VOALS Kenya 2026 ends with call for African women to reclaim voice, influence

The inaugural Kenya edition of the Voice of Africa Leadership Summit (VOALS) has ended in Nairobi with a strong call for African women to reclaim their voices, identities and influence and take their rightful place in shaping the continent’s future.

The four-day summit, organised by its founder and convener, Dr Yetunde Folami, brought together women leaders, business executives, coaches, philanthropists, mentors and social impact advocates from Nigeria, Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Held at the International Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi, the summit featured mentorship sessions, leadership conversations, networking and an awards ceremony celebrating women making significant contributions across different sectors.

The programme began on Tuesday, August 25, with a visit to the University of Nairobi, where pharmacy students participated in an empowerment session and received gifts from Folami and the Amsha Africa Foundation.

Modupe Mabawonku and Uche O’Keem also addressed the students, reinforcing the summit’s emphasis on leadership as a tool for service and measurable impact.

A pre-summit dinner followed at the International Argyle Grand Hotel, providing delegates with an opportunity to network and build relationships ahead of the main summit.

The main programme on Thursday, August 27, opened with Folami’s welcome address titled “Leadership Renaissance: Reclaiming Identity, Voice and Influence.”

She challenged African women to take greater ownership of their leadership potential and confidently occupy spaces where decisions affecting the continent are made.

Executive coach Bola Matel-Okoh delivered a session on “Owning Your Authority: The Inner Work of Leadership,” focusing on the personal transformation required for effective leadership.

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Dr Wale Akinyemi addressed “Human-Centred Leadership in Complex Systems,” highlighting empathy and adaptability as critical qualities for leaders operating in an increasingly complex environment.

A fireside conversation featuring Akinyemi, Matel-Okoh, Lillian Ngala and Folami examined how values, vision and influence could shape Africa’s leadership future.

Other sessions explored the experiences of modern executive women, the realities behind public leadership and the role of mentorship in developing future leaders.

Women Leaders Honoured

The summit also featured the inaugural VOALS Awards, recognising women whose work has contributed to transforming communities, businesses and institutions.

Matel-Okoh received the VOALS Leadership Renaissance Award, while Dr Adeshola Cole-Alegbe, CEO of Tritek Consulting UK and Tritek Academy, received the VOALS Legacy of Excellence Award.

Foluke Adedokun, CEO of FruitieWorld, won the Enterprise and Innovation Award, while Mercy Achola, founder of Value Connect, received the Voice of Impact Award.

Kenyan leader Cynthia Marebs, COO of Streethub and founder of Early Blessings, received the Community Transformation Award.

The Transformational Leadership Award went to Lillian Ngala, HR Director and founder of the Lillian Ngala Network, while Nigerian-American Nwayigwe Okpa, founder and executive director of Grace Give Back World, received the Heart of Service Award.

Anchored by Dr Tiffany Oloke, the summit ended with delegates committing to greater collaboration across borders and sectors, deliberate use of influence and sustained action beyond the event.

With participants and honourees drawn from Africa, Europe and the United States, VOALS Kenya 2026 positioned itself as the beginning of a wider movement aimed at amplifying women’s voices and strengthening their role in Africa’s leadership narrative.