Our Programmes

Five programmes.
One unstoppable mission.

From a finishing school for young women to an international awards gala — every AWLO programme is purpose-built to advance African women into leadership across all sectors and continents.

6
Flagship Programmes
16
Years Running
23
Active Chapters
12+
Countries
4
Continents
AWLC Annual Conference PAALA Awards · Pan-African Leadership Induction & Partners Appreciation Dinner 2026 HeforShe Summit AWLO Youth Council iLEAD Student Leadership Club International Youth Summit AWLC Annual Conference PAALA Awards · Pan-African Leadership Induction & Partners Appreciation Dinner 2026 HeforShe Summit AWLO Youth Council iLEAD Student Leadership Club International Youth Summit
Programme 01

AWLC — The Annual
Women in Leadership Conference

The cornerstone of AWLO’s programme calendar. Held annually across Africa and the USA, AWLC brings together hundreds of women leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders for the continent’s most impactful leadership convening.

AWLC Conference
Flagship
01
Annual Conference

Where women leaders
set the agenda.

The West African Women in Leadership Conference launched in Accra, Ghana in 2009 and has grown into a premier global convening held across Africa and the USA. Each edition brings together presidents, ministers, executives, entrepreneurs and changemakers.

Past editions have opened by First Ladies of Nigeria, attracted governors, and catalysed landmark policy commitments including the 35% Affirmative Action push for women in Nigerian governance.

🏆
Keynotes & Panels
World-class speakers on leadership, policy and development
🤝
Networking
Cross-continental alliance building across sectors
📣
Policy Advocacy
Communiqués and action plans delivered to governments
🌐
Global Reach
USA, UK, Africa & Canada editions running simultaneously
Programme 02

PAALA — Pan-African Achievers
& Leaders Awards

The most prestigious recognition for African leadership achievement. Held annually, PAALA honours exceptional individuals whose work has advanced leadership, impact and legacy across Africa and the diaspora.

PAALA Awards
Awards Gala
02
Annual Awards · Washington DC & Africa

Leadership. Impact.
Legacy.

The Pan African Leadership Awards & Assembly (PAALA) recognises 25 distinguished honorees each year whose exceptional contributions have advanced leadership across Africa and the global diaspora.

PAALA 2026 was held at The Melrose Georgetown Hotel in Washington DC, celebrating 25 Lifetime Achievement Honorees under the theme “Leadership. Impact. Legacy.” — bringing together diplomats, executives, and changemakers in an unforgettable gala evening.

🏆
25 Honorees
Lifetime achievement recognised across sectors annually
🌏
Global Nominations
Open to Africans and diaspora worldwide
🏠
Prestige Venues
Washington DC, London & African capitals
👑
Leadership Legacy
Honouring impact that outlasts the individual
Programme 03

HeforShe Summit —
Men championing gender equity

AWLO recognises the pivotal role men play in championing gender equality. The Pan African HeforShe Summit brings together men, champions and HeForShe heroes to advance women’s leadership in governance.

HeforShe Summit
HeforShe
03
Annual Summit · Pan-Africa

When men lead the charge
for women’s leadership.

Theme: “The Impact of Gender-Inclusive Governance on Societal Development.” Embracing gender-inclusive governance is not just a matter of fairness — it is a catalyst for profound societal development.

The Summit aims to shed light on existing gender disparities in governance; provide a platform for thought leaders to share insights; redefine masculinity as a catalyst for women’s development; and forge actionable commitments across sectors.

⚖️
Gender Equity
Closing the representation gap in governance
🤝
Male Allies
HeforShe heroes committing to action
📣
Policy Blueprint
Concrete roadmap for closing the representation gap
🌐
Pan-African
Cross-continental coalition building
Programme 04

AWLO Youth Council
& iLEAD Student Club

A finishing school for the next generation of African women leaders. AWLO Youth Council develops leadership capacity in young women 18–35, while the iLEAD Club works at school level to prevent gendered outcomes before they begin.

iLEAD Club
Youth
04
Youth Council & iLEAD Club

Building tomorrow’s leaders
starting today.

The AWLO Youth Council is a structured leadership development programme for women aged 18–35 — combining mentorship, experiential learning, chapter leadership, and cross-continental exposure.

iLEAD (I Lead) is a school-based complementary curriculum designed to prevent gendered outcomes that lead to girls’ poor participation in the workforce and economy. The iLEAD Club cultivates leadership identity from the earliest possible age.

