Olu of warri, 14 others named influential Africans for 2026

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III of Nigeria, has been selected for honour and recognition as an Influential African at the 2026 Iconic African Summit and Honours.

The summit is scheduled to hold from February 11 to 15, 2026, in Harare, ZIMBABWE according to a statement by the organisers

The summit themed, “The Africa We Want, Sustainable Development, Everyone’s Responsibility” is organized by ICONIC INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS PTY LTD in collaboration with MAYORKINGS CHARITY FOUNDATION and CONCORD FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN BUSINESS GLOBAL ZIMBABWE.

The initiative is led by Apphia N Musavengana founder CONCORD FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN BUSINESS GLOBAL ZIMBABWE.

Also listed for the awards are Refilwe Mtshweni Tsipane governor Mpumalanga Province SOUTH AFRICA, Sheillah Chokomo public leader ZIMBABWE, and 12 other distinguished Africans.

Other award recipients include Barbara Rwodzi minister of tourism and hospitality ZIMBABWE, Oppah Chamu Zvipange Muchinguri Kashiri minister of defence ZIMBABWE, Kudakwashe Tagwirei founder SAKUNDA HOLDINGS, Ruvimbo Gemma Ngara chief executive officer APEX REALTY GROUP, and Chichi Lion founder RISE 1 BILLION MOVEMENT and CHICHI LION GLOBAL IMPACT HUB.

Related News

Also recognised are Adediran Michael Timothy director general INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR PEACE AND DIPLOMACY, Natasha Dlamini actress and chief editor SHEAFRIQUE MAGAZINE, Mwamvita Makamba founder MM CONNECT AFRICA, Kadiva Diana Hamutumwa governor Ohangwena Region REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA, Ngobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu minister of industry and commerce ZIMBABWE, and Prince Lindani Dlamini crown prince KINGDOM OF ESWATINI.

The keynote opening address is expected to be delivered by Mai Muchinguri acting president ZIMBABWE.
Partner institutions include AMERICAN MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA USA, PROWESS UNIVERSITY DELAWARE USA, and AFRICAN UNION YOUTH COUNCIL CLUBS.

Temisan Louis, president and founder ICONIC INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS and MAYORKINGS CHARITY FOUNDATION said the summit would serve as a meeting point for influence, ideas, and impact across the continent.

He disclosed that delegates from over 60 countries, more than 80 high level personalities, and over 300 senior participants are expected to attend.

Louis said the event is open to business leaders, policy shapers, investors, innovators, and global decision makers.
He added that registration and nomination for the Iconic Africa Awards remain open.

According to him, the dinner and gala award night will hold on Friday February 13, 2026, at Rainbow Towers and Convention Centre, Harare, ZIMBABWE.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.