At a moment when Africa is recalibrating its growth model toward innovation, climate resilience and inclusive finance, the Women in Leadership Summit & Awards (WILS) has emerged as more than a celebration. It is a barometer of structural change.
Summit will be held in Kigali on 26 March and the Awards ceremony will be held on 27 March 2026.
Billed as a transformative annual platform “dedicated to empowering women to rise to leadership roles,” WILS convenes intergenerational panels, technical workshops and mentorship pipelines designed to accelerate systemic reform.
Its mission is direct: “celebrate and elevate the voices of women leaders shaping Africa’s future.” In practice, the 2026 nominees reveal something larger, a continent-wide shift in who builds capital, designs technology, governs ecosystems and controls productive assets.
Across technology, finance, health, agriculture, climate innovation and the creative economy, Rwanda’s female leaders are not merely participating in markets. They are redesigning them.
The 2026 nominee list demonstrates how that future is already being built.
Digital Governance and the Architecture of Trust
In a continent where mobile penetration now exceeds 80% in several markets and digital payments are forecast to surpass $1 trillion in transaction value within the decade, governance technology has become a growth lever.
Among the Trailblazer in Tech nominees is Rucyeratabaro Marie Ange, co-founder of IMENA Softek Ltd, who is operationalising that thesis. Her Kigali-based firm builds responsive web and mobile applications, USSD platforms and customised digital systems that shift institutions from manual to automated processes. The company’s flagship innovation, Umusanzu Digital, replaced cash-based community contribution systems in Kigali with a USSD cashless platform significantly increasing payment compliance, reducing fraud and strengthening public trust.
The implications extend beyond municipal administration. Digital public infrastructure is increasingly viewed by the African Development Bank and the World Bank as foundational to state capacity and investment confidence. By improving e-payment accuracy and operational accountability, IMENA Softek positions Rwanda within the emerging cohort of digitally governed African economies.
Also nominated is Aline Nicole Uwamariya, CEO of GEUZA Ltd, who is tackling another systemic bottleneck: healthcare access. Her company manufactures affordable assistive devices from recycled electronic waste embedding circular economy principles into medical supply chains. Under her leadership, GEUZA has secured regulatory approvals, entered the market and restored mobility and dignity to more than 300 individuals. The philosophy “Old but still Gold” reframes waste as industrial input.
With Africa generating millions of tonnes of e-waste annually, sustainable manufacturing models such as GEUZA’s offer a template for climate-aligned healthtech growth.
Completing the tech category is Cynthia Iradukunda, currently completing a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. She mentors engineers as a Machine Learning in Production Teaching Assistant while leading Google Developer Group Kigali and Women Techmakers Kigali. Through initiatives such as DevFest and Build with AI, she has connected hundreds of women to high-growth digital pathways addressing the gender gap that still constrains Africa’s $180bn digital economy potential.
Social Enterprise as Economic Infrastructure
If Africa’s demographic dividend is to materialise, health and human capital systems must scale. In Social Impact, nominees are strengthening the social architecture that underpins economic growth.
Dr Umunyana Marie Chantal, founder of Umubyeyi Elevate, is building integrated digital platforms that close gaps in maternal and reproductive care. Her life-course model strengthens health literacy and continuity of care, key deficits in many African health systems where out-of-pocket expenditure remains high.
At community level, Darlène Laure Karamutsa of Isôoko Community Development has forged partnerships with international funders to expand livelihood training for women artisans in Northern Province. Her trust-based philanthropy model anchors global capital to local agency.
Few stories illustrate resilience more vividly than Mutegerwaraba Agnes, CEO of APROHADE. Living with a disability since childhood, she has spent over three decades transforming the enterprise into an employer of more than 85 staff, predominantly women from vulnerable backgrounds, in weaving, tailoring and craftsmanship. By securing international market access, she has elevated Rwandan craft into global supply chains.
Entrepreneurship: Scaling Youth and Agribusiness Value Chains
Africa’s private sector remains dominated by SMEs, yet access to finance and markets constrains growth.
