Africa’s most influential corporate minds will converge in Lagos for the Ascent Club’s Top 100 Career Women in Africa Awards & Gala 2026.
- +Ascent Club to Honour Africa’s Top 100 Career Women At Awards Gala In Lagos
Centered on the commanding theme of “Power, Presence & Prestige,” this landmark event is set to take place on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at an invitation-only awards and gala event in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Centered on the commanding theme of “Power, Presence & Prestige,” this landmark event is set to take place on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at an invitation-only awards and gala event in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Launched in 2021, the Top 100 Career Women in Africa is a prestigious recognition platform that celebrates bold, pioneering women making a significant impact in the corporate sector.
Initially branded as 9to5Chick’s Top 100 Career Women in Africa, the initiative has evolved into Ascent’s Top 100 Career Women in Africa, reflecting its expanding influence and commitment to spotlighting exceptional female professionals across the continent.
The exclusive gathering will shine a spotlight on the trailblazing women who are actively dismantling barriers and shaping the future of the continent’s business landscape. The evening will commence with a high-glamour purple carpet experience, setting the stage for an unforgettable ceremony driven by the dynamic hosting duo of Joyce Daniels and Love Diamond.
A landmark moment of this year’s event will be the introduction of the first-ever Next Gen List. Supported by FirstBank, this inaugural initiative is dedicated to recognizing 26 outstanding women under the age of 35, celebrating their roles as the next generation of female leaders.
Attendees will enjoy high-impact keynote addresses from some of the industry’s most formidable leaders. Taking the stage to share their insights will be the Financial Controller of FirstBank Nigeria, Yemi Adesanya; the EVP of Business Services at NNPC Limited, Sophie Mbakwe; and the Joint Venture Asset Manager at Shell, Adanma Uduanochie. They will also feature in a moderated rapid-fire chat to provide further practical leadership insights.
The gala will also feature a Intergenerational Panel Discussion focused on building and sustaining the female talent pipeline in Africa. Bridging the gap between established industry leaders and rising stars, this dynamic dialogue will bring together the distinguished Top 100 Women and the Next Gen, exceptional career women under the age of 35 who are already making remarkable strides in their fields Moderating this vital conversation will be Victoria Ndu, Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility, Airtel Nigeria. She will be joined by a distinguished lineup of panelists, including Corporate Affairs Specialist, Nestle, Lois Nweke; Learning and Development Manager (Youth Engagement and Learning), Jobberman Nigeria, Chinenye Adeleye; and Group Head of HR FCMB Group, Enitan Oyenuga.
“This year’s theme perfectly encapsulates the undeniable force of our 2026 honorees,” said Dr. Glory Edozien, Founder of Ascent Club and Convener of the Top 100 Career Women in Africa. “This platform has evolved far beyond a simple recognition list; it is a movement dedicated to ensuring that the incredible women driving corporate and industry success across the continent receive the exact visibility they deserve. As we gather to celebrate these trailblazers, we are not just highlighting their individual milestones, but amplifying a collective blueprint of African female leadership that will inspire the next generation to command their spaces with absolute authority.”
The core of the evening, the presentation of certificates to the Top 100 honorees will be facilitated by an esteemed lineup of judges, including CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation (ACT Foundation) in Nigeria, Osayi Alile; Head of People & Culture at Stanbic IBTC Holdings in Nigeria, Funke Amobi, and Founder of Exquisite Magazine & ELOY Awards in Nigeria, Tewa Onasanya. Another major focal point of the ceremony will be the grand launch of the Ascent Magazine 2026. This highly anticipated unveiling will feature a countdown, sparklers, and an exclusive on-stage conversation with the magazine’s cover girlFounder and CEO of Hello Perfect and pioneer in Nigeria’s medical aesthetics field, Onyeka Michael-Ugwu.
The evening will reach its crescendo with a vibrant “Style Runway” Best Dressed showcase judged by Karen Ubani, Onyeka Michael-Ugwu, Dr. Glory Edozien, and the event host, followed by an after-party fueled by premium Afrobeats hits.
This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of FirstBank, NNPC, Shell, MTN and Pernod Ricard.
