A powerful gathering of influential female leaders
The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit is an event that brings together the who’s who of female leadership on the continent and beyond – from the world of business, politics, art, sports, civil society and life; a unique collection of female trailblazers who are distinct in their thinking but single-minded in their purpose – all for a new, equal and thriving world!
The 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit
To The Power Of 10: The Rule-Breakers In Africa’s Next Chapter
What to Expect at this Year's Summit!
FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit is a one-day event taking place on 5 March 2025 at the Time Square, Pretoria, South Africa.
1000+
Attendees
50+
Countries
30+
Speakers
1 Day
Duration
2024 SPEAKERS
2023 Speakers
DR Naledi Pandor
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa
Thamani Thothe
Founder and Creative Director, White Label Fragrances
Aisha Ayensu
Founder & Creative Director, Christie Brown
Amina Mohammed
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group
Arunma Oteh
Nigerian economist
Ashira Solomon
Global Speaker, Running Start Advisor
Aya Chebbi
Founder, Nala Feminist Collective (Nalafem), Pan-African feminist and Tunisian diplomat
Ayakha Melithafa
South African activist
Clare Akamanzi
Leading Growth In Africa's Most Gender-Equal Country
Dr. Funmi Adewara
Founder/CEO Mobihealth International
Dr. Helena Ndume
Head of Ophthalmology Department, Windhoek Central Hospital
Edna Montse
Group Chief: Transformation & Sustainability Officer, African Bank
Eliane Umahire
Rwandan Actress
Elke Brink
Director, Wealth advisor PSG Wealth, Moneyweb advisor
H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Former President, Liberia
Elsa Majimbo
Kenyan comedian living in LA
Fatima Babakura
Creative Director and Founder, Timabee Inc
Funeka Montjane
Chief Executive Officer for Consumer & High Net Worth Clients, Standard Bank
Hajer Sharief
Libyan Human Rights and Peace Activist
Hellen Dausen
Founder, Nuya's Essence & Former Miss Universe Tanzania
Irene Kiwia
Co-Founder and CGO, Adanian Labs
Naseem Banu Lahri
Managing Director, Lucara Diamonds, Botswana
Lehlogonolo Machaba
First openly transgender woman to enter Miss South Africa
Maureen Williams Mtonintshi
Director of Operations, McDonald's SA
Melanie Campbell
Marketing Director at Edward Snell & Co
Nomcebo Zikode
South African Grammy Winner, Singer Songwriter
Louisa Mojela
Co-Founder and Group CEO of WIPHOLD
Naana Frimpong
Partner, DLA Piper’s White Collar Defense Group
Dr Nataliey Bitature
Chief Of Staff, SIMBA Group
Ndapwilapo Selma Shimutwikeni
Managing Director, RichAfrica Consultancy
Nikita Kering
Kenyan musician and actress
Nolitha Fakude
Chairman of Anglo American’s Management Board in South Africa
Nonkululeko Gobodo
CEO of Awakened Global
Nongcebo 'Noni' Langa
Winemaker at Delheim
Palesa Mokubung
Founder and Creative Director, Mantsho
Patricia Scotland
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC Commonwealth Secretary-General
Patricia Obozuwa
Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Africa, Coca-Cola Company
Patricia Pillay
CEO, Beer Association of South Africa
Salima Mukansanga
Rwandan Referee
Dr. Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa
Founder, Chil Group companies
Sima Sami Bahous
Executive Director of UN Women
Singhita
Singer-songwriter, model, actress and avid equestrian
Yolenda Jawe
Founder, Yolz Beauty
Tasneem Karodia
COO and co-founder at Mzansi
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
Thami Banda
Brand Ambassador - Africa, The Macallan
Thembi Kgatlana
South African Soccer Player
Tumi Morake
Award winning comedian, actor, writer and producer
Tunde Oyeneyin
New York Times Bestselling Author, Peloton Instructor, Nike Athlete, Motivational Speaker, Host and Correspondent
Unathi Mtya
Group Chief Information & Digital Officer, African Bank
Vimbai Masiyiwa
Executive Director, Batoka Hospitality Limited
Wouter Kellerman
2x GRAMMY winning South African Flautist, Producer and Composer & Musician
Yvonne Themba
Chief People Officer at McDonald’s South Africa
Kaitlin Rawson
Tik Tok Influencer
Speakers From Past Years
FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit Over the Years
Gallery
FORBES WOMAN AFRICA AWARDS | Past Winners
Celebrating the courageous accomplishments of female leaders whose dedication and selfless impact will inspire future generations.
The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards celebrates the continent’s most inspiring women excelling in different sectors and industries across Africa. These are women who have dismantled stereotypes to create a new narrative in entertainment, sport, business, finance and science. They have challenged authority to bring about change and created a new discourse that will enable future generations to live in a better and more equal world.