Rachel Kolisi and Melissa Nayimuli to join the 2026 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit panel

Confirmed speakers for the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit are Rachel Kolisi, founder of the Falling Forward initiative and a women's rights advocate, and Miss Universe South Africa 2025, Melissa Nayimuli.

The annual event shines a light on trailblazing women across the continent whose work has reshaped industries, influenced global narratives and continues to reshape Africa’s future.

The 11th edition of the summit is held in March, to align with International Women’s Day.

The theme for this year, "The Voice, Vision and Victories of Her Africa", is centred on empowering women throughout our continent.

The event also features a variety of speakers from diverse fields, such as beauty pageant winners, prominent corporate leaders, Olympians, influencers and international musicians and actors

Notable speakers at the event include Kolisi, who is also a philanthropist, alongside Nayimuli, Miss World 1958 Penny Rey and Miss World Somalia 2025 Zainab Jama.

Other speakers include South African actress and voice-over artist Jo-Anne Reyneke; Connie Mashaba, managing director of the Black Like Me haircare brand; Ghanaian Afro Soul artist Akuvi; South African alpine ski racer Lara Markthaler and more.

The focus of this year's summit is on women's strategies for navigating economic uncertainty, specifically in the context of building resilient, growth-focused institutions.

Speakers will indulge in conversations that explore artificial intelligence in fintech, healthtech and agritech, as well as addressing inclusivity in mental health, neuroscience and special needs development.

The summit will not only feature important conversations to drive change but will also include an awards ceremony to honour women who are making a difference on the continent.

“Our stage has hosted heads of state, billion-dollar founders, investors, activists and cultural architects who influence policy, capital allocation and market confidence across the continent,” says managing editor of Forbes Africa, Rehuka Methil.

“We are witnessing a structural shift in who builds enterprise and who shapes regulatory conversations. This summit exists to ensure that women’s authority is not only visible, but investable, scalable and globally competitive,” Methil added.

The 2026 Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit will be held on March 18 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Tickets are available through Webtickets.