24 October 2026
Seven exceptional women from across Africa and its diaspora have been named on the shortlist for the 2026 Global Women in Marketing (WiM) Awards, recognising their contributions to marketing, brand leadership, innovation and the wider creative industries.
Now in its 16th year, the Global WiM Awards continue to celebrate the achievements and influence of women and their allies who are shaping the global marketing landscape.
This year's theme, The Year of Age, Part II – The Re-evolution Era, builds on the conversations introduced in 2025, exploring how experience, changing perspectives, technology and intergenerational thinking are reshaping leadership, creativity and the future of our industry.
As marketing continues to evolve in response to economic, social and technological shifts, the theme invites us to consider not only how we adapt to change, but how we contribute to shaping what comes next.
This year's shortlist features seven women representing Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and the African diaspora. Their professional backgrounds span financial services, consumer goods, technology, beauty, property and brand marketing, reflecting the diversity of talent and expertise connected to Africa's marketing industry.
We are delighted to congratulate:
Jean Okech – Head of Whisky for Africa Partner Markets, Diageo East Africa Ltd | Kenya
Olufunmilola Aluko – Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria | Nigeria
Lola Soyebo Harris – SVP of Marketing and Interior Design, Alpha Residential | USA/Nigeria
Regina Ofori – Head of Marketing & Brand, Ecobank | Ghana
Nomsa Ngubeni – Social & Digital Marketing Coordinator, Europa Group | South Africa
Zandi Zinganto – Senior Product Manager, Revlon South Africa | South Africa
Dr Gillian Hammah – Founder & CEO, GradePoint AI | Ghana
Among this year's shortlisted candidates is Dr Gillian Hammah, who returns to the global stage following her recognition as the winner of the WiM AI for Impact Award in 2025.
Together, these seven women represent different career stages, disciplines and perspectives, demonstrating that meaningful contributions to marketing take many forms, from emerging talent and specialist expertise to senior executive leadership and entrepreneurship.
The presence of African professionals on the Global WiM Awards shortlist is an important opportunity to recognise the depth and diversity of expertise across the continent.
Africa's marketing and creative industries operate within some of the world's most dynamic and complex markets. From building brands that resonate across cultures and communities to navigating rapid technological change, the work being undertaken by marketing professionals across the region deserves greater international visibility.
For WiM Africa, celebrating these achievements is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that African women are recognised, connected and represented within the global industry.
Andrea Djan-Krofa, CEO of Women in Marketing Africa, commented:
"Every year, I'm reminded of just how much talent, expertise and leadership exists across Africa's marketing and creative industries. Our seven shortlisted women represent different markets, disciplines and stages of their careers, and it's wonderful to see their contributions recognised on a global platform.
But they also represent a small fraction of the extraordinary women doing exceptional work across our continent. One of our ambitions at WiM Africa is to ensure that more of these women are seen, heard and celebrated, both within Africa and internationally.
As we mark 16 years of the Global WiM Awards, I hope this recognition encourages even more women to put themselves forward, share their work and claim the recognition they deserve. We have so many stories worth telling."
The 2026 Global Women in Marketing Awards ceremony will take place in London on Wednesday 11 November 2026, bringing together marketing professionals, industry leaders and changemakers from around the world.
Ahead of the ceremony, WiM Africa will be sharing interviews with our shortlisted candidates, offering an opportunity to learn more about their professional journeys, perspectives on leadership and the work that has brought them to this year's shortlist.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all seven shortlisted women and wish them every success at the Awards.
Discover more about the Global Women in Marketing Awards: Women in Marketing Awards
Stay connected with WiM Africa to follow our shortlisted candidates' stories and learn about future opportunities to participate in the Awards.