By Joseph Erunke

Harare, Zimbabwe, is set to become a continental hub of influence and ideas next February as the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, headlines a distinguished list of African leaders, policymakers, royals, business executives and change-makers to be honoured at the 2026 Iconic African Summit and Honours.

The summit, scheduled to hold from February 11 to 15, 2026, will recognise the Olu of Warri alongside 14 other eminent Africans as Influential Africans, in celebration of their leadership, impact and contributions to Africa’s development across governance, business, diplomacy, culture and social innovation.

Joining the Nigerian monarch on the honours list are prominent figures including Hon. Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane of South Africa; Zimbabwe’s Hon. Sheillah Chokomo; Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi; Minister of Defence, Hon. Oppah Chamu Zvipange Muchinguri-Kashiri; and business leader Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, founder of Sakunda Holdings.

Others to be honoured include real estate executive Ruvimbo Gemma Ngara, Chief Executive Officer of Apex Realty Group; global development advocate Dr Chichi Lion of the Rise 1 Billion Movement; peace and diplomacy advocate Amb. Adediran Michael Timothy; actress and media entrepreneur Natasha Dlamini of SheAfrique Magazine; and pan-African connector Mwamvita Makamba of MM Connect Africa.

Also on the list are Hon. Kadiva Diana Hamutumwa, Governor of Namibia’s Ohangwena Region; Zimbabwe’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Dr Ngobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu; and Prince Lindani Dlamini Crown, Prince of Swaziland.

The summit is being organised by Iconic International Holdings (Pty) Ltd., in partnership with the Mayorkings Charity Foundation and Concord for Young Women in Business Global (Zimbabwe). It will be held under the theme: “The Africa We Want: Sustainable Development, Everyone’s Responsibility.”

The event is spearheaded by Distinguished Ambassador Apphia N. Musavengana, while the Acting President of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Hon. Mai Muchinguri, is expected to deliver the keynote opening address, highlighting the summit’s high-level political and diplomatic importance.

Partner institutions include American Management University, California; Prowess University, Delaware; and the African Union Youth Council/Clubs, reinforcing the summit’s global reach.

Speaking ahead of the event, President and Founder of Iconic International Holdings and Mayorkings Charity Foundation, Amb. Dr Temisan O. Louis, described the gathering as more than a conventional summit.

“This is a convergence of influence, ideas and impact, where Africa’s present and future leaders come together to shape solutions for sustainable development,” he said.

According to him, delegates from over 60 countries are expected, alongside more than 80 distinguished personalities, global speakers and panelists, as well as over 300 high-level participants drawn from government, business, civil society and international institutions.

Dr Louis added that the summit is open to visionary leaders, business executives, investors, innovators, policymakers and global decision-makers, noting that registration and nominations for the prestigious Iconic Africa Awards remain open.

The highlight of the week-long event will be the Dinner and Gala Award Night, scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Rainbow Towers and Convention Centre, Harare, where Africa’s icons will be celebrated under one roof.