The inaugural Africa Rising Leadership Summit & Awards brought together Africa’s most visionary minds for a groundbreaking two-day event dedicated to redefining leadership in the digital age on the 27th and 28th March. Held at the Inanda Club Sandton, this premiere gathering united business pioneers, digital innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders under the theme “The Path Forward – Empowering Africa’s Future through Leadership in the Age of Digital Transformation”.
The summit, hosted by MC Dr Nompumelelo Nkosi-Ntombela, was a melting pot of ideas, energy and collaboration with an outstanding lineup of speakers who captivated audiences with their insights on leadership and transformation. Esteemed business leaders such as Nonkululeko Gobodo, Dr Charles Cotter, Kutlwano Ngwarati, Max Moyo, Akhona Qenqge and Gugu Mkhize inspired delegates with powerful keynotes emphasising the importance of innovation, adaptability and leadership in powering Africa’s future.
Across the two days, these influential voices set the stage for deep and meaningful discussions encouraging delegates to lead with purpose. Kicking off the summit, a series of dynamic panel discussions took centre stage addressing the critical topics shaping Africa’s growth trajectory. In conversations moderated by Africa Rising Leadership Founder & CEO Nomazibulo Tshanga experts such as Dr. Tshidi Gule, Dr. Jerry Gule, Antoinette Roberts and Boniwe Dunster explored the importance of reskilling leaders in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While conversations with Simo-Sihle Mvinjelwa, Palesa Moeketsane, Devandre Lawrence reinforced the power of transformative leadership. AI-driven leadership was another hot topic in a panel moderated by Onke Dumeko with Esther Munyi and Fikile Mdiniso urging leaders to balance technological advancements with ethical decision-making.
On the final day of the summit, Kaya FM’s Gugulethu Mfuphi engaged Belinda Knight, Themba Chakela, Nomvula Nxumalo & Francois de Wet in robust discussions on The Future of Leadership in an AI Driven World. While Ipeleng Mkhari, Zizipho Nyanga and Lucky Litelu championed the important role of Entrepreneurship in the Digital & Innovation Era. The summit closed with an impactful discussion unpacking on how to drive transformation and leadership Excellence in conversation with Sylvester Chauke, Zwelethu Bashman and Batandwa Damoyi.
Our Vision For the Africa Rising Summit & Awards is to make Leadership more accessible and more impactful. Young professionals, emerging entrepreneurs & business executives often lack access to the right mentorship and the right platforms” commented Nomazibulo Tshanga, Founder & CEO of Africa Rising Leadership “I am really encouraged by the great response to this inaugural event, the empowering messages shared by our speakers & the robust discussions we had with panellists. It was heart-heartwarming to honour remarkable leaders in business who are doing the work every day to empower Africa’s future” she reflected.
The summit culminated in a spectacular Awards hosted by our MC…Unathi Ncunyana recognising the trailblazers shaping Africa’s future. The Africa Rising Leadership Awards 2025 honoured visionaries across various categories including:
Digital Entrepreneur of the Year:
Mamela Luthuli (Founder and CEO – TakeNote IT)
& Zibusiso Mkhwanazi (Executive Chairman – Avatar & M & N)
Digital Transformation Leader of the Year
Lynette Magasa (CEO Boniswa Group)
Emerging Women Leaders
Gugu Mkhize (CEO – INSETA)
& Buhle Hanise (Head of Business Restructuring Service – BDO South Africa)
Top Entrepreneur of The Year
Thandeka Mngomezulu (Founder & CEO -TotalServe)
Impactful Leader of The Year
Akhona Qengqe (CEO KFC Africa)
Emerging Leader
Godiragetse Fareed Mogajane (CEO Delivery – Ka Speed)
Impactful Woman Leader
Nomvula Nomie Nxumalo (Executive Head People & Transformation – MiWay)
Lifetime Achievement
Ipeleng Nonkululeko Mkhari
The Africa Rising Leadership Summit & Awards is just the beginning of a transformative journey cultivating a platform for a new wave of leaders to drive Africa’s Forward. Follow our pages for more details on http://www.africarisingleadership.com/ & https://linktr.ee/africarisingleadership
