Across Africa, markets are growing fast—but attention is not. Whether you are in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, or Johannesburg, the reality is the same: customers have more choice than ever before, but less patience for brands that don’t feel relevant. Two businesses can offer the same product, at the same price, with similar distribution. Yet one scales. The other struggles. The difference is not visibility. It has meaning. Because in today’s African market, brands don’t win because they are present. They win because they are understood—and trusted.
When we opened applications for the 2026 Women in Marketing (WiM) Africa Cannes Lions ERA Pass, we knew the bar would be high — but even we were taken aback by the response. We received over five times the number of entries compared to last year, with submissions coming in from across the continent. The quality, thoughtfulness and ambition in each video was genuinely inspiring. It was a powerful reminder of just how much talent exists across Africa — and how important it is that more of it is seen on global stages like Cannes Lions.
Women in Marketing Africa is pleased to confirm its participation in the Cannes Lions ERA Programme 2026, continuing its commitment to increasing access, visibility, and representation for women across the African marketing and creative industries.
By Andrea Djan-Krofa, CEO - Women in Marketing Africa; Director - Women in Marketing Global. I want to start by giving credit where it’s due. Kudos to Brand Africa and its partners for curating and launching the inaugural ACMO 100. I think it’s a strong and timely initiative, and an important way of recognising the marketing leaders helping to shape some of Africa’s most influential brands.
Last week, marketing, advertising and creative industry leaders gathered in London for the inaugural IAA COMPASS: Africa Summit — a new platform bringing together voices from across Africa, the UK and the diaspora to explore the future of African brands and markets. Hosted by the International Advertising Association UK in collaboration with Women in Marketing Africa...
Women in Marketing Africa (WiM Africa) has partnered with the International Advertising Association (IAA) UK to deliver the IAA UK COMPASS: Africa Summit – The Future Reimagined: Rethinking African Brands, taking place on 12 March 2026 at Fordham University London
By Dr Sizakele MarutlulleCreative Strategist, Leadership Advisor & Director of Global Engagement, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) In this thoughtful and timely piece for ACUMEN, the official magazine of the Gordon Institute of Business Science, Sizakele makes a compelling case for why Chief Marketing Officers should be represented at board level.
As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what Women in Marketing Africa has built and delivered in 2025. It’s been a year of progress, meaningful access, and conversations that move the industry forward. None of this would have been possible without the support of you, the WiM Africa community ,and our partners. Thank you for backing the work, and the women behind it.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of attending what can only loosely be described as an “industry event.” I say loosely because WPP’s Stream Africa - held this year in Johannesburg - defies easy categorisation. It’s part conference, part creative retreat, part experiment in collective intelligence. Imagine a space where media, marketing, technology, and human curiosity collide - then add Fireside chats around actual campfires (when the weather allowed), canoeing, and conversations about everything from the gambling epidemic to women’s health to the existential mysteries of Gen Z.
The Global Women in Marketing (WiM) Awards 2025 once again shone a spotlight on the remarkable talent, leadership, and creativity emerging from across the African continent. This year’s Africa region winners and recognised nominees demonstrated not only excellence in their craft but also a deep commitment to impact, innovation, and uplifting others. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate each of them — and delighted to share the judges’ comments that highlight why these individuals and organisations made such a powerful impression.