The Africa Women Conference (AWC) is stepping up efforts to strengthen African women’s influence in continental development and decision-making, building on a decade of cross-border engagement, grassroots empowerment and digital skills development.
The Convener of the conference, Dr Jummai Ahmadu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria ahead of the 10th edition scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana, from November 4 to 6, 2026.
Ahmadu described the milestone which has extended to 39 African countries as a demonstration of the power of collective action and sustained commitment to advancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment and participation in Africa’s development.
“The 10th edition for me is a demonstration of how far a dream can go if you are persistent, if you believe that is what a group of women believe in and collectively they can follow through it and ensure that you see the impact that you desire to achieve,” she said.
Reflecting on the conference’s achievements over the past decade, Ahmadu identified its grassroots impact and digital empowerment initiatives as significant milestones, particularly the participation of women from rural communities who return to their countries to implement resolutions reached at the annual gatherings.
She disclosed that, within the past two years, the conference had established a presence in 39 African countries, supported by a six-month training programme that equipped girls with artificial intelligence and digital skills.
“Today they are making impressive living in their respective countries from AI and digital skills that they acquire,” she said.
According to her, the initiative demonstrates the importance of translating advocacy and high-level conversations into practical interventions that expand opportunities for women and girls, particularly in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Tracing the conference’s continental journey, Ahmadu recalled engagements in Namibia, Morocco, Rwanda, The Gambia and Zambia, alongside Nigeria, where the initiative originated.
She said the engagements had facilitated cultural exchange, strengthened relationships and provided opportunities for countries to share development experiences.
The Rwanda experience, she noted, offered important lessons in national reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and integrated urban development, while the engagement in The Gambia led to the establishment of the AWC Nest, conceived as a platform for African women to sustain the conference’s ideals and eventually take ownership of its activities.
In Zambia, Ahmadu said, the involvement of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Secretariat provided technical support towards the conference’s ambition of establishing a recognised continental platform for African women.
She expressed optimism that sustained institutional engagement could advance the initiative’s aspiration of securing recognition within the African Union framework.
According to her, the proposed platform would provide an avenue for African women to harmonise their positions, articulate shared priorities and present solutions rooted in the continent’s realities.
“So that we can have a block of presentation to make so that this is what the African women want, Afrocentric solution to our problems,” she said.
For the 10th edition, Ahmadu said breakout sessions had been introduced to deepen participation and ensure that delegates contribute directly to the conference’s outcomes.
She explained that the approach would give participants greater ownership of resolutions and encourage them to return to their respective countries with practical commitments capable of producing measurable change.
Looking towards the next decade, the convener identified collaboration as the most critical instrument for accelerating gender parity and inclusion across political, economic and social sectors.
“We have to come together and collaborate. Collaboration. That is the currency that we need to ensure that our voices are heard and our positions are taken extremely seriously. Collaboration,” she emphasised.
Ahmadu maintained that stronger partnerships among women across the continent would amplify their collective influence, strengthen their negotiating power and expand their participation in leadership and decision-making.
The 10th Africa Women Conference, themed “A Decade Of Impact From commitments to action-advancing justice, economic power, and leadership for African women and girls” holding from November 4 to 6 in Accra, Ghana, is expected to bring together stakeholders to reflect on a decade of engagement and chart priorities for a new phase of continental cooperation, women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
