AI, tech drive talks at women’s executive summit
DAR ES SALAAM: Harnessing technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), alongside pathways to financial growth, took centre stage at the Accelerate Women Executive Summit 2026 in Dar es Salaam, bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and professionals.
Heralded by the theme “Power and Purpose,” the well-attended summit served as a high-level platform dedicated to advancing women’s leadership, strengthening economic participation, and fostering cross-industry innovation.
Organized by Accelerate Foundation, the event blended insightful discussions, practical learning sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities, all designed to equip and support women in business and leadership roles.
Providing a keynote perspective was provided at the colourful event, Dr Ashura Katunzi, Director General of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), representing the Ministry of Industry and Trade underscored the critical role of business formalization, quality standards, and compliance.
According to her, Dr Katunzi emphasized that adhering to standards is fundamental for building trust, scaling operations, and successfully accessing both local and international markets.
Technology took center stage with an interactive Artificial Intelligence masterclass led by Michael Genuh, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of HustleSasa.
The session delved into AI’s transformative impact on modern business, showcasing practical tools entrepreneurs can leverage to boost productivity, marketing, and strategic decision-making.
Emanuel Mwanyiku, Chief Information Officer of Absa Bank Tanzania took the participants through the digital transformation dialogue, encouraging women to embrace technology and continuously develop their digital skills, extending an invitation for participants to access specialized AI training programs to bolster technological readiness.
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On his part, Mr Davis Kiondo from the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) advocated for women’s active participation in capital markets as a strategic pathway to long-term wealth creation and financial security.
On the other hand, Marketing Director of METL, Ms Fatema Dewji led an engaging session on personal branding, offering practical guidance on developing authentic and influential personal brands that enhance credibility and unlock new business opportunities.
A summit highlight was the CEO Power Panel, featuring Tabia Massudi, CEO of Assemble Insurance Tanzania, Prudence Masako, Country Director of CARE International Tanzania and Sharmila Bhatt, Founder and Director of Softech Consultants Limited
The panelists shared compelling leadership journeys, highlighting the pillars of resilience, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership.
In her opening remarks, Bernice Fernandes, Founder of Accelerate Women, set a powerful tone for the event as she challenged attendees to deeply reflect on their identity, potential, and purpose, urging them to step boldly into leadership roles and maximize their impact.
The Accelerate Women Executive Summit continues to solidify its role as an essential platform, driving women’s empowerment, fostering collaboration, and catalyzing both economic and social progress.
Inclusion of AI technology on the agenda at the Women’s Summit highlights the growing recognition of how these tools can drive progress across industries and empower diverse voices. Discussions around AI often focus on its potential to break down barriers, enabling more inclusive access to resources, education, and economic opportunities. For organizations committed to these values, ensuring that their communications reflect both innovation and responsibility is key. Automated compliance solutions can support this goal by streamlining the review process, freeing up teams to focus on strategy and impact. Tools like brand compliance software help maintain consistent, compliant messaging across all channels, ensuring that the conversation around AI remains both forward-looking and accountable. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities to use it in service of greater equity and progress.