WOW Africa Honours Outstanding Women With Excellence Leadership Awards

Outstanding African women who have distinguished themselves in leadership, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service and public service were honoured at the 2026 WOW Africa Women’s Summit and Excellence Leadership Awards, as stakeholders called for greater investment in women’s leadership and economic empowerment across the continent.

The summit brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners and professionals from across Africa to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality, inclusive leadership and women’s economic participation.

Speaking at the event, Founder of WOW Africa, Mrs Ginika F. Tor, described the initiative as a platform to showcase the transformative power of women and their invaluable contributions across every sector of society.

She explained that the vision for WOW Africa was conceived in 2018 after she participated in a leadership programme that inspired her to create a platform capable of driving lasting social impact.

According to her, the organisation was established to unite African women who share a passion for humanitarian service, leadership and positive social transformation.

“Our vision is to break barriers, strengthen collaboration among African women and inspire transformative leadership across the continent,” she said.

Tor disclosed that although the initiative was temporarily suspended while she supported other organisations with similar objectives, she decided earlier this year to relaunch WOW Africa with renewed commitment to expanding its impact across Africa.

She said the successful hosting of the summit reflected the growing need for platforms that empower women, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for future generations of female leaders.

Speaking on the issue of xenophobia, particularly attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, Tor called for greater unity among Africans, urging governments and citizens across the continent to reject discrimination and embrace peaceful coexistence.

She stressed that Africans must see one another as partners rather than rivals, noting that unity remains essential to achieving the continent’s development aspirations.

Tor further urged governments, private sector organisations, and development partners to move beyond symbolic celebrations of women by implementing policies and expanding access to funding, mentorship, education, and leadership opportunities that would enable women to realise their full potential.

She also encouraged women to pursue their dreams with confidence, to support one another, and to create opportunities for younger women to succeed intentionally.

“Africa’s future will be shaped by women who dare to rise, dare to lead and dare to transform their communities,” she said.

A major highlight of the summit was a panel session titled “Raising Future Leaders: Empowering Young Women for Global Impact,” featuring accomplished women from public service, entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, youth development, and public policy.

The panellists underscored the importance of mentoring young women, equipping them with practical skills and building their confidence to compete successfully on the global stage.

They also urged parents to intentionally raise girls with strong values, leadership qualities and self-confidence while discouraging unhealthy comparisons and societal pressures that undermine their potential.

Also speaking was Mrs Suzan Kiridi Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) and Founder of the Reaching Every Adult and Child Foundation, who shared her personal journey of resilience and perseverance.

She recounted how she abandoned her childhood ambition to become a banker after marriage, but later discovered her passion for business, humanitarian service, and politics.

Lokpobiri encouraged women aspiring to political leadership not to be discouraged by setbacks, recalling her own unsuccessful attempts to secure elective office despite emerging victorious in party primaries.

“If you want to succeed in politics, you must keep pushing, remain focused and never give up. One day, your opportunity will come,” she advised.

Former First Lady of Imo State, Dr Zinaria Nneoma Orokocha, also called for greater support for women, describing them as the foundation of every family and society.

She said empowering women ultimately strengthens families, communities and nations, urging women to recognise their worth and continue supporting one another.

The speakers commended WOW Africa for creating a movement that goes beyond dialogue by inspiring action, amplifying women’s voices and opening doors for the next generation of female leaders across Africa.

They observed that African women are no longer merely participants in development but are increasingly driving progress in business, governance, education, agriculture and community development.

According to them, empowering women directly translates into stronger families, prosperous communities and sustainable national development.

They, however, noted that many women across the continent still face significant challenges, including limited access to finance, unequal opportunities and inadequate representation in key decision-making positions.

The summit concluded with the presentation of the WOW Africa Excellence Leadership Awards to outstanding women who have made remarkable contributions in leadership, entrepreneurship, humanitarian service, public service and community development.

Organisers said the awards were designed to recognise exceptional women whose achievements continue to inspire others while advancing sustainable development, inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment across Africa.