WOMEN LEADERS CONVENE IN DAR ES SALAAM FOR ACCELERATE WOMEN EXECUTIVE SUMMIT 2026

Dar es Salaam, March 14, 2026 — Women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals gathered at Johari Rotana for the Accelerate Women Executive Summit 2026, held under the theme “Power and Purpose.”

The high-impact summit brought together influential voices from business, technology, finance, and public institutions for a day of insightful discussions, practical learning, and strategic networking—aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and economic participation in Tanzania and beyond.

A Platform for Growth and Empowerment

Organized by Accelerate Women, the summit created a dynamic platform for women across sectors to gain actionable insights on leadership, business growth, digital transformation, and financial empowerment.

Representing the Ministry of Industry and Trade on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Judith Kapinga, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards, emphasized the importance of standards, quality assurance, and business formalization.

She encouraged women entrepreneurs to align with national standards to enhance credibility, scale sustainably, and access larger markets—while reaffirming the government’s commitment to enabling women-led business growth through supportive policies and institutions.

AI and Digital Transformation Take Center Stage

A standout moment of the summit was a Masterclass on Artificial Intelligence led by Michael Genuh, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of HustleSasa.

The session explored how AI is reshaping industries and how entrepreneurs can leverage emerging tools to boost productivity, enhance marketing strategies, and make data-driven decisions.

The masterclass drew strong engagement, with more than 20 participants actively contributing through questions—reflecting growing interest in integrating AI into business operations. A live demonstration of AI tools further brought the concepts to life, showcasing how technology can automate processes, generate content, and support strategic planning.

Building on this momentum, Emanuel Mwanyiku, Chief Information Officer of Absa Bank Tanzania, emphasized the urgency of digital transformation and the need for women to build relevant technological skills.

In a notable gesture, he offered summit participants free enrollment in an AI training course—encouraging women to seize opportunities in the evolving digital economy.

Investing for Long-Term Wealth

From the capital markets perspective, Davis Kiondo of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange underscored the importance of investing as a pathway to financial independence.

He encouraged women not only to grow businesses but also to actively participate in capital markets to build long-term wealth and financial security.

Building Influence Through Personal Branding

The summit also featured a compelling session on personal branding led by Fatema Dewji, Marketing Director of Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited.

Her session focused on how professionals and entrepreneurs can intentionally shape their public image, communicate their value effectively, and build authentic brands that unlock opportunities and strengthen influence.

CEO Power Panel: Real Stories, Real Impact

One of the most impactful sessions was the CEO Power Panel, featuring:

• Tabia Massudi, CEO of Assemble Insurance Tanzania
• Prudence Masoko, Country Director of CARE International Tanzania
• Sharmila Bhatt, Founder of Softech Consultants Limited and Rotary International Public Image Chair for Eastern and Southern Africa

The panelists shared candid reflections on their leadership journeys, highlighting the resilience, discipline, and courage required to overcome barriers and succeed in senior roles. Their insights deeply resonated with participants, making it one of the summit’s most memorable sessions.

A Call to Purposeful Leadership

Opening the summit, Bernice Fernandes, Founder of Accelerate Women, challenged participants to reflect on deeper questions of identity and purpose.

She urged women to confront what she described as “the questions of the human heart”—Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I capable of?—and to step confidently into their leadership potential.

Strong Partnerships Powering Impact

The success of the summit was made possible through the support of key partners and sponsors, including CRDB Bank, Selcom Pesa, UTT AMIS, Precision Air, and several other corporate and creative partners.

Driving the Future of Women Leadership

The Accelerate Women Executive Summit continues to position itself as a powerful platform for inspiring women to expand their ambitions, strengthen leadership capabilities, and pursue opportunities that drive both economic growth and social impact.

As Tanzania’s economy evolves, such initiatives play a critical role in ensuring that women are not just participants—but leaders shaping the future.