IWCA 2026: Africa’s premier InstinctWomen Conference & Awards returns to Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya – 5th February, 2026 – InstinctWave Group proudly unveils the second edition of the InstinctWomen Conference & Awards (IWCA), set to take place on 26-27 February 2026 at the prestigious Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
Under the powerful grand theme “Women who move Nations: Leadership, Legacy and Impact”, this landmark event will convene Africa’s most influential women leaders, trailblazers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and male allies to accelerate gender equity, amplify women’s voices, and drive measurable, inclusive progress across the continent.
Building on the resounding success of its inaugural edition, IWCA 2026 is designed as a high-impact, action-oriented platform that empowers visionary women from diverse sectors to break barriers, redefine leadership paradigms, and shape Africa’s next era of sustainable development.
The conference will feature in-depth discussions, strategic masterclasses, cross-sector networking, and a prestigious awards dinner honoring exceptional women who have demonstrated extraordinary innovation, thought leadership, and commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for future generations.
The event’s comprehensive agenda addresses critical pillars of women’s advancement through focused sessions including:
• Nation Builders – Women shaping public policy, governance, and institutional reform; breaking barriers in the boardroom to elevate more women into senior executive and board positions.
• Women in Business – Navigating challenges and adopting best practices for sustained success.
• Women in Tech – Leading Africa’s digital transformation and empowering women in emerging technologies.
• Growing African Businesses Across Borders – Strategies for women entrepreneurs to scale regionally and globally.
• Funding Women – Unlocking access to capital for female-led ventures.
• Women in Politics – Boosting participation and influence in decision-making spaces.
• Designing Products & Services for the Women’s Market – Why brands must prioritize and serve the powerful female consumer segment.
• Leading Well – Achieving balance across wellness, wealth, and work to prevent burnout and foster long-term thriving.
A stellar lineup of distinguished speakers will share insights and actionable strategies, including:
• Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, Founder and CEO, Dynamic Data Solutions Ghana
• Dr. Sheila Addo, Deputy Chief Executive (Technical), National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
• Evelyn Cheluget, Director General, Directorate of Immigration Services, Kenya
• Kabale Tache Arero, CEO, National Lands Commission Kenya
• Dolapo Otegbayi, Principal Consultant, DKO Consulting
• Linda Ethel Mensah, Director, Public Affairs, Energy Commission Ghana
• Dr. Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Vice Chairman, Public Services Commission, Ghana
• Joy Tim-Ayoola, Group Head, Samsung Electronics West Africa
The conference will culminate in a glamorous awards ceremony recognizing women who have pioneered change, promoted equity, inspired innovation, and left an indelible legacy in business, public service, politics, technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond. These honorees exemplify the shift toward diversity, flexibility, and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the future of work truly works for women.
Akin Naphtal, Group Chief Executive Officer of InstinctWave Group and Convener of InstinctWomen, emphasized the strategic significance of this second edition:
“The return of the 2nd edition of InstinctWomen marks a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to accelerating gender equity, leadership visibility, and economic inclusion for women across Africa’s corporate and entrepreneurial landscape. We are therefore extremely excited to reconvene this year with an even bolder agenda, deeper cross-sector partnerships, and a stronger focus on actionable pathways that turn inspiration into measurable impact.”
He continued: “As we prepare to welcome an exceptional lineup of trailblazing women leaders, rising stars, investors, policymakers, and male allies in this second edition, our message remains clear and unapologetic: sustainable progress demands intentional inclusion. At InstinctWave, we remain steadfast in our belief that empowering women is the single most powerful multiplier for organizational resilience, innovation velocity, and inclusive economic growth. I therefore invite every forward-thinking leader, organization, and ecosystem player to join us , either in person or through our growing digital footprint, as we collectively raise the ceiling for what is possible when women are positioned at the centre of Africa’s next growth chapter.”
At its core, IWCA 2026 is driven by a resolute belief in fostering a global community of empowered women who inspire innovation, champion diversity, and embed inclusion at the highest levels of leadership.
Together, delegates will unlock limitless possibilities and contribute to a brighter, more equitable future for Africa and beyond.
The InstinctWomen Conference & Awards is open to women leaders in business, politics, entrepreneurship, and professionals across industries, from seasoned executives to emerging changemakers. Participation offers unparalleled opportunities for strategic networking, knowledge exchange, and positioning at the forefront of Africa’s inclusive growth narrative.
For more information, registration details, partnership opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact: info@instinctwave.net or visit our website