The Rising Star in Entrepreneurship category features Diane Mukasahaha, CEO of DIKAM Ltd and a Top 10 finalist of Africa’s Business Heroes, who has created employment for hundreds of young people through skills-based enterprise. Her recognition at the 2025 PSF/SC Awards underscores a wider policy shift toward youth-driven industrialisation.
In agribusiness, Sharon Akanyana’s Ishyo Foods Ltd exemplifies value-chain localisation. Since 2017, she has grown a home-based venture into a certified processor producing jams and yoghurt from locally sourced milk and fruit. By reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening farmer linkages, she reinforces food security, a pressing issue as climate volatility disrupts African agriculture.
Rosie Kayitesi’s Kaik Organics is positioning avocado-based natural products within Rwanda’s expanding wellness market, signalling how premiumisation and sustainability can coexist in emerging economies.
Climate Capital and Circular Innovation
Africa contributes less than 4% of global emissions yet faces disproportionate climate risk. Female climate entrepreneurs are reframing vulnerability into opportunity.
Immaculee Namahirwe, Founder of FROMGREEN Rwanda, integrates agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture with women’s economic empowerment. In 2025, FROMGREEN was recognised as an Outstanding Socio-Environmental Impact Project under the Restoration Factory Program.
Sonia Umulinga, Founder of Plasticraft Ltd, transforms plastic waste into functional home décor while training more than 50 women and youth in green skills. Plasticraft was named among the top 30 African climate innovations at the Africa Climate Summit 2023.
Joelle Rutagarama, Program Manager at Wild Earth Allies Rwanda, expands community-based conservation partnerships. A graduate of Edith Cowan University in Australia, she combines business development expertise with environmental stewardship.
Aviation, Neurosurgery and the STEM Frontier
Representation in advanced technical fields remains uneven across Africa. Innovative Scientist category features Eddyne Umuhoza, First Officer with RwandAir flying the Boeing 737 Next Generation, representing growing female leadership in commercial aviation while engaging in youth STEM outreach.
Dr Sylvie Inyange, neurosurgeon at CHUK, provides life-saving surgical management of trauma, tumours and neurological emergencies, expanding Rwanda’s advanced clinical capacity.
Dr Immaculée Kamanzi, Founder of Faith Clinic Ltd in Kigali, delivers comprehensive dental and clinical services while advocating preventive care.
Hospitality & Tourism: Culture Meets Commerce
Aline Ishimwe, Founder of Karisimbi Cave Resort in Musanze, integrates eco-tourism with women’s empowerment and local cultural preservation.
Phiona Ninsiima, Founder of KulaBridge Ltd, blends culinary innovation with development economics. She secured a $25,000 USADF grant and contributed to Uruhimbi: Rwanda’s Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, recognised at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
Umwizerwa Sandrine, Founder of Beautiful Rwanda Tours, curates immersive travel experiences that promote sustainable tourism and local economic participation.
Health & Wellness: Preventive Systems at Scale
Leah Mfiteyesu, Founder of Nutri-MediPlus Nutrition Cabinet, has reached audiences across 10 countries with over 12 million views and directly supported more than 10,000 individuals through clinical care and wellness programmes.
Gabriella Nandi, Founder of Health Hub Gym, pioneers postpartum rehabilitation programmes integrating physiotherapy and structured strength training.
Peace Ndoli, COO and Co-Founder of Lifesten Health, led a Novartis-funded initiative screening over two million Rwandans using transdermal optical imaging technology. She has received Innovator of the Year (Rwanda, 2022) and the African Women in Digital Health Award (2024).
Finance: Inclusion as Growth Strategy
Financial inclusion is now central to Africa’s growth narrative. The Outstanding Leadership in Finance nominees are:
Christine Baingana, CEO of Urwego Finance Plc, who leads an institution serving over 120,000 underserved clients and achieved post-pandemic profitability.
Raïssa Muyango, Managing Director of COPEDU Plc, has driven digital financial inclusion and introduced collateral-free financing solutions such as Igire Mugore across 11 branches.
Jessica Igoma, Managing Director of Mayfair Insurance Rwanda, has strengthened product portfolios, corporate partnerships and risk frameworks.
