The 2026 edition of the annual 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit may have concluded, but the memorable moments, strategic engagements, and lasting impact it generated across the continent will endure for months to come.

Organised by the DAVDAN Peace and Advocacy Foundation in collaboration with 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, the prestigious gathering attracted an impressive array of high-profile dignitaries, business executives, policymakers, diplomats, and development partners from across Africa.

The summit was held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Marrakech, located within the Mövenpick Hotel complex in Marrakech, Morocco, under the theme: “Uniting Africa’s Change Makers for Growth and Impact: A Gate to Sustainable Development.”

The event served as a strategic platform for fostering dialogue on leadership, governance, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, while strengthening partnerships among Africa’s emerging and established change-makers.

Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador of Ghana to Morocco; Shakilla Kazimbaya Umutoni, Ambassador of Rwanda to Morocco; Lugumi Saidi, Chief Executive Officer of Lugumi Enterprises Limited, Tanzania; Nabila Rmili, Mayor of Casablanca, Kingdom of Morocco; Reginald Max, Senior Advisor at Trade and Development Bank Group, Kenya; Yassin El Moussi, Managing Director of BGM Group and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Jets and Partners, Morocco; and Dr. Linus Okorie, Founder of GOTNI Leadership Centre, Dr Chuka Nwachukwu, Dr Asu Kunemofa, Director of Finance and Accounts, NDDC, Dozie Nwankwo, Politician and Business man, Prof Smelly Dube, Manji Obadiah,Aisha Hanan Buhari, Eze Samuel, Dr Sindiswa Mzamo, Dr Zama Phakathi, Driss Aarab, Dr Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Ogwus, Francisco Destino, His Royal Highness Thovhele Vho-Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase Dynasty, Engr Samuel Alabi, Yassine Benabdallah, Engr Dr Mncedisi Dube, Amb Mutfwang N Manasseh, Oshoma Zekeri, Dr Adaora Onyechere, Amb Canon Otto, Laila Benjelloun and Amb Dr Ginika Florence Tor alongside several other notable dignitaries.

 

A major highlight of the summit was the conferment of awards on distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and influential personalities whose outstanding contributions have advanced leadership, peacebuilding, business excellence, and sustainable development across Africa.

 

Among the award recipients were Hanan Buhari, daughter of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari; Dr. Asu Kunemofa, Director of Finance and Accounts, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Dozie Nwankwo, former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives; 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 Midiyavhathu Tshivhase Dynasty of South Africa; and Engr. Samuel Alabi, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited, among other eminent personalities.

 

Speaking during the event, the Project Director of the summit, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, congratulated the award recipients, thanking them for their modest contributions in impacting humanity.

 

Amafibe further stated that the summit has evolved into one of Africa’s foremost platforms for recognising excellence, promoting visionary leadership, fostering strategic collaboration, and advancing impactful initiatives capable of driving sustainable peace, inclusive growth, and socio-economic development across the continent.

 

He recalled that the 2024 and 2025 editions of the summit were held in Kigali, Rwanda, where new members were inducted into the African-Asian Chamber of Commerce, a milestone that further strengthened cross-continental partnerships and enhanced economic cooperation between Africa and Asia.

Amb. Amafibe had earlier announced that either Tanzania or Zimbabwe will host the 2027 edition.