Marrakech Summit: Adaora Umeoji, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, others for 2026 100 Most Notable Africans honours

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji; Omar Yacoubi Soussane of Morocco; Dr. Emmanuel Fundira, Executive Chairman of ASTOC Leisure Group Inc., Zimba...

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji; Omar Yacoubi Soussane of Morocco; Dr. Emmanuel Fundira, Executive Chairman of ASTOC Leisure Group Inc., Zimbabwe; Adnane Bennis, Co-founder and CEO of Morocco World News; the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Amb. Prof. Smelly Dube are among the distinguished personalities set to be honoured at the 2026 edition of the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit, scheduled to hold at the Mövenpick Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco.

The two-day event, organised by Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation and the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa in partnership with other organisations, will take place from June 26 to 28, 2026 at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Marrakech, Mövenpick Hotel, BD Mohamed VI, Marrakech.

Organisers disclosed that the summit has continued to attract growing interest from business leaders, government agencies, policymakers, investors and innovators across Africa and beyond, making it one of the continent’s most influential leadership gatherings.

Dr. Umeoji and Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe are listed alongside several distinguished personalities from across Africa in recognition of their outstanding contributions to banking, business leadership, entrepreneurship and economic development.

Other personalities listed for recognition include former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; Nigerian superstar, Ayo Balogun (Wizkid); Dr. Asu Kunemofa, Director of Finance and Accounts, NDDC; Aisha Hanan Buhari, CEO of the Hanan Buhari Foundation; Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President of Nigeria; Layal Jade Tinubu; Yasmine Benabdallah, Gemmologist and CEO of Blue Jasmine Jewelry, Morocco; Nabil Slitine, Chief Executive Officer of NASLI Holding, Kingdom of Morocco; Janet Osei-Boadi, CEO and Founder of the Janet O. Boadi Foundation, Ghana; and Chef Donald Moletsane, President of the Lesotho Chefs Association and Managing Director of Dona@Balos Chef School and Hospitality, Lesotho.

Also on the list are Chief Nnabuike Oliver Anachebe, Chairman and Maritime Consultant; Soukaina Janah, CEO of Group Glamour Textile, Morocco; Oshoma Zekeri, CEO of Vendoir; Othmane Sefrioui, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Hublot Morocco; Eze Samuel, Chief Executive Officer of LuxuryPrime Real Estate Nigeria Ltd and Group Managing Director of Criset Groups of Companies Ltd; Lugumi Saidi, CEO of Lugumi Enterprises Limited, Tanzania; Hon. Dr. Ginika Florence Tor, Chairman of Accolade Dynamics Limited, Nigeria; Manji Obadiah, CEO of HM Autocentre Limited, United Kingdom; Amb. Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Managing Director of Kursi Investment Limited; and renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, among others.

The summit will feature business networking opportunities, investment sessions, leadership dialogues and the presentation of the highly anticipated 100 Most Notable Africans Awards.

Speaking on the forthcoming event, the Project Director, Africa, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, said the increasing interest from delegates and strategic partners reflects the growing importance of the summit as a platform for celebrating African excellence and fostering collaborations that will drive the continent’s development.

He added that the 2026 edition is expected to provide opportunities for leaders and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and promote sustainable growth across Africa.

Owede Agbajileke

Guardian Life

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