The United Republic of Tanzania Officially Unveils the 2026 Nominees for the Inaugural Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership Awards
Nominees are ...
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The United Republic of Tanzania Officially Unveils the 2026 Nominees for the Inaugural Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership Awards
Celebrating Exemplary Leadership, Statesmanship and Service Across Africa
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 6 July 2026
Under the visionary leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and with Hon. Judith Salvio Kapinga, Minister of Industry and Trade, serving as Guest of Honour, the United Republic of Tanzania is proud to officially unveil the 2026 nominees for the inaugural Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership Awards.
The Awards form part of the AFRICON MSMEs Summit & the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership & Entrepreneurship Awards 2026, which will take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 23–25 July 2026.
The inauguration of these Awards marks a historic milestone in continental leadership recognition. They are the first Pan-African leadership awards to be named in honour of a serving African female Head of State, reflecting Tanzania’s growing leadership in promoting inclusive governance, women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and Africa’s sustainable development agenda. The Awards stand as a lasting tribute to visionary leadership and a celebration of those whose service continues to transform Africa.
Convened by Leading Women of Africa (LWA) in strategic partnership with the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), the Tanzania Association of Small Scale Industries & Manufacturers (TASSIM), the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship Development (IMED) and other public and private sector partners, AFRICON has rapidly emerged as one of Africa’s premier platforms for leadership dialogue, entrepreneurship, industrialisation, investment promotion, manufacturing, innovation and intra-African trade and business collaboration.
The Summit is expected to convene more than 1,000 high-level delegates representing over 20 African countries and the African Diaspora, including Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, captains of industry, investors, financial institutions, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, entrepreneurs, academia, innovators and development partners.
A Continental Recognition of Transformational Leadership
Named in honour of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Africa’s first serving female President to have a continental leadership awards programme named in her honour during her tenure, the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership Awards recognise exceptional African leaders whose integrity, courage, innovation and public service have strengthened institutions, advanced inclusive development, championed good governance and contributed meaningfully to Africa’s economic and social transformation.
The philosophy underpinning the Awards draws inspiration from the enduring legacy of the late Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, Founding President of the Republic of Zambia and Patron of Leading Women of Africa, whose lifelong commitment to servant leadership, Pan-African solidarity, human dignity and gender equality continues to inspire generations of African leaders. His unwavering belief that women and men are equal partners in Africa’s development remains a guiding principle of the Awards.
Leadership Award Categories
The nominees announced today represent distinguished African leaders competing across the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership Awards, comprising four prestigious categories.
Competitive Pan-African Leadership Awards
Public Sector Leadership
Corporate Sector Leadership
Civil Society Leadership
These competitive categories recognise outstanding leaders who continue to demonstrate excellence, ethical leadership, innovation, measurable impact and transformative service within their respective sectors.
Honorary Pan-African Leadership Awards
The Honorary Pan-African Leadership Awards constitute the highest distinction conferred by the Organising Committee. They recognise eminent African statesmen, stateswomen and distinguished leaders whose lifetime contribution has profoundly influenced governance, diplomacy, public service, peacebuilding, economic development, gender equality and Africa’s continental advancement.
The nominees announced today represent an exceptional cross-section of Africa’s leadership across government, diplomacy, business, academia, development, philanthropy and civil society.
Statement from the Organising Committee
Speaking on behalf of the Organising Committee, Madelein Mkunu, Founder and President of Leading Women of Africa and Chairperson of AFRICON 2026, said:
“The Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership Awards are more than a recognition programme, they represent Africa’s collective appreciation for leaders whose courage, integrity, vision and service continue to inspire transformative change across our continent. Today’s nominees embody the highest ideals of ethical leadership, servant leadership and inclusive development. We warmly congratulate every nominee and look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements in Dar es Salaam as Africa comes together to honour excellence, leadership and lasting impact.”
Join Africa’s Premier Leadership Celebration
Governments, diplomatic missions, regional and international organisations, development partners, financial institutions, the private sector, academia, entrepreneurs and the wider public are warmly invited to participate in this historic Pan-African gathering as Tanzania welcomes Africa’s foremost leaders, innovators and changemakers.
The laureates will be formally honoured during the prestigious Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership & Entrepreneurship Awards Gala Dinner, to be held on 25 July 2026 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), Dar es Salaam, in the presence of distinguished government leaders, diplomatic representatives, captains of industry and delegates from across Africa and the African Diaspora.
For enquiries: 📞 Tanzania: +255 763 055 055| 📞 South Africa: +27 71 646 9286
Email: admin@leadingwomenofafrica.com | communications@africonmsisummit.com
We look forward to welcoming you
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