Claire Akamanzi, Josephine Wapakabulo, and Lena Zamchiya shine at 3rd Int'l Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai

Not less can be said of what transpired over three days at the third annual International Woman Leadership Conference, held in partnership with Dubai Tourism to provide an engaging platform where issues hindering women's interconnectivity are examined and removed to help women move forward. 

United in the strength to change the story of Africa's nations, the conference has become a beacon of empowerment for today's career women and leaders. 

True to its form, the conference was a dazzling display of continental and global talents and vision, with notable figures drawn from across Africa and the diaspora.

Claire Akamanzi, Josephine Wapakabulo, and Lena Zamchiya, each with their unique journeys and insights, held their own - they shared impactful stories of courage from East Africa that resonated with attendees.

Claire Akamanzi, a distinguished Rwandan lawyer, businesswoman, and former ED/CEO of Rwanda Development Board, who began her tenure as the CEO of NBA Africa, delivered a keynote address titled "Rwanda Stories of Leading with Courage -A Changemaker's Mindset." 

She identified three types of courage that leaders need to possess to be successful: the courage to forgive (without forgetting the need for justice), the courage to dream big, and the courage to always do the right thing. 

Founder & Managing Director at TIG Africa, Dr Josephine Wapakabulo, inspired attendees during a plenary tagged "Experiences from the Real World." 

The first woman in the world to be the founding CEO of a national oil company, the richness of Dr Wapakabulo's contributions testified to her impressive experience working on national levels and global luxury brands.

At the same time, during a conversation with the conference convener Ibukun Awosika, Lena Zamchiya  shared multigenerational earnings on leading with courage. 

Zamchiya, a distinguished professional known for her leadership and entrepreneurial skills, is the Chief Operating Officer for Friendship Bench Zimbabwe. She also shared valuable insights on leveraging leadership to strengthen institutions, processes, and systems.

The contributions of Akamanzi, Wapakabulo, and Zamchiya not only showcase their individual achievements but also spotlight the conference's diverse outlook, welcoming women from all around the world to ignite a spark in attendees.