The organisers of the Global Africa Women in Medicine Summit have emphasised the need for mentorship and leadership development among female doctors to drive transformation in Africa’s healthcare sector.
The call comes ahead of the 2026 Global Africa Women in Medicine Summit, organised by the Excellence in Medicine Ladies Network, which aims to strengthen leadership capacity among African women in medicine.
In a statement on Thursday, founder of the GAWIM Summit and the EIM Ladies Network, Dr Olajumoke Ladapo, said the initiative was designed to prepare female doctors for leadership roles in healthcare administration, academia and corporate governance.
According to her, the platform seeks to bridge the gap between clinical practice and executive leadership while creating opportunities for mentorship and global collaboration among female health professionals.
“We are redefining what leadership in medicine looks like, together. Our goal is to equip the next generation of female doctors with the tools, mentorship and global networks necessary to transform healthcare systems globally,” Ladapo said.
She noted that the summit would serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation across Africa by encouraging women in medicine to move beyond clinical practice into decision-making and policy-influencing roles.
Ladapo added that the summit would also feature panel discussions and networking sessions designed to address systemic challenges in healthcare while encouraging women to take up leadership positions.
She said a highlight of the event would be a special tribute honouring African women who have made significant contributions to healthcare innovation and public health.
The GAWIM 2026 Summit will be held on 21 March 2026, at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the theme “Sustaining Leadership: From Practice to Boardroom”. The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, will serve as the Chief Keynote Speaker, while the Chief Executive Officer of JBS Gerontology Center/Medicare Services, Dr OluToyin Akande-Ajala, will chair the event. Other speakers expected at the summit include the Chief Medical Director of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr Oluwabunmi Fatungase; the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Ogun State, Dr Olayinka Elemide; Dr Moyosore Taiwo Makinde; Dr Olusegun Adebisi; Dr Oge Ilegbune; and Dr Francisca Inofomoh.
