The Founder of the Focus Africa Series, Mr Success Bright, has highlighted the transformative potential of the forthcoming Leading and Emerging Women Conference, noting that it will provide pathways for women to realise their full potential.
The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in partnership with Focus Africa Series. The conference is scheduled to take place in Guinea Conakry from 29 April to 1 May 2026.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs at the Office of the SGF, Ifiok Abia, emphasised that the conference, themed “Women Helping Women – Tech, Entrepreneurship, Investment, and Health Management as Priorities for Women”, reflects the growing recognition of women’s critical role in driving innovation, economic growth, and social development.
“This stakeholders’ meeting ensures the conference achieves its objectives: empowering women leaders, fostering networks between emerging and established professionals, and identifying practical avenues to enhance women’s participation in technology, enterprise development, and health management,” he said.
He noted that while some Nigerian women have attained influential positions nationally and internationally, many remain confined to domestic roles and require support to fully contribute to society.
Mr Success Bright revealed that Focus Africa Series operates across 29 African countries, implementing projects and organising conferences that foster dialogue, mentorship, partnerships, and capacity building for women at all levels.
“Since 2020, we have engaged women across Africa through the Leading and Emerging Women Conference, providing a platform to unleash their potential. The conference has been held annually, reaching 17 countries through quarterly, biannual and annual programmes,” he explained.
“At these events, established women mentor emerging leaders, providing a platform to excel and achieve the success they aspire to,” Mr Bright added.
He also highlighted that the Focus Africa Series empowers women not only through mentorship and knowledge sharing but also through financial support. Over the past three years, women have received hundreds of millions of naira to start or expand businesses, with careful follow-up to ensure funds are used effectively.
Speaking in a goodwill message, Mr John Obekpa, Executive Director, Strategy, expressed Focus Africa Series’ desire to promote Nigeria’s culture in a forthcoming cultural festival in Canada through participation in Windsor International Diaspora African Festival (WIDAFest), a cultural programme that showcases African cultural heritage yearly in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
The festival, scheduled for August 2026, will be preceded by the Focus Africa at 10 celebration in Abuja in July 2026, marking a decade of the NGO’s impactful initiatives.