The 2026 PAWEN Summit & Exhibition
The Power Shift: African Women Leading in a Transformed World
Friday, 13 November 2026
Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
Africa is entering a new era of transformation, powered by technology, capital, innovation, and shifting global influence. The women who lead now will shape what comes next.
PAWEN Summit 2026 brings together Africa’s most influential women leaders, founders, executives, investors, policymakers, and changemakers to Zambia for one defining conversation about the future of leadership, business, and opportunity on the continent.
This is where ambitious women come to:
- Build powerful connections
- Access new opportunities
- Gain strategic insight
- Expand across markets
- Position themselves for Africa’s next growth chapter
Six Pillars. One Future.
01
Entrepreneurship & Enterprise
02
Leadership & Governance
Strong leadership is critical to Africa’s economic transformation. This conversation focuses on executive leadership, governance, influence and building inclusive institutions where women lead, shape policy and drive long-term impact.
03
Innovation, AI & the Future Economy
AI and emerging technologies are reshaping industries at an unprecedented speed. This conversation focuses on ensuring African women are not just participants in the future economy, but architects of it.
04
Finance & Investment
Access to finance remains one of the biggest drivers of business growth and economic inclusion. This conversation explores investment, financial innovation, funding pathways and the role of capital in accelerating women-led enterprise across Africa.
05
Sustainability & Impact
Sustainable development requires inclusive leadership, responsible innovation and long-term thinking. This conversation explores how businesses, institutions and leaders can create economic growth while advancing social impact and sustainability across Africa.
06
Policy & Economic Development
Policy, trade and regional integration are shaping Africa’s future economy. This conversation focuses on cross-border collaboration, economic inclusion, public-private partnerships, and the creation of enabling environments for women and businesses to thrive.
Why Zambia? Why Now?
Zambia is rapidly positioning itself as 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 an opportunity to gather where new conversations, investments, and collaborations are emerging.
Known for its peace, warmth, accessibility, and hospitality, Zambia offers the perfect setting for meaningful connections, strategic dialogue, and unforgettable experiences.
From business and networking to culture and tourism, the PAWEN Summit 2026 is designed to provide delegates with both value and experience.
Extend your stay and explore:
local culture, cuisine, and creativity
Zambia’s safari and wildlife experiences
Victoria Falls
one of Southern Africa’s most welcoming destinations
Why Attend?
There is a different kind of power in being in a room with women who understand the weight of leadership, the pressure to perform, and the ambition that keeps you building, leading, and showing up at the highest level.
For entrepreneurs scaling businesses and corporate leaders navigating influence, growth, and responsibility, the journey can often feel isolating.
PAWEN brings together women who are not only succeeding in their fields but actively shaping Africa’s future across business, leadership, innovation, and enterprise.
This is the room where perspectives expand, meaningful connections are formed, and new possibilities begin.
You will leave with:
- meaningful connections with influential women leaders from across Africa
- practical insights from founders, executives, investors, and industry decision-makers
- access to new partnerships, markets, and growth opportunities
- greater visibility for your business, brand, or leadership journey
- fresh perspective, renewed ambition, and strategic clarity for your next level
- a stronger network of women building and leading across the continent
- a front-row seat to the conversations shaping Africa’s future economy
If you are serious about leadership, growth, visibility, and influence in Africa’s future, this is the room to be in.
Who Should Attend?
- Founders and entrepreneurs
- Corporate executives and emerging leaders
- Investors and financial institutions
- Policymakers and ecosystem builders
- Women building careers, businesses, and influence across Africa
Voices That Shape the Continent
PAWEN stages feature some of Africa’s most respected leaders in business, innovation, finance, policy, and enterprise.
Explore the 2025 speaker line-up and get a glimpse of the calibre of conversations coming to Zambia in 2026.
The 2026 speaker line-up will be announced in the coming months.
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