Government of Sierra LeoneThe 2026 PAWEN Summit
& Exhibition
The Power Shift: African Women Leading in a Transformed World
Date: 13-14 November 2026Location: New Government Complex, Lusaka
Africa is changing. New markets are emerging, technology is reshaping how we work and build, capital is moving, and new centres of influence are taking shape. The question is not whether women will participate in Africa's next chapter, but how boldly we will lead, build and shape it.
The PAWEN Summit 2026 brings 2,000+ women and 50+ speakers from across Africa and the diaspora to Lusaka, Zambia for two days of ideas, insight, business and meaningful connection.
Here, founders meet investors. Executives meet peers and potential partners. Women building businesses discover new markets. Emerging leaders learn from women who have already navigated the path ahead.
It is a place to learn, build powerful relationships, access markets, expand your influence and position yourself for what comes next.
2026 Summit Speakers
Government of Sierra Leone
Six Pillars. One Future.
Entrepreneurship & Enterprise
Scaling African Businesses for Growth
African women are building resilient, high-growth businesses across every industry. This conversation is about market access, scaling strategy, and what's next for African enterprise.
Leadership & Governance
Shaping the Leaders Africa Needs
Strong leadership drives Africa's transformation. This conversation is about executive leadership, governance, and building the institutions where women lead and shape policy.
Innovation, AI & the Future Economy
Building Africa's Next Economy
AI and emerging technology are reshaping industries at speed. This conversation is about ensuring African women are not just participants in the future economy, but its architects.
Finance & Investment
Unlocking Capital for Growth and Impact
Access to finance remains one of the biggest drivers of inclusion. This conversation is about investment, financial innovation, and the funding pathways accelerating women-led enterprise.
Sustainability & Impact
Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
Sustainable growth demands inclusive leadership and long-term thinking. This conversation is about growing the economy while advancing impact across Africa.
Policy & Economic Development
Advancing Africa Through Collaboration
Policy, trade, and regional integration are shaping Africa's future. This conversation is about cross-border collaboration and the partnerships creating room for women to thrive.
Why Attend?
There is a different kind of value in being in a room filled with women who are building businesses, leading organisations, shaping industries and navigating many of the same ambitions and challenges you are.
At the PAWEN Summit, you will be surrounded by 2,000+ women from across Africa and the diaspora, including entrepreneurs, executives, board leaders, investors, policymakers, exhibitors and organisations actively looking for talent, businesses and partnerships.
You will leave with:
Meaningful connections with influential women leaders from across Africa
Practical insight from founders, executives, investors, and decision-makers
Direct access to the board and executive search leaders shaping who sits in Africa's next generation of leadership seats
Access to new partnerships, markets, and growth opportunities
Fresh perspective and strategic clarity for your next level
Greater visibility for your business, brand, or leadership journey
A stronger network of women building and leading across the continent
A front-row seat to the conversations shaping Africa's future economy
Why Zambia? Why Now?
Zambia is fast becoming a gateway to Africa's next economic chapter, driven by growth in trade, infrastructure, innovation, mining, energy, and regional connectivity.
For African women leaders, this is a chance to gather exactly where new conversations, investments, and collaborations are taking shape.
Known for its peace, warmth, and hospitality, Zambia offers the perfect setting for meaningful connection and strategic dialogue, on stage and off it.
Explore
Extend your stay and explore:
Victoria Falls
Zambia's safari and wildlife experiences
Local culture, cuisine, and creativity
Who Should Attend?
Founders and entrepreneurs
Investors and financial institutions
Board advisors and executive search leaders
Policymakers and ecosystem builders
Corporate executives and emerging leaders
Women building careers, businesses, and influence across Africa
VOICES THAT SHAPE THE CONTINENT
PAWEN's stages feature some of Africa's most respected leaders in business, innovation, finance, policy, and enterprise. Explore the 2026 speaker line-up for a sense of the calibre of conversation coming to Zambia in 2026.