The Africa Soft Power Summit has returned to Kigali with an impactful 5-day programme, following the success of its previous edition, the organisers said.
According to the organisers, the event which took place at the prestigious Kigali Serena Hotels, between May 24th and 27th 2023, represents the highest-level convening of the African creative, knowledge and digital sectors, bringing together public and private sector organisations, as well as pioneering individuals from the fields of business, finance, law, media, technology, sports, art, entertainment, academia, philanthropy and politics.
Founder and creative director, Africa Soft Power, Nkiru Balonwu, while declaring the event open, expressed her excitement about the significant progress made since the inception of the project, and thanked discussants, partners and sponsors from within the continent and diaspora for the support received.
Speaking on the integral role that women play in the development of African society and customs, Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General, The African Civil Aviation Commission, (AFCAC), maintained that diversity inclusion and equality actually began in Africa, as women were integral to every single aspect of society, across leadership, agriculture and even warfare in the past.
“The African woman needs to feel entitled in a positive way, to lead going forward, and this sense of ownership helps us change the dynamic and become the catalyst to achieve the inclusion that’s needed to achieve remarkable change” she said.
In her remarks, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, Fmr Minister For Sports, Education and Foreign Affairs, Kenya, called for inclusiveness and more women participation in politics for African women. “The African woman must be prepared to rise above negativities and insecurities to take up more leadership positions and be ready to give and show excellence when they eventually attain those positions”.
For Chike Obianwu, deputy managing partner, Templars, supporting women for more leadership positions is not only a matter of political correctness, but also a business imperative.
Partners for this year’s summit, include: Templars, Open Society Foundations, Ford Foundation, Bank of Industry, United Nations Office in Rwanda, EXP, FCMVA, Africa Prosperity Network, Africa Women on Board, BellaNaija, Trace, NewsCentral, African Business, Asaase Radio, Basketball Africa League, among others.
