FAME Week Africa Launches New Initiative to Celebrate Women Driving Africa’s Creative Industries

FAME Week Africa, the Cape Town-based creative industry platform, has launched Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment, a new annual initiative recognising and celebrating women driving Africa’s entertainment and creative industries forward through leadership, innovation, creativity and influence.

The initiative, which will coincide with South Africa’s Women’s Month celebrations in August, shines a spotlight not only on the women audiences see on screen and on stage, but also on the executives, producers, writers, directors, editors, technicians, designers, entrepreneurs and innovators working behind the scenes to shape Africa’s cultural future and creative economy.

“The future of Africa’s creative industries is being written by women every day,” said Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa. “They commission, create, direct, produce, design and lead, yet too many remain invisible. This initiative is about recognising the women shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape, celebrating their achievements and ensuring the next generation can see what is possible.”

The programme will recognise women making a significant impact across the entertainment ecosystem, including film, television, music, fashion, animation, gaming, audio and podcasting, the creator economy, digital storytelling and entertainment technology.

Nominations will be accepted across five categories:

• Trailblazer – Established leaders whose work and influence continue to shape the entertainment industry.
• Rising Star – Emerging women making bold moves and demonstrating exceptional promise.
• Behind-the-Scenes Powerhouse – The women audiences may not always see, but whose expertise and contribution are essential to the industry’s success.
• Culture Shaper – Women influencing African culture and conversation beyond traditional entertainment spaces.
• Future Maker – Women driving innovation, technology and the future of entertainment across the continent.

According to FAME Week Africa, Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment is a natural extension of its ongoing commitment to championing inclusion and gender representation across the creative industries.

Each year, the event hosts the African Women in Entertainment Breakfast, sponsored by Ray Content Hub, one of the festival’s flagship networking and thought leadership events bringing together executives, creators, entrepreneurs and emerging talent from across the continent.

“You can’t be what you can’t see. Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment exists to celebrate the women already leading the way while inspiring those who will shape the future of our industry,” Hiller said.

The inaugural list of Africa’s Leading Women in Entertainment honourees will be announced ahead of FAME Week Africa 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 28 October to 1 November 2026, where they will be recognised as part of the event’s celebration of African creativity, innovation and excellence. Nominations, which can be submitted by industry professionals, peers and members of the public, are now open and close on 17 July 2026.

EDITOR’S NOTE: All reporting, interviews, and reviews on Sinema Focus are protected under international copyright law and the Kenya Copyright Act, 2001. No part of this publication may be reproduced, rewritten, republished, or redistributed in any form by media outlets without prior written consent. For reprint or syndication inquiries, contact editorial@sinemafocus.com.

©️ 2026 Sinema Focus / African Film Press. All rights reserved.