For the first time in the event's history, the summit will be hosted over two days, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Africa's premier gatherings of women achievers. The expanded format honours International Women's Day by creating more space for ideas, conversations, storytelling and connections.
This year's theme, The Contrarians Decoding Africa's Next Economy, spotlights the women defying convention to build the ideas, innovations and technologies shaping Africa's next transitional shift. Staying true to Forbes' ethos of success, access and aspiration, the 2027 summit will showcase live journalism and award-winning editorial content, exploring how AI, capital, creativity and entrepreneurship are reshaping wealth and value creation across the continent.
"When we looked at the incredible growth of the Leading Women Summit over the past 11 editions, one message came through loud and clear from our delegates, partners and community — we wanted more," says Roberta Naicker, CEO of ABN Group, which includes CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa. "More conversations. More opportunities to connect. More time to learn from some of Africa's most extraordinary women.
That's why we decided to give the people what they want. This is an event that is very close to my heart because it represents everything we stand for, which is celebrating excellence, amplifying African voices and creating opportunities for meaningful connections that can shape the future of our continent. Expanding the summit to beyond one day allows us to create an even richer experience that reflects the scale of the ideas, innovation and leadership driving Africa forward."
The expanded program will provide attendees with even more opportunities to learn, collaborate and build meaningful connections while experiencing immersive activations designed to inspire the continent's next generation of leaders.
"The Contrarians Decoding Africa's Next Economy is about the women who refuse to accept the status quo," says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of Forbes Africa. "Now in its second decade, the summit has never just been about the headlines. It's about uncovering the real stories, right in front of you."
Speakers over the past 11 editions have included supermodel Naomi Campbell; activist and entrepreneur Sabrina Elba; African business titans Folorunsho Alakija, Wendy Luhabe, Dr Precious Motsepe and Connie Mashaba; World Trade Organization Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed; Grammy award-winning artists Tyla, Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode; media mogul Mo Abudu; Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage; former South African Minister Dr Naledi Pandor; Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi; and IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath, among many others.
On 9 March, the half-day proceedings will start at 14:00; and on 10 March, from 09:00 until 16:00. The second day of the action-packed event will culminate in the FORBES WOMEN AFRICA Awards, celebrating the women who continue to drive impact across business, politics, science, technology, sport, art and society.
For more information, visit www.leadingwomensummit.co.za. You can also follow the FORBES WOMEN AFRICA Leading Women Summit on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor