Johannesburg played host to a high-level gathering of influential African women on March 7, 2026, as the W.O.W Africa 50 Women Honour Circle brought together leaders shaping the continent’s economic, governance, and entrepreneurial landscape.
The private, invitation-only event, held in Sandton, forms part of W.O.W Africa (Workshops of Wealth), a growing Pan-African leadership and capital platform founded by entrepreneur and strategist Lelo N.
The convening attracted a diverse network of leaders from across Africa and the global diaspora, spanning sectors such as enterprise, investment, governance, law, and development. It created a rare and intentional space for collaboration among women driving impact across industries.
Among those recognized were Ambassador Dr. Chanita Foster of the United States, noted for her global humanitarian and development work; Dr. Vivian Mokome, whose efforts in economic empowerment continue to influence leadership and social impact; and Mwanvita Makamba of Tanzania, founder of MMConnect, known for advancing cross-border partnerships.
Also honored were Lenore Goss-Matjie, an entrepreneur and image strategist shaping leadership and brand positioning across the continent, and Fatima Joyce Packery, a key figure in Africa’s mining sector contributing to conversations around responsible resource development and economic participation.
Other attendees included professionals from a wide range of fields such as law, healthcare, real estate, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the platform’s broad reach and influence.
The event also marked the official launch of W.O.W Africa Magazine, a digital publication designed to spotlight leadership, entrepreneurship, governance, and capital development stories from across Africa and its diaspora. The platform aims to document and amplify the work of individuals and institutions driving long-term economic growth on the continent.
Following the Honor Circle, a select group of leaders reconvened on March 9 to initiate the formation of the W.O.W Africa Chamber 100. The Chamber is envisioned as a private, high-level platform bringing together a curated group of leaders operating across enterprise, capital, governance, and development sectors.
Membership into the Chamber is selective, with founding participants being carefully confirmed. The initiative is designed to foster alignment around opportunities that strengthen African enterprise, capital formation, and cross-border collaboration.
The Honour Circle, magazine launch, and Chamber 100 formation all align with the broader vision of W.O.W Africa—to create platforms where leadership, ideas, and capital intersect to shape Africa’s economic future.
Reflecting on the initiative, founder Lelo N noted that the platform was established to recognise individuals actively building the continent while creating spaces that enable collaboration and shared progress.
Building on the momentum, W.O.W Africa is set to host the W.O.W Africa 50 Men Honour Circle on June 6, 2026. The upcoming gathering will recognize men whose leadership reflects responsibility, enterprise building, and support for inclusive economic development across Africa.
As the platform continues to expand, W.O.W Africa is also opening doors for strategic partnerships with organizations seeking to align with its vision of advancing leadership, innovation, and sustainable growth across the continent.
