Mission Africa Strengthens Women’s Leadership Network Across Continent at 2025 Lagos Conference

The 2025 edition of the Mission Africa Woman With a Mission Recognition and Achievement Awards has successfully concluded at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel, delivering two days of high-level engagements, international collaboration, and the celebration of outstanding African women leaders. The conference drew over 200 participants each day, including senior government officials, diplomats, industry executives, development partners, and delegates from across the continent.

The annual event, organised to spotlight the achievements and impact of African women in governance, enterprise, and community development, continues to position Mission Africa as a leading platform for advancing women’s leadership across the region.
Day One: Diplomatic Engagements, Policy Conversations, and Exhibitions
The opening day commenced with an impressive gathering of dignitaries and thought leaders, including:

• Professor Bobby Moroe, Consular General of South Africa to Nigeria
• Delegations from South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana
• Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation
• Mrs. Toyin Anjous-Adeyemi, Director-General, Office of Innovation, Creativity and Transformation
• Mr. Olalekan Bakare Oki, General Manager, LASTMA
• Representative of Dr. Ore Finnih, Director-General, Lagos State SDGs Office
• Female Counsellors from Lagos State
• Exhibitors showcasing women-driven and innovation-focused enterprises
Day One delivered a blend of keynote presentations, policy-driven conversations, and cross-border networking sessions.

Exhibitors presented a wide range of innovative products and services, reinforcing the central role of women in entrepreneurial growth and technology-led development.
Day Two: Gala Night, Awards, and Celebrations of Excellence

The conference concluded with the signature Gala Night, a ceremonial and cultural evening that attracted prominent leaders and policymakers. Distinguished attendees included:

• Representative of the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
• General Manager, LASTMA
• Managing Director/CEO, LSDPC
• Special Adviser, Transportation
• Special Adviser, Tourism
• Prof. Bobby Moroe, Consular General of South Africa to Nigeria
• Mrs. Josephine Sarouk, MD, Bayobab
• Emma Wilhelmina Halm
• Abosede Shafe
• Dr. Abubakar Kuso, representing Niger State, with his entourage

The evening featured the official recognition and awards segment, honouring exceptional women as well as institutional partners whose contributions have significantly advanced leadership, innovation, social impact, and community development across the continent.

Throughout the two-day programme, delegates engaged in powerful dialogues addressing intra-African cooperation, women’s political participation, sustainable development strategies, and opportunities for expanding regional partnerships. Cultural showcases, networking sessions, and expert panel discussions further enriched the experience.

Speaking during the closing session, Mrs. Temitope Victoria Adasonla, Founder of Mission Africa and Woman With a Mission Organization, expressed deep appreciation for the impact of this year’s gathering. She noted that the 2025 edition once again demonstrated the transformative capacity of African women when equipped with visibility, collaboration, and supportive ecosystems. “This conference reinforces our belief that African women are not only shaping today’s narrative but are boldly defining the future of leadership, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent,” she said.
She further affirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening continental partnerships.

“Mission Africa will continue to build bridgesbridges of empowerment, opportunity, and shared growth. Our vision is to ensure that every African woman, regardless of background or circumstance, is equipped, uplifted, and celebrated. The success of this year’s edition inspires us to deepen our impact and broaden our footprints in the years ahead,” Mrs. Adasonla added.

The 2025 conference reaffirmed Mission Africa’s commitment to strengthening South–South collaboration and advancing the visibility and empowerment of women across African nations. The event enjoyed broad and favourable media coverage, with positive responses from participants, government partners, private-sector stakeholders, and international observers. The success of the 2025 edition sets a strong foundation for expanded engagement and a broader continental footprint in future editions.