AWLO honours 25 global leaders in Washington, DC, at PAALA 2026
African leadership, women’s empowerment and the remarkable contributions of global change-makers took centre stage in Washington, DC, as the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) brought together an international audience for the 2026 edition of the Pan African Leadership Awards & Assembly (PAALA).
Hosted at The Melrose Georgetown Hotel, the August 15 gathering brought together leaders and professionals from Africa, Europe, the United States and the wider diaspora for an evening that combined recognition, networking, cultural expression and conversations around the future of African leadership.
The event’s theme, “Leadership. Impact. Legacy.”, captured the essence of the evening, which was celebrating established leaders while encouraging continued service and leadership across generations. The event recognised 25 Lifetime Achievement Honorees, whose careers and service have contributed to governance, business, healthcare, education, advocacy, humanitarian work and other areas of societal development.
The evening attracted a notable lineup of personalities, including H.E. Dr Michael Obeng, who delivered the keynote address; Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang, Chairman of PAALA 2026; and Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Special Guest of Honour.
Other notable attendees included Mrs Olayinka Creighton-Randall, Executive Administrator to H.E. Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao and President of ADDI, as well as Professor Lady Astrid Arens, President of Voice Aid Germany. Representing TheAfricanDream LLC, Washington, DC-based founder Mr Oral Ofori was also among the distinguished guests at the gathering.
“PAALA reminds us that African excellence exists in many forms and deserves to be recognised, documented and amplified. Bringing these leaders together in Washington creates an opportunity not only to celebrate what they have achieved, but also to think about what their collective experience can mean for the next generation,” said Mr Ofori.
AWLO founder, Ambassador Dr. Elisha Attai described the gathering as representative of the organisation’s broader vision in her speech. Her remarks reflected an event that was as much about relationship-building as it was about awards.
“This is what AWLO is about,” said Ambassador Attai, “watching leaders from Kenya, Germany and across the world meet for the first time, exchange notes, laugh, dance and build together — that is the energy that drives this movement. PAALA 2026 was not just an awards night. It was a statement that when women lead, the world wins.”
AWLO is a global network focused on the economic empowerment, leadership development and visibility of African women. Its programmes span leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, networking and recognition initiatives, including the Pan-African Leadership Awards & Assembly.
The 25 honorees received the PAALA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their respective journeys and contributions. Their areas of impact ranged from public leadership and entrepreneurship to healthcare, education, humanitarian service and advocacy, highlighting the diversity of ways Africans and people connected to the continent are contributing to social and economic development.
Rather than focusing solely on professional titles, the awards placed emphasis on the enduring impact of the honorees’ work and the legacies they are building.
The event also marked the inauguration of the AWLO DMV Chapter, with Mrs. Sandra Ekpeyong appointed as its Chairperson, extending AWLO’s organizational presence within the Washington metropolitan area.
The participation of TheAfricanDream LLC representative, Oral Ofori, was particularly relevant to an evening focused on recognition and visibility. The organisation, based in Washington, DC, works within the broader Africa-focused communications and information space, making the celebration of African leadership and achievement closely aligned with its mission.
In a post-event statement, AWLO extended its appreciation to the event’s partners, sponsors, media partners, members of its global team and guests who travelled to Washington for the occasion.
The organization specifically acknowledged The Melrose Georgetown Hotel, PAALA 2026 Chairman Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang, Keynote Speaker H.E. Dr. Michael Obeng and Special Guest of Honor Senator Florence Ita Giwa for their roles in the event.
It also recognized diplomatic missions, civil society organizations and members of the African diaspora whose continued engagement supports efforts to elevate African leadership internationally.
Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq for TheAfricanDream®
