Kenya Set to Welcome Historic Gathering of African Women in Leadership

Kenya Set to Welcome Historic Gathering of African Women in Leadership

Dr. Yetty Folami, convener, VOALS

A new initiative aimed at amplifying the voices and leadership potential of African women is set to make its debut this year with the maiden edition of the Voice of Africa Leadership Summit (VOALS) in Nairobi, Kenya, this August.

Inspired and convened by Dr. Yetty Folami, a US-based pharmacist, pastor, leadership coach, and healthcare executive, VOALS is described as a God-inspired project dedicated to fostering authentic influence, confidence, and transformative leadership among women across the African continent.

The week-long event is scheduled from August 24 to 29, 2026, with the centrepiece, a full-day leadership conference holding on August 27 under the theme "Leadership Renaissance" at Emara Ole Sereni, Nairobi.

Organisers say the summit is purposefully designed to deliver clarity, articulation, and activation for participants, helping them identify personal and professional needs while equipping them to overcome persistent barriers in leadership roles. Key focus areas include tackling gender bias, underrecognition despite proven competence, navigating workplace politics, and strategies for personal growth in business and professional spheres.

Attendees will benefit from keynote addresses, panel discussions, breakout group sessions, and networking opportunities. The event targets between 200 and 250 participants, primarily women in senior and mid-level leadership positions, entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals in sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, technology, governance, NGOs, and faith-based organisations.

Confirmed speakers include Bola Matel-Okoh, executive coach and founder of Women's Lifestyle Hub; Dr. Wale Akinyemi, organisational culture and leadership consultant; and Lillian Ngala, leadership coach and founder of the Lillian Ngala Network. Others are Titi Ikhile, Nellie Kinyanjui, and Oladoyin Taiwo. The event will be anchored by Dr. Tiffany Oloke.

As part of the summit, awards of excellence in leadership will be presented to women who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields. Among those to be honoured are Olori Ashley Folashade Ogunwusi, a Queen of the Ooni of Ife and founder of the Ashley Adegoke Foundation, an NGO focused on supporting underprivileged children and widows; Tech Queen Dr. Adeshola Cole, CEO and founder of Tritek Consulting Limited, a UK-based award-winning EdTech organisation dedicated to bridging the digital skills gap; and Mrs. Foluke Adedokun a certified fruit stylist, and the CEO of FruitieWorld, a leading healthy lifestyle brand in Nigeria, among others.

The summit's programme spans several days with targeted activities. On Tuesday, August 25, a specialised leadership training session themed "Leadership Beyond the Counter" will be held at the University of Nairobi, targeting pharmacy and medical students and complemented by a mental wellness session. Wednesday, August 26, features a welcome dinner and networking event in partnership with "The Women in Business" network in Kenya and other professional bodies, with discussions on emerging business opportunities.

Thursday, August 27 is the main summit day, running from morning to evening and featuring keynote speakers, panel sessions, breakout groups, and platforms for emerging leaders. Friday, August 28 will be dedicated to a community outreach programme supporting underserved women who have experienced abuse and feel silenced. On Saturday, August 29, participants will enjoy a sightseeing tour of key Nairobi locations, immersing themselves in Kenyan culture and hospitality. Attendees may depart on Sunday, August 30.

To build momentum ahead of the main event, a series of webinars began in March 2026, with another session scheduled for this May.

VOALS positions itself as more than a one-time event, it is described as a broader movement to ensure African women's leadership is strengthened and their influence helps rewrite the continent's story, with plans for the gathering to rotate across different African regions in future years.

Women leaders interested in participating, or requiring assistance with visas and travel arrangements, are encouraged to contact the organisers at info@voals.org or visit voals.org/voals2026