An unprecedented convening of African women heads of state focused on Africa’s advancement agenda is set to take place at the “Top 6 Opportunities for Africa’s Advancement Summit.” The event will be hosted by Teresa Clarke, Chair and Executive Editor of Africa.com, along with Ruth L. Okediji, Professor of Law at Harvard Law School.
The summit will feature several key discussions, including “Making Up for Lost Time – A Better Normal for Africa” by Vera Songwe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, will address the critical issue of “Securing Africa’s Food Supply.” Additionally, Hon. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, will speak on “Driving the Climate Change Agenda for COP 27 in Egypt.”
Wanjira Mathai, Vice President and Regional Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute, will present on “Solutions for a Water-Secure Future.” Mausi Segun, Executive Director for Africa at Human Rights Watch, will discuss “Closing the Inequality Gap,” while Kuseni Dlamini, Chairman of Aspen Pharmacare and Massmart Holdings Ltd., will focus on “Creating African Vaccination Manufacturing Capacity.”
The summit will also feature a special address by Bruno Pietracci, President of Africa at The Coca-Cola Company. Notably, several prominent African women leaders will be in attendance, including Right Honourable Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of Namibia (March 2015 – Present), Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of Mauritius (June 2015 – March 2018), Her Excellency Joyce Banda, President of Malawi (April 2012 to May 2014), and Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia (January 2006-2018).
Africa.com defines Women Heads of State as women who have served as president or prime minister, including Heads of State and Heads of Government. To qualify, women must have been elected or appointed since 1970 and served for a minimum of three months. Female monarchs are not included. Through extensive research, Africa.com has identified 22 women who meet these criteria.