New annual initiative and flagship industry breakfast honour the women shaping Africa’s creative economy across film, television, music, fashion, gaming, digital storytelling, animation and entertainment technology.
5 August 2026 – Cape Town, South Africa – In South Africa, August is Women’s Month – a time to celebrate the women who inspire, lead and shape our society while recognising the work that still lies ahead to achieve true equality. To mark the occasion, FAME Week Africa proudly launches Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment while hosting the African Women in Entertainment Breakfast, powered by Ray Content Hub—two complementary initiatives celebrating the remarkable women shaping Africa’s creative economy.
Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment is a new annual initiative recognising the women leading, innovating and transforming the continent’s creative industries across film, television, music, fashion, gaming, digital storytelling, animation, podcasting, entertainment technology and beyond.
From the women captivating audiences on screen and stage to the visionaries working behind the scenes – producers, directors, writers, executives, editors, designers, entrepreneurs, technologists and innovators – the initiative shines a spotlight on the leaders driving Africa’s entertainment industry forward.
Earlier this year, FAME Week Africa invited the industry to nominate the women they believed deserved recognition. The response was overwhelming, reflecting the extraordinary depth of talent, leadership and creativity across the continent. Every woman recognised this year was nominated by peers, colleagues and industry professionals who have witnessed first-hand the impact they continue to make across Africa’s entertainment landscape.
LEADING THE WAY
“What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is that every woman recognised this year was nominated by the industry itself. These nominations reflect the respect, admiration and impact these women have earned through their work. This is not about creating a definitive list; it’s about recognising excellence, celebrating leadership and building a community that champions the incredible women shaping Africa’s creative economy. We know there are many more inspiring women whose stories deserve to be told, and we invite the industry to help us continue growing this initiative in the years ahead,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa.
Honourees span the continent and every corner of the creative economy, from Mo Abudu (Nigeria), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Anele Mdoda (South Africa), Kim Jayde (Zimbabwe/South Africa), Lorcia Cooper Kumalo (South Africa), Mimi Bartels (Nigeria), Celeste Ntuli (South Africa), Flavia Motsisi (South Africa), Kudi Maradzika (Zimbabwe), Muthoni Waigwa (Kenya), Ava Eagle Brown (United Kingdom/Jamaica), Nissi Ogulu (Nigeria), Kim Jayde (South Africa) and Yvette Davis Gayle (South Africa), reflecting the diversity, creativity and global influence of Africa’s entertainment industry.
While these women represent some of the continent’s most inspiring leaders, Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment is not intended to be an official or definitive list. Rather, it marks the beginning of an annual initiative designed to celebrate the women shaping Africa’s creative industries and build a growing community that recognises excellence, innovation and leadership.
This year’s honourees have been recognised across five categories:
· Trailblazers – Celebrating pioneers redefining Africa’s entertainment industry through leadership, innovation and impact.
· Rising Stars – Recognising emerging women whose creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation are shaping the future of African entertainment.
· Behind the Scenes – Celebrating the women whose creativity, expertise and leadership bring Africa’s biggest stories to life behind the camera, behind productions and behind the business.
· Culture Shapers – Recognising women whose creativity and influence are shaping Africa’s cultural identity and amplifying authentic African voices.
· Future Makers – Honouring women creating opportunities for future generations through mentorship, education, advocacy and industry leadership.
AFRICAN WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT BREAKFAST
Complementing the initiative is the African Women in Entertainment Breakfast, powered by Ray Content Hub, one of FAME Week Africa’s flagship Women’s Month events. Bringing together influential women from across the continent’s creative industries, the breakfast celebrates achievement while creating space for meaningful conversations around leadership, mentorship, representation and the future of Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.
This year’s event will feature acclaimed actress, producer and entrepreneur Lorcia Cooper as keynote speaker, with award-winning broadcaster Carol Tshabalala serving as Master of Ceremonies. Together with industry leaders, partners and this year’s honourees, the event will celebrate the achievements of women while fostering collaboration, connection and inspiration across Africa’s creative economy.
Sponsorship is more than visibility, it’s about responsibility which is why we’re back at Fame Week Africa for the second time as Ray Content Hub. We will once again be partnering on the Africa Women in Entertainment Breakfast because we see it as a meaningful investment in the voices, leadership, and creative excellence of women shaping the future of our industry. It’s about creating space, amplifying impact, and backing the kind of storytelling and talent that will define the next chapter of global entertainment.” – Thabile Ngwato, Founder and CEO
View the full list of Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment and learn more about the initiative here: https://www.fameweekafrica.com/women-in-entertainment/en-us.html
The African Women in Entertainment Breakfast, powered by Ray Content Hub, forms part of FAME Week Africa’s year-round commitment to championing diversity, inclusion and leadership across Africa’s creative industries.
