IWD: Shinkafi, Aisha Buhari, others named among ‘2026 Women of Impact in Africa'

Fatima Shinkafi has been named among 100 influential African women recognised