"The selection process for the annual Forbes Woman Africa Awards is always a rigorous undertaking that considers the individual's body of work and her impact and influence within a particular field," says Renuka Methil, managing editor of Forbes Africa and Forbes Woman Africa.

"Following a year of incredible challenge and upheaval, the nominees for this year have all exceeded in their fields, making the final choice incredibly tough for the judges. We're looking forward to an engaging and inspiring awards' ceremony for the sixth edition," adds Methil.

The 2021 categories include:
  • Forbes Woman Africa Young Achievers Award
  • Forbes Woman Africa Social Impact Award
  • Forbes Woman Africa Technology and Innovation Award
  • Forbes Woman Africa Academic Excellence Award
  • Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award
  • Forbes Woman Africa Sports Award
  • Forbes Woman Africa Businesswoman Award, and
  • Forbes Woman Africa Lifetime Achievement Award.
"African women are a vital source of innovation, prosperity and economic growth," says Suzanne Morel, Mastercard country manager for South Africa. "As firm supporters of diversity and inclusion, we are proud to partner with the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit to champion the women who are transforming how our world works and are making a real impact."

The awards' ceremony will conclude the two-day virtual summit,both of which are completely free to attend. The theme is 'Africa Reloaded: The Power of The Collective'. The summit, which coincides with the celebration of International Women's Day, is welcoming a top line-up of the continent's most inspiring women.

Among them are:
  • Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, newly-elected director-general of the World Trade Organization
  • Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019
  • Gugu Mbatha-Raw, British actor and UNHCR goodwill ambassador
  • Alek Wek, British-Sudanese supermodel and designer
  • Piwo Nyanda, South African women's rugby player and Mastercard ambassador
  • Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth secretary-general
  • Natasha Muhoza, poet / storyteller and lawyer, and
  • Ilwad Elman, Somali-Canadian activist and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
The summit is a free-to-attend virtual event, expected to draw more than 2 000 attendees from across the globe between Thursday, 8 March and Friday, 9 March. 

Individuals are encouraged to become part of the change by registering to attend the summit here. 

For more information, visit www.forbesafrica.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.