Harare's Africa summit spotlights leadership, youth development priorities

Iconic International Holdings, Pty Limited hosted the 2026 Iconic Africa Summit and Honours in Harare, Zimbabwe, bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, youth groups and private sector actors to deliberate on Africa’s development priorities.

The summit, held from February 11-15 at the Rainbow Towers and Convention Centre, attracted over 30 speakers and more than 1,000 delegates from 54 countries across the continent, a statement from the organisers, stated.

Discussions focused on sustainable development, youth inclusion, regional integration and leadership accountability with participants examining pathways for strengthening cooperation and advancing socio-economic growth.

The event featured a partnership with led by Apphia Musavengana, Ambassador/President Concord for Young Women in Business Global, Zimbabwe.

The collaboration expanded the participation of women entrepreneurs and youth groups in the summit’s activities.

Temisan O. Louis, President and Founder, Iconic International Holdings, said the engagement with regional and continental institutions including the African Union Youth Council and the Internation Forum for Peace and Diplomacy, was aimed at deepening dialogue on policy, governance and development.

The summit was organised under the theme, The Africa We Want. Sustainable Development. Everyone’s Responsibility.

A key highlight was the presentation of the ICONIC 500 list, which recognised individuals and institutions for contributions in governance, humanitarian service, youth development and cultural preservation.

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Auxillia Mnangagwa, First Lady of Zimbabwe, received the Iconic Woman of the Year Award for her humanitarian and social welfare initiatives.

Prince Lindani, His Royal Highness, Kingdom of Eswatini, was recognised for his role in youth empowerment and cultural diplomacy.

Arthur Peter Mutharika, President, of Malawi was honoured for his leadership and commitment to democratic governance. The award was received on his behalf by Ben Malunga Phiri, Minister of Local Government, Malawi.

Tino Machakaire, Minister of Youth, Zimbabwe before, was acknowledged for efforts in promoting youth-led innovation and national development.

The Babukisi Foundation, organisation before ESWATINI, was also recognised for its work in preserving African heritage through digital platforms.

Kembo Mohadi, Vice President Zimbabwe and other regional leaders attended the summit, underscoring the growing interest in platforms that convene cross-sector dialogue on Africa’s development challenges.

Participants said the discussions are expected to inform policy engagement, regional partnerships and youth-focused programmes across the Southern African Development Community region and beyond.

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.