They come from different countries. They work in different sectors. Their stories, experiences and ambitions are their own.

But they have something important in common: they believe in Africa, in what can be built here and in the role they can play in shaping what comes next.

Being selected as a WIA Young Leader is not the end of the process. It is where the journey begins.

The 2026 Young Leaders will become part of the wider WIA community, meet and learn from high-level mentors, build new connections and gain greater visibility for the work they are already doing.

And very soon, they will meet each other.

From 22 to 28 November 2026, we look forward to welcoming the WIA Young Leaders 2026 to Paris. For one week, the 10 women will come together for meetings, training, conversations and exchanges with people from different sectors and backgrounds.

It will be a chance to learn, of course. But just as importantly, it will be a chance to connect.

Because one of the most important parts of WIA Young Leaders has always been the community created around the programme — women meeting other women they may never otherwise have crossed paths with, sharing experiences and building relationships that continue long after the programme itself.

And this is only the beginning

Over the coming weeks, we want you to get to know these women beyond their names and job titles.

We will introduce each of the WIA Young Leaders 2026 individually and share their stories, the work they are doing, what drives them and what they want to contribute to Africa’s future.

Ten women with different stories, from different parts of the continent.