African women's political and economic empowerment

Discussions regarding women’s empowerment in Africa have transitioned from a focus on political representation to a push for economic ownership.

Initially, stakeholders at the 26th National Council on Women Affairs in Nigeria emphasized the need for improved policy implementation to protect vulnerable populations. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, advocated for 50 per cent female representation in leadership to align with regional declarations, while advocates called for increased female participation in policymaking and better access to education for girls.

More recently, officials in Nigeria and South Africa have shifted the focus toward economic empowerment and wealth creation. In Nigeria, the ‘SheIsIncluded 2026 Summit’ was announced to provide economic opportunities to 10 million women through skills development and technology. Similarly, in South Africa, Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike argued that true emancipation requires women to move ‘from participation to power,’ emphasizing the importance of owning productive assets and capital rather than just earning income.