Women in Marketing Africa Convenes Senior Industry Leaders in Nairobi for Bold Debate on African Representation in Global Branding

Nairobi, Kenya – June 2026 – Women in Marketing Africa (WiM Africa) will convene some of Africa’s most influential marketing, media and business leaders in Nairobi on Thursday 11 June 2026 for the next edition of its acclaimed Real Talk Debate Series.

Taking place at Tusker Brewhouse in partnership with East African Breweries Limited (EABL), the high-level debate will tackle one of the most pressing and increasingly scrutinised questions facing the global marketing industry: Are global brands truly committed to authentic African representation?

As Africa’s influence on global culture, creativity and commerce continues to grow, so too does the conversation around how African people, identities and stories are represented by international brands. From youth-driven digital culture and rapidly evolving consumer markets to growing demands for inclusion, nuance and cultural credibility, brands are under increasing pressure to move beyond surface-level representation and demonstrate genuine investment in African creativity, leadership and storytelling.

The Nairobi debate will bring together senior leaders from across marketing, advertising, media, technology and the wider creative industries for a candid and thought-provoking discussion on authenticity, authorship, visibility and commercial responsibility.

Confirmed panellists on the Brand side include:

• Palak Kamdar-Radia - Marketing Director East Africa & Indian Ocean; Mastercard
• Ope Lawal – Chief Marketing Officer; NBA Africa
• Vivian Achieng Oyugi - Marketing Director: Beauty, Wellbeing and Personal Care East and West Africa; Unilever

With the Agency line up consisting of

• Akua Owusu-Nartey - Group CEO; WPP-Scangroup
• Serah Katusya – CEO; Belva Digital
• Megha Dutta - Executive Creative Director; The Partnership Africa

Both sides expertly moderated by Carolyne Kendi – CEO; CK Marketing Coaching

In addition, the evening consists of a Fireside Chat:

Waithera Kabiru, Africa Digital Hub Lead at Diageo will be In Conversation With Zizwe Awuor Vundla, Head of Brand & Marketing at Safaricom

Discussion themes will include:

• Authenticity versus performative representation
• Who controls African storytelling and cultural narratives
• The representation of African women in global campaigns
• Balancing commercial goals with cultural responsibility
• The role of local creatives and decision-makers in shaping global brand strategy
• What meaningful collaboration between global and African organisations should look like

Speaking ahead of the event, Andrea Djan-Krofa said:

“There’s growing recognition that representation can’t just be surface level. Audiences across Africa are more connected, more culturally aware and more vocal than ever before. Brands are increasingly being challenged not just on whether Africa is visible in campaigns, but on who is shaping the narrative and whether meaningful investment in African talent, creativity and leadership is really happening behind the scenes.

“The aim of this debate is to create space for honest, intelligent conversation between senior leaders who are actively shaping the future of marketing on the continent. Nairobi felt like the right place to host it given the energy, innovation and influence coming out of East Africa right now.”

The Real Talk Debate Series has become known for its bold, insight-led discussions that move beyond traditional conference panels, creating space for genuine debate, audience interaction and challenging perspectives. Previous editions have taken place in major Africa cities including Accra and Johannesburg, bringing together senior leaders from across Africa’s marketing, media and creative sectors. 

The Nairobi edition is supported by a growing network of partners and collaborators including East African Breweries Limited (EABL), Superbrands East Africa, Kantar, Belva Digital, Marketing X, Kalea Designs, MediaPal and Firm Bridge. Industry community partners include Marketing Africa Magazine, Top Marketers Club and Women in Research East Africa.

The event is expected to attract a curated audience of senior brand marketers, CMOs, agency leaders, media executives, strategists and creatives from across East Africa and beyond.

For more information visit WiMAfrica.com For ticket sales visit https://mookh.com/event/real-talk-debate-nairobi.

 

 

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NOTE TO EDITORS

About Women in Marketing (WiM) Africa

Women in Marketing Africa (WiM Africa) is the Pan-African arm of the global Women in Marketing network, a platform with over 20 years of heritage championing leadership and excellence across marketing, advertising and communications.

Launched in 2018, WiM Africa connects senior leaders across 18+ African markets through curated events, industry debates, strategic partnerships and global collaborations.

Focused on leadership visibility, commercially relevant conversations and cross-border connection, WiM Africa works to position African marketing talent at the centre of global industry conversations.

For media enquiries, interviews or partnership opportunities:

Andrea Djan-Krofa
CEO, Women in Marketing Africa

Director, Women in Marketing Global

Email: hello@wimafrica.com
Website: WiM Africa