Zanzibar Summit Honours 100 Influential Women Of African Descent

The 7th Africa Women’s Summit, held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, has honoured 100 outstanding women of African descent for their contributions to leadership, governance, healthcare, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community development worldwide.

The recognition came through the unveiling of the “100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2026” listing during the summit held from 6 May to 8, 2026.

The initiative was led by Africa Scorecard, a Pan-African news platform dedicated to assessing and promoting excellence across various sectors on the continent.

Organisers in a statement said the listing celebrates women of African descent who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, influence and commitment to driving positive change within their communities, industries and across the global stage.

The summit brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, diplomats, development partners, private sector leaders, advocates and women changemakers from Africa and the Diaspora for discussions centred on women’s empowerment, leadership inclusion, healthcare and sustainable development.

Speaking during the event, Founder of the Africa Women Summit and Executive Director of the Engage Empower Educate Initiative, Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, said the recognition aligns with the summit’s broader vision of amplifying women’s voices, platforms, and influence to inspire transformational change across Africa and beyond.

According to him, the initiative was designed not only to celebrate excellence but also to promote mentorship, collaboration, visibility and sustainable impact among African women globally.

Meshack-Hart further disclosed that women recognised in the 2026 class would collectively support a humanitarian initiative to distribute 100,000 menstrual pads to underserved girls across Africa under the summit’s “Period Poverty Project.”

He explained that the intervention seeks to address menstrual hygiene challenges, promote dignity for young girls and improve access to menstrual health support in vulnerable communities.

The project, he added, aligns with the D.R.E.A.M framework of the Africa Women Summit — Driving Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Mobilisation.

Among those recognised in the 2026 edition are Mrs Ngozi Aneke, Maynard Pamela, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, Kaba Niale, Mrs Aisha Idi Abbas, Dr Abuzeid Iman, Edo-Osagie Anita, Dr Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, Chalya Shagaya, Dr Victoria Osuashi Gomina Amaegbo, Hon Mariatu Rachel Sesay Pessima, Hon Gathoni Wamuchoba, Asanda Penny, Amb Mrs Asmaa James and Adaora Umeoji.

Organisers noted that the Africa Women Summit remains committed to fostering partnerships, supporting community-centred initiatives and creating platforms that empower African women and girls across generations.