As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month this August, FAME Week Africa is proud to launch Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment, a new annual initiative dedicated to recognising and celebrating the extraordinary women driving Africa’s entertainment and creative industries forward.
The initiative shines a spotlight not only on the women audiences see on screen and on stage, but also on the executives, producers, writers, directors, editors, technicians, designers, entrepreneurs and innovators working behind the scenes to shape Africa’s cultural future and creative economy.
At a time when Africa’s creative industries are experiencing unprecedented growth and global recognition, Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment aims to amplify the voices, visibility and achievements of women who are transforming the industry through leadership, innovation, creativity and influence.
The programme celebrates outstanding women making a significant impact across the entertainment ecosystem, including:
• Film
• Television
• Music
• Fashion
• Animation
• Gaming
• Audio & Podcasting
• Creator Economy
• Digital Storytelling
• Entertainment Technology
“The future of Africa’s creative industries is being written by women every day. They commission, create, direct, produce, design and lead, yet too many remain invisible. This initiative is about recognising the women shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape, celebrating their achievements, and ensuring the next generation can see what is possible,”
says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa.
The programme will honour nominees across five categories:
• Trailblazer – Established leaders whose work and influence continue to shape the entertainment industry.
• Rising Star – Emerging women making bold moves and demonstrating exceptional promise.
• Behind-the-Scenes Powerhouse – The women audiences may not always see, but whose expertise and contribution are essential to the industry’s success.
• Culture Shaper – Women influencing African culture and conversation beyond traditional entertainment spaces.
• Future Maker – Women driving innovation, technology and the future of entertainment across the continent.
FAME Week Africa is inviting industry professionals, peers and members of the public to nominate outstanding women making a meaningful impact across Africa’s entertainment sectors.
Nominations are now open and close on 17 July 2026. To nominate click here.
The initiative is a natural extension of FAME Week Africa’s ongoing commitment to championing inclusion and gender representation across the creative industries.
Each year, the event hosts the African Women in Entertainment Breakfast, proudly sponsored by Ray Content Hub, one of the festival’s most anticipated networking and thought-leadership events.
Bringing together leading executives, creators, entrepreneurs and emerging talent from across the continent, the breakfast provides a platform for meaningful conversations around leadership, representation, mentorship, investment and the opportunities shaping the future of women in Africa’s entertainment industry.
It celebrates achievements, encourages collaboration and inspires the next generation of women leaders.
“You can’t be what you can’t see. Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment exists to celebrate the women already leading the way while inspiring those who will shape the future of our industry,”
says Hiller.
The inaugural list of Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment honourees will be announced ahead of FAME Week Africa 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 28 October to 1 November 2026, where they will be recognised as part of the event’s celebration of African creativity, innovation and excellence.
To nominate someone for Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment:
Complete the Nomination Form here.
