The search for Africa’s most influential women in sport has officially begun, with nominations now open for the 2026 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports (50MIA) Awards, a Pan-African platform dedicated to recognising women whose leadership, resilience and innovation are transforming the continent’s sporting landscape. The announcement, shared by the organising lead through Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) Media, comes as Africa celebrates Pan-African Women’s Day, providing an opportunity to spotlight women whose contributions continue to shape the present and future of sport across the continent.
The 50MIA initiative is calling on members of the public, sports organisations, federations, institutions and the global African Diaspora to nominate outstanding women who are making a meaningful difference within the sports ecosystem. The 2026 nominations seek to celebrate women across a broad spectrum of the industry, including athletes, coaches, referees, administrators, sports executives, journalists, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists and community leaders, their stories may be different, but the common thread is their ability to influence, inspire and create opportunities for others while contributing to the growth and development of African sport.
A platform for women shaping African sport
For decades, women across Africa have played critical roles in sport, often breaking barriers in environments where opportunities and recognition have not always been equal, from athletes competing at the highest level to women working behind the scenes to organise competitions, develop young talent, promote sports media, strengthen governance and build sustainable sporting businesses, their contribution has become increasingly central to Africa’s sporting ambitions. The 50MIA Awards seek to bring many of these stories to the forefront, the 2026 edition will recognise women whose work demonstrates leadership, innovation, influence, excellence and a commitment to transforming sport and society. It also provides an important platform for the African sporting community to celebrate women not only for what they have achieved, but for the doors they are opening for the next generation.
Dakar to host the 2026 50MIA celebration
The journey will culminate in Dakar, Senegal, where sports leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and influential women from across Africa and the Diaspora are expected to converge for the 50MIA Summit, Sports Expo and Awards from November 5–7, 2026. The three-day gathering will provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, sports business conversations and the celebration of women contributing to Africa’s sporting development. The highlight will come on Saturday, November 7, when the distinguished 2026 Class of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports will be unveiled during the prestigious 50MIA Awards Gala.
This year’s theme, “Rooted To Rise,” carries a powerful message about the importance of African identity, resilience, heritage and leadership in driving progress. It reflects the journey of women who have remained connected to their communities and roots while rising to influence sport at national, continental and global levels.
Beyond the awards and the glamour of the Gala, the 50MIA initiative represents a broader conversation about the place of women in Africa’s sports industry, recognising women in sport creates visibility for careers beyond competition and helps demonstrate that the sporting ecosystem requires diverse leadership across administration, media, science, business, technology, education, officiating and community development. It also gives emerging professionals role models whose journeys can inspire them to pursue their own ambitions. For young African girls looking at sport as a possible career, seeing women succeed as athletes, coaches, referees, journalists, executives, entrepreneurs and administrators can be a powerful reminder that there is space for them to lead.
With nominations now open, the 50MIA organising team is encouraging the public and the wider African sporting community to put forward women whose contributions deserve greater recognition, whether she is competing on the field, developing young athletes, managing a federation, reporting from the sidelines, building a sports enterprise, advancing sports science or using sport to transform communities, her story could be among those celebrated in Dakar.
Nominations are being submitted through the official 50MIA website at www.50mia.com. As the countdown to Dakar begins, the 2026 edition of 50MIA is set to shine a brighter spotlight on the women helping to build a stronger, more inclusive and globally influential African sports industry.
Rooted to rise and rising to inspire the next generation.