As capital markets deepen, these executives strengthen risk frameworks critical to SME resilience.
Majestic Sportswoman nominees: Leadership Beyond the Arena
Marie Christelle, gym owner and certified pre- and postnatal coach, serves more than 200 active members monthly while delivering evidence-based maternal fitness education.
Mrs. Liliane Mukobwankawe, Captain of Rwanda’s Women Sitting Volleyball National Team, led historic qualifications for the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and was named Best Spiker at the 2019 African Championships.
Charlotte Umugwaneza, Captain of Rwanda’s National Basketball Team and APR Basketball Club, has delivered consistent high-level performance since 2012.
Leading Light in Education nominees: Breaking Cycles of Poverty
Denyse Mugabekazi, Founder of Grown To Help, has impacted more than 5,000 individuals through scholarships, vocational training and mentorship across Nyarugenge and Kamonyi.
Vanessa Ngarambe, Founder of Little Stars School and Therapy Center, advances inclusive education for children with autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
Nadege Gasana, Founder of Babies’ Corner and WISMA International School, champions values-based education while empowering parents through structured programmes.
Top Talent in Art & Culture nominees: Globalising African Narrative
Economic transformation is also cultural.
Kaya Byinshii, twice a finalist for Prix Découvertes RFI, has performed at Festival d’Avignon and founded Live Nyinshii to revitalise Kigali’s live music scene.
Bahavu Jannet Usanase, Founder of Bahafrica Entertainment and IMPANGA TV, has produced thousands of hours of digital content, generating millions of views.
Kami Gahiga, Founder of the Gihanga Institute of Contemporary Art, has held leadership roles at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and advisory roles at major global institutions.
Advocate for Equality nominees
Blandine Umuziranenge, Founder of Kosmotive, is a Top 20 Africa’s Business Heroes finalist and FemSTEM Africa Award winner, featured on Nasdaq and at the Clinton Global Initiative.
Frida Gates Uwingeneye, Founder of Miss Nacre Africa, has reached more than 2,000 young people and supports 100 girls through her Leadership Academy Sponsorship Program.
Winnie Tumwine, Co-Founder of Hope for Single Mothers with Disabilities (HSMD), advances disability-inclusive and gender-responsive policy frameworks.
Excellence in Agriculture nominees: Export, Value Addition and Food Security
Marie Ange Mukagahima, Managing Director of Zima Healthy Group Ltd, strengthens inclusive sourcing of pumpkin seeds, sesame, sunflower, chia, avocado and nuts for minimally processed oils.
Ritha Umutoni, Founder of RIXU 100% Rwanda Arabica Coffee, champions specialty coffee exports and smallholder farmer empowerment.
Sonia Umurungi, Founder of Green Dreams Ltd and Vice Chairperson of HEAR, expands horticulture export growth and policy engagement.
Media Maven Nominees
Anita Pendo, media personality and DJ with over 15 years’ experience, has shaped Rwanda’s entertainment landscape while mentoring young creatives.
Nadia Umutoni, Senior Producer and Presenter at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, leads impactful programmes including Ireme and youth-focused Nsazanye Ibigeto.
Martina Abera, journalist at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, gained national recognition co-hosting a televised interview with President Paul Kagame and moderating major events including CHOGM 2022.
The Broader Signal
From menstrual health innovator Blandine Umuziranenge of Kosmotive to specialty coffee exporter Ritha Umutoni of RIXU 100% Rwanda Arabica Coffee, the through-line is unmistakable. African-led female entrepreneurship is moving from subsistence to scale, from localised impact to regional influence.
WILS 2025 does not simply honour individual excellence. It surfaces a structural recalibration where women are shaping digital governance, green industrialisation, inclusive finance and high-value exports. For investors scanning frontier markets, the next wave of African growth will be engineered, financed and governed by leaders who embed inclusion at the core of enterprise design.
In an era defined by demographic expansion and climate uncertainty, that may prove to be the continent’s most durable competitive advantage.
Vote Here: https://wilsafrica.com/
