Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside other distinguished African women leaders, at the 11th annual Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The summit, one of Africa’s premier gatherings for women leaders, innovators, and changemakers, coincided with International Women’s Day and drew influential figures from politics, business, and civil society.

The event featured panel discussions, interviews, and conversations highlighting women’s leadership and legacy-building across the continent.

During the ceremony, President Zewde reflected on her journey, emphasizing the importance of male allies in her career. She expressed gratitude to male leaders at the United Nations and in Ethiopia, acknowledging their support that enabled her to serve as the nation’s first female president.

Her recognition underscores not only her personal achievements but also Africa’s growing influence in global leadership, gender equality, and the empowerment of women across the continent.

In addition to President Zewde, the summit recognized other outstanding African women leaders, including Bohlale Mphahlele (South Africa) for the Young Achiever Award, Wawira Njiru (Kenya) for the Next Generation Award, Auma Obama (Kenya) for Social Impact, Regina Honu (Ghana) for Technology & Innovation, Professor Hester Klopper (South Africa) for Academic Excellence, Lara Markthaler (South Africa) for Excellence in Sports, Anita Nel (South Africa) for Innovation Catalyst, Thuso Mbedu (South Africa) as Entertainer of the Year, Yvonne Chaka Chaka (South Africa) for the Legacy Award, and Connie Mashaba (South Africa) as Businesswoman of the Year.

The Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit is among the continent’s most influential platforms for celebrating female leadership and excellence. Now in its 11th year, the summit gathers over 1,000 leaders — from business, politics, technology, innovation, creative industries, and civil society — to share insights and shape discussions on Africa’s future.

The 2026 edition, held under the theme “The Voice, Vision and Victories of Her Africa”, highlighted African women’s leadership, influence, and impact across sectors. Since its inception, the summit has grown from a gathering of about 100 women to a pan-African forum, where policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons discuss leadership, equity, innovation, and economic inclusion, underscoring women’s expanding role in shaping Africa’s socio-economic trajectory.

The event also showcases how African women are reshaping narratives, breaking barriers in commerce, technology, culture, and governance, and contributing significantly to national development and continental integration.

Beyond recognition through awards like the Lifetime Achievement Award, the summit serves as a strategic platform that accelerates access to opportunities, cross-border collaboration, mentorship, and investment for African women leaders, strengthening their role in driving sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity across Africa.