Dubai is set to become a major meeting point for African leadership, enterprise and culture in October, as two prominent Pan-African platforms — the International Woman Leadership Conference (TIWLC) and African Marketplace (AMP) Dubai 2026 — bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives and policymakers for a week of programming.
The International Woman Leadership Conference will take place from October 7 to 9 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, followed immediately by the second edition of African Marketplace Dubai from October 10 to 12 at the Conrad Hotel Dubai.
Organised under the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA), the back-to-back events are designed to create a link between leadership conversations and commercial opportunities, giving participants the opportunity to move from three days of executive engagement into three days focused on trade, investment and cultural exchange — all within Dubai.
TIWLC, now in its fifth year, will bring together senior women leaders for keynote sessions featuring global thought leaders, executive and leadership masterclasses, curated networking opportunities and discussions addressing issues that extend beyond professional achievement.
The programme is expected to explore the intersection of leadership and personal life, including questions of balance, purpose and the realities of navigating leadership at the highest levels.
The conference has traditionally drawn participants from Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe and North America. In 2026, organisers are expanding its reach further, opening the platform to women leaders from across the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
The three-day conference will culminate in the TIWLC Gala Night, an event positioned as a celebration of culture, excellence and sisterhood.
A key feature of this year's programme is the connection between TIWLC and African Marketplace. Every TIWLC delegate will have access to AMP Dubai 2026, allowing participants to extend their experience from leadership development into business, trade and investment.
The organisers describe the arrangement as a deliberate opportunity to combine influence and enterprise: TIWLC brings together women leaders and decision-makers, while AMP provides a platform for African and Caribbean businesses seeking buyers, investors and broader international exposure.
African Marketplace will return for its second edition following its 2025 debut, which attracted more than 100 African and Caribbean brands to Dubai.
For the 2026 edition, organisers have confirmed a growing roster of exhibitors expected to showcase products, services and ideas spanning fashion, furniture, art, cuisine, technology, wellness and intellectual capital.
Exhibitor registration remains open, with organisers projecting participation from more than 100 exhibitors representing over 20 countries. Attendance is expected to exceed 4,000, with buyers, investors, trade institutions, policymakers and government delegations among those targeted.
Beyond the exhibition floor, selected exhibitors will receive additional exposure through editorial features, interviews and campaign content produced with AMP's media partners. The initiative is intended to give participating businesses visibility beyond the three-day physical marketplace.
The programme will also feature a Talent Showcase, providing an open and no-cost platform for African and Caribbean creatives. Performers, speakers and podcasters will have the opportunity to participate throughout the three days of the marketplace.
AMP Dubai 2026 is being held in official partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and TVC Communications, with backing from Aruwa Capital, Fashion Souk Global, Pan-African Voices and Naijaprenuer.
The organisers are positioning the two events as complementary rather than separate gatherings. With TIWLC ending on October 9 and AMP beginning the following day, participants can move from conversations about leadership, influence and purpose to an environment centred on commerce, investment, products and cultural expression.
The arrangement also reflects a broader ambition to strengthen connections between African and Caribbean businesses and international markets while creating spaces where leadership networks can translate into practical commercial relationships.
For Dubai, the October programme places African leadership, enterprise and culture at the centre of a concentrated week of activity — bringing together established leaders, emerging entrepreneurs, investors, creatives and institutions under two platforms designed to connect ideas with opportunity.
Exhibitor applications are open at theafricanmarketplace.org/