🎓
iLEAD Club
School-based curriculum preventing gendered outcomes from the start
🌿
Youth Council
Structured leadership development for women 18–35
🤝
Mentorship
Pairing emerging leaders with established executives
🏆
Subsidised Rates
Youth membership from $50 for ages 18–30

“I am committed to being the change that I want to see in my community.”

The iLEAD Club Pledge — AWLO Student Leadership Programme
Programme 05

International Youth Summit —
A global stage for young leaders

A global platform for young African leaders to shape policy, build cross-border partnerships, and drive collaboration across every sector and continent.

International Youth Summit
IYS
05
Annual Summit · Global

Young. African.
Unstoppable.

The International Youth Summit (IYS) is AWLO’s dedicated platform for young leaders to engage directly with global development conversations, mentor with senior leaders, and take concrete action toward the issues that affect African youth most.

The Summit bridges the gap between young energy and established leadership — creating a continuum that ensures AWLO’s work grows stronger with every generation.

🌐
Global Platform
Young leaders from across Africa and the diaspora
📣
Policy Action
Shaping real policy conversations and commitments
🤝
Mentorship
Direct access to established African women leaders
🌿
Next Generation
Sustaining AWLO’s mission across generations
2026 Special Edition · Washington DC

PAALA DMV 2026 —
Inaugural Chapter Launch & Awards Gala

The first DMV-hosted PAALA — the formal inauguration of the AWLO Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia Chapter before the region and the world. August 14–16, 2026 · Melrose Georgetown Hotel.

PAALA DMV 2026
Aug 15, 2026
PAALA 2026 · Black Tie
PAALA Awards Gala & Dinner — 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
AWLO DMV Chapter · Inaugural Edition

One Seat. One Leader.
One Future Changed.

PAALA 2026 is AWLO’s flagship recognition initiative honoring exceptional leaders of African descent whose contributions have shaped communities, industries, and institutions across the United States and the African continent. This is the first DMV-hosted edition — convening visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, philanthropists, educators, diplomats, and community changemakers.

📍
Venue
Melrose Georgetown Hotel · 2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20037
📅
Date
August 14–16, 2026 · Gala: August 15, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🏅
Dress Code
Black Tie · African Formal Attire Welcomed & Celebrated
🏆
Honorees
25 Lifetime Achievement Honorees of African Descent
Weekend Schedule

The PAALA 2026 Leadership Experience

Aug 14 · Friday
Executive Morning
An exclusive leadership breakfast & executive portrait experience for VIP Delegates and Champion Sponsors.
14
Aug 15 · Saturday
Red Carpet Arrival
Honorees, Delegates, Diplomats, Public Officials & Corporate Executives walk the PAALA Red Carpet. Celebrate achievement. Honor excellence.
15
Aug 15 · Evening
PAALA Gala & Awards
An elegant evening recognising 25 exceptional leaders. Dinner & Awards 7:00 PM. Poet Joy-Jayne Bassey performing.
Gala
Aug 16 · Sunday
Safe Travels
The relationships formed, the partnerships established, and the vision embraced will continue to create impact throughout communities and across generations.
16
2026 Honorees

25 Extraordinary Leaders Recognised.

PAALA Honoree
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Hope Umana
Faith Cooper
Rosa Adofo
Calista Chana
Eberechi Amole
Scroll to see all 25 honorees →
Melrose Georgetown Hotel
Official Venue
The Melrose Georgetown Hotel
2430 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20037
AWLO DMV Chapter
“The risk takers of today are the history makers of tomorrow.”
Whether you’re interested in attending PAALA 2026, becoming a member, sponsoring the event, or partnering with the AWLO DMV Chapter — visit the official site to get involved.
AWLO 17th Anniversary Induction & Partners Appreciation Dinner 2026
Save the Date • Dec 2026
🎉 17th Anniversary • Special Event

Induction & Partners
Appreciation Dinner 2026

As AWLO marks its 17th Anniversary, we are proud to host the Induction & Partners Appreciation Dinner — a prestigious black-tie evening honouring new members, long-standing partners, and the trailblazers who have shaped African women’s leadership over 17 transformative years.

Date
11 – 13 Dec 2026
Venue
Amedeo Event Center
Location
Enugu, Nigeria
Dress Code
Black Tie
📞 +234 909 701 5924  •  ✉ Dean@awlo.africa  •  💳 account@awlo.africa
Get Involved Today

Which programme
is right for you?

Whether you’re an executive seeking to amplify your impact, a young woman ready to lead, or a man committed to gender equity — there is a place for you in the AWLO ecosystem.

Ready to build a leadership
legacy that lasts?

Join AWLO and access all five flagship programmes across 4 continents.

Youth membership from $50 for ages 18–30.