Africa Women Summit Seeks Inclusive Development, Better Healthcare

The 7th edition of the Africa Women Summit has ended in Zanzibar with renewed calls for improved women’s healthcare, inclusive development and stronger partnerships to address challenges affecting women across the continent.

The three-day summit, held from May 6 to 8, 2026, brought together policymakers, development partners, healthcare advocates, diplomats, private sector leaders and women changemakers from across Africa and the Diaspora to discuss issues relating to women’s health, empowerment and sustainable development.

The 2026 edition, themed around the spirit of D.R.E.A.M — Driving Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Mobilisation highlighted the urgent need for stronger healthcare systems, inclusive policies and sustainable partnerships that prioritise the wellbeing and advancement of women across Africa.

Speaking during the summit, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Women Summit, Belema Meshark-Hart, stressed the importance of translating conversations into measurable action.

According to him, women’s health and empowerment remain central to Africa’s future growth and development.

The summit also attracted prominent dignitaries and delegates, including Global President of the Africa Women Summit, Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, who was represented by Global Vice President, Quinta Rita Yaya Edang, alongside parliamentarians and government representatives from different African countries.

Participants engaged in high-level discussions on the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, healthcare inequalities, maternal mental health, cancer awareness and the need for affordable and accessible healthcare systems for women.

They also emphasised that economic empowerment for women is essential not only for promoting gender equality but also for helping women overcome gender-based violence, attain financial independence and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

A major highlight of the summit was the call for stronger collaboration among governments, private sector organisations, pharmaceutical companies, researchers and healthcare professionals to improve prevention, early detection and affordability of treatment, while promoting healthcare innovations tailored to African realities.

The summit further encouraged women to prioritise informed health decisions, regular self-examinations and open conversations around cancer and women’s health, while advocating stronger awareness campaigns and stigma reduction across communities.

Participants at the event were urged to sustain the momentum generated by strengthening advocacy efforts, deepening partnerships and investing in resilient healthcare systems to ensure that no woman is left behind in Africa’s development journey.