DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — September 25, 2026 — The Iconic Africa Women Achievers Awards & Summit 2026 brought together an impressive collection of women from across Africa and the wider professional community, recognising their contributions to business, leadership, media, fashion, entertainment, healthcare, tourism, social development and other fields.
Held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dar es Salaam on September 19, the event featured a daytime summit followed by a glamorous evening gala.
Among the recognised personalities were Mafunda Kombo Faki, Tourism and Youth Development Specialist, Marketing and International Relations Professional and Founder & CEO of Zanvacay; Hanaan Mohamediqbal Zakaria, CEO of MMZ Collections; and Dr. Violet Kwamboka Oigara, Founder & CEO of Errand Eye Limited.
Other honourees included Memory Nomatter Chitiyo, CEO of Elegant Gateway & Royal Memorial Funeral Services; Jennifer Malekela Kingu, professional makeup artist, fashion designer and fashion entrepreneur; Lufuno Mulaudzi, CEO and Co-Founder of Khariye Travels; and Beatrice Alex, Miss Grand Tanzania 2025 and Founder & CEO of Bellara Beauty & Spa Lounge.
The awards also recognised Gachi Rasmi, Iconic Upcoming Female Artist of the Year 2026; Diva Gisselle Malinzi, award-winning media personality, broadcaster, entrepreneur and podcast host; Rosey Manfere, Miss Tanzania 2025; and Halima Okash, District Commissioner for Chemba, Dodoma.
Other distinguished names included Trish Makaka, CEO and Founder of Heritage Housing Projects; Amb. Mfoniso Umoetuk, Founder of The April Celebrations; Dr. Angel Josephat Natianota, Tanzanian Recruitment Strategist and Founder of HR World Limited; and Khonzinkosi Ndlovu, Healthcare Executive and Workforce and Education Leader.
The event further recognised professionals including Getrude Joseph Mligo, Gracia Bampile, Anogonashe Joy Manyika Dhururu, Lugano Alderon Mwambona, Mirrio Munodawafa, Riham Yusuf and Charlotte Darben.
Other recognised personalities included Dr. Pastor Nikki, CEO of Corporate Girl Fashion Brand; Chantelle Shangare, Founder and Managing Director of MOSH; Prophetess Pamela Edwards, Co-Founder of Kingdom Empowerment Centre; Ebele Chizano, entrepreneur and philanthropist; and Amb. Dr. Tatenda C. Matirongo, Country Director for Zimbabwe at the International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy.
The wider list of honourees also featured personalities from entertainment, law, media, entrepreneurship, fashion, healthcare, philanthropy and professional services.
Among them were Princess Faridah Ndausi, Angel Pooe, Shuvai Maregedze, Sibonokuhle Buhlungu, Ivy Maponga, Prof. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Advocate Lerato Phasha, Sydney Emade, Natalie Ndlovu, Maimartha Jesse, Shamila Kiponza, Jamila Mustapha, Fatema Dewji, Amb. Regina Adu Safowaah, Dr. Primrose Kurima, Euphrasie Esperance Kayembe, Aaliyah Mohamed, Pamela R. Haynes, Chiedza Kambasha, Glory Lasway, LeAnn Knowlden, Pinela Justine and Rehema Wandali.
The broad range of professions represented at the event reflected the organisers' emphasis on recognising women across multiple areas of African society.
The honours formed part of a wider programme centred on the theme “The Africa We Want: Women Inclusiveness in Rapid Sustainable Development,” with summit discussions focusing on increasing female participation in corporate, political and social spheres.
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