More than 100 people from across Africa met in Casablanca on 25 and 26 June to discuss how women can help drive economic growth, innovation and cooperation across the continent. The fourth Women Summit was organised by Startup Grow Foundation through its Growth Women network under the Honorary Presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem.
Held under the theme “Atlantic Initiative, Women Driving Africa’s Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” the event supported King Mohammed VI’s Atlantic Initiative, which aims to strengthen economic, institutional and human ties between African countries on the Atlantic coast.
Government officials, diplomats, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, representatives of international organisations, cooperatives, young leaders and civil society groups took part in the two day event. Discussions focused on economic inclusion, digital transformation, women’s entrepreneurship and cooperation across Africa.
The opening ceremony was attended by Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour, Startup Grow Foundation President Hanane Aït Aïssa and Liberia’s Minister of State Haja Mamaka Bility. They spoke about the role of women in Africa’s economic development and the importance of stronger partnerships between African countries.
One of the main events was the second edition of the Ubuntu Awards 2026. The awards recognised people, organisations and projects making a positive contribution to Africa’s economic, social and human development through innovation, entrepreneurship, inclusion and solidarity.
Two cooperation agreements were also signed during the summit.
The first agreement, between the Cercle Diplomatique du Maroc and Startup Grow Foundation, will support joint work in social, cultural, economic and institutional fields. It includes plans for conferences, international forums, mentoring programmes, training, professional meetings and economic diplomacy initiatives.
The second agreement was signed between Women Summit Morocco and the Regional Council of North Cameroon. It focuses on women’s entrepreneurship, cooperative development, training, mentoring, innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and improving access to economic opportunities for women.
The second day featured an international conference on governance, responsible leadership, diversity in decision making, women’s role in sustainable growth, technology and developing young people’s skills through training and mentoring.
The summit also included an exhibition where startups, entrepreneurs, cooperatives and support organisations presented their work. CIH Bank, Tamwilcom, OFPPT and Maroc PME showcased funding, business support and skills development programmes, while cooperatives displayed products from Morocco’s social and solidarity economy.
Networking sessions and business meetings brought together investors, companies, institutions, entrepreneurs and international partners to explore new projects and future cooperation.
