A powerful space where African and diasporan women can share knowledge, collaborate, and expand access to capital.
What to expect
Two days designed to move from conversation to commitment.
Keynote Speakers
Tiffany Dufu
Tory Burch Foundation
President
Dr. Fatou Wurie
Youterus Health
Founder & CEO
SEPTEMBER 3-4, 2026 · KIGALI
Arrival
Opening Remarks
Opening Keynote
Brain Trusts (Education, Creative, Tech, Sports, Health)
Brain Trusts are facilitated small-group sessions where participants collaborate to solve real-world challenges. Each session centers on one question, with the group contributing diverse insights. These conversations are designed to spark new thinking, strengthen decision-making, and foster meaningful peer connections.
12:00 - 1:00
LUNCH
Reflection
SKILL SHARES
Skill Shares are interactive, participant-led sessions where attendees teach practical skills, tools, or frameworks they have mastered. Rather than a traditional presentation, these sessions encourage hands-on learning, open dialogue, and the exchange of expertise across industries. Everyone leaves with actionable knowledge they can immediately apply in their work.
Reflection
Partnership Chats
Poetry
Film Viewing
5:45 - 6:00
Closing
Cocktail
8:30 - 9:30
ARRIVAL
9:30 - 10:00
CLOSING KEYNOTE
10:00 - 11:00
Emerging Strategist & Evolving Strategist Round Tables
11:00 - 11:30
GALLERY WALK
12:00 - 1:00
LUNCH
1:00 - 1:30
FINANCIAL SESSION
1:30 - 2:15
REFLECTION
Academic Paper Presentations
Academic Paper Presentations showcase original research that advances strategic thinking, leadership, policy, and innovation across Africa. Researchers present key findings followed by discussion and audience engagement, creating opportunities to bridge theory and practice. These sessions highlight evidence-based insights that can inform decision-making and inspire collaboration.
Partnership Chat & Mental Health Table
Poetry & Mural
Closing Remarks
PRICING
Get tickets
Who is AWISS for?
AWISS is for African and diasporan women in strategic leadership who desire to create lasting impact across industries and academia. If you're ready to move beyond traditional convenings and engage in meaningful, hands-on collaboration, this Summit is for you. AWISS is not a typical conference. It's a living network where strategy is co-created, tested, and shared.
Where is the event taking place?
The event will be taking place at Movenpick Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. Kigali is one of Africa's most accessible cities, with strong air, road, and rail connections across the continent.
Is the summit in-person only?
For now, the Summit is a two day in person event. We are considering having a virtual component. More details to come.
Is AWISS suitable for early-career professionals?
Yes. AWISS welcomes early-career women, students, and emerging leaders. The Young Leaders in Strategy roundtable is built specifically for students, and discounted student tickets are available with verification.
How does AWISS approach inclusion?
AWISS is co-created and built to expand access. Sponsorship funds underwrite student scholarships and reduced-price tickets, and Donor Circles enable individual supporters to sponsor others to attend.
How can I make the most of networking?
AWISS runs a Partnership Match Program. During registration, you complete a short profile capturing your expertise and partnership interests. A matching tool then surfaces high-potential 1:1 and small-group meetings across the two days.