Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, held at the Sandton Convention Centre to coincide with International Women’s Day. The event celebrated Africa’s most influential female leaders.

The summit brought together changemakers, innovators, and visionaries from across the continent to discuss leadership, gender equality, and African development through panels, interviews, and keynote speeches. It highlighted the critical role of women in shaping Africa’s political, economic, and social landscape.

In her acceptance remarks, Sahle-Work Zewde credited male allies, particularly leaders at the United Nations and in Ethiopia, for supporting her career and enabling her to serve at the highest levels. Her recognition reflects a growing movement to celebrate women’s leadership and collaborative governance in Africa.

The award also honors Sahle-Work Zewde’s legacy as Ethiopia’s first female president and her decades-long work in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and advocacy. Observers noted it symbolizes the increasing influence of African women in regional and global affairs.

By elevating female voices and inspiring future leaders, the Lifetime Achievement Award underscores ongoing efforts to promote inclusive leadership across Africa, encouraging emerging women leaders to pursue public, private, and civic roles.