By Jane Okeke
Top diplomats, business executives, policymakers and development experts from across the continent converged on Marrakech, Morocco, for the 2026 edition of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit, where they explored strategies for advancing sustainable development, peace, entrepreneurship and regional integration.
The summit, organised by the DAVDAN Peace and Advocacy Foundation in collaboration with 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, was held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Marrakech, within the Mövenpick Hotel complex, under the theme: “Uniting Africa’s Change Makers for Growth and Impact: A Gate to Sustainable Development.”
The event brought together influential leaders from government, diplomacy, business and civil society to strengthen partnerships and promote innovative solutions to Africa’s socio-economic and governance challenges.
Among the dignitaries who attended were Charity Gbedawo, Shakilla Kazimbaya Umutoni, Lugumi Saidi, Chief Executive Officer of Lugumi Enterprises Limited, Tanzania; Nabila Rmili; Reginald Max, Senior Adviser at Trade and Development Bank Group, Kenya; Yassin El Moussi, Managing Director of BGM Group and Founder of Jets and Partners, Morocco; and Nigerian leadership expert Linus Okorie.
Other notable participants included Dr. Asu Kunemofa, Director of Finance and Accounts at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Hon. Dozie Nwankwo; Prof. Smelly Dube; Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo; Engr. Dr. Mncedisi Dube; Amb. Ginika Florence Tor; Amb. Canon Otto; Engr. Samuel Alabi, alongside several distinguished personalities from across Africa.
One of the major highlights of the summit was the presentation of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership Awards, which recognised individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced leadership, business excellence, peacebuilding and sustainable development on the continent.
Among those honoured were Aisha Hanan Buhari, daughter of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari; Dr. Asu Kunemofa of the NDDC; former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo; Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, President of the Circle of Global Business Women, Lesotho; Engr. Dr. Mncedisi Dube, Group Chairman of River Valley Group, Zimbabwe; His Royal Highness Vho-Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase Dynasty of South Africa; and Engr. Samuel Alabi, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited.
Speaking at the event, Project Director of the summit, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, congratulated the award recipients, describing them as individuals whose dedication to service and innovation continues to inspire positive change across Africa.
He said the summit has grown into one of the continent’s foremost platforms for celebrating excellence, promoting visionary leadership and facilitating strategic partnerships capable of driving sustainable peace, inclusive economic growth and development.
Amafibe recalled that the 2024 and 2025 editions of the summit were hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, where new members were inducted into the African-Asian Chamber of Commerce, a development he said strengthened economic cooperation and business partnerships between Africa and Asia.
He also announced that either Tanzania or Zimbabwe will host the 2027 edition of the summit, expressing confidence that the initiative would continue to expand its influence in shaping Africa’s leadership and development agenda.
Diplomats, Business Leaders Chart Africa’s Future at Morocco Leadership Summit
