Young African women have been encouraged to embrace innovation, collaboration and empathy as they prepare to take up leadership roles across the continent.
The call was made at the 2026 Annual National Summit by the Ghana Chapter of the Young African Women Congress Network held in Accra on the theme, “The Next Generation of African Women: Driving Innovation and Redefining Leadership.”
Speaking at the summit, the First Deputy Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana, Sheila Azuntaba, said modern leadership is no longer about authority but influence, collaboration and purpose. She urged young women to build strong networks and make themselves visible through social media and professional events.
According to her, women must be intentional about creating opportunities for themselves and connecting with influential people who can support their career growth.
Managing Partner of Hawkhurst & Dua Associates, Maataa Opare, stressed the importance of community and teamwork in leadership. She said Africa’s challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, technology and climate change cannot be solved by individuals working alone.
She encouraged women to build strong support systems, embrace diverse perspectives and collaborate across sectors to create lasting solutions.
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Kosi Antwiwaa Yankey-Ayeh, urged participants to create platforms for themselves and continuously develop their skills while preparing for bigger opportunities. She noted that innovation remains critical to success in today’s rapidly changing world.
The Municipal Director of Health Services for La Dade-Kotopon, Dr. Caryn Agyeman Prempeh, called on women to support and mentor one another instead of viewing each other as competitors. She said empowering other women creates stronger leaders and benefits society as a whole.
Participants at the summit discussed leadership, mentorship, networking and innovation, with many describing the event as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of African women leaders.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu