminder that when African women lead, the effects ripple far beyond boardrooms, shaping economies, communities and the future trajectory of the continent itself.
And if the conversations and commitments made during those two days are anything to go by, this shift in leadership is not temporary. It is structural and it is only gaining strength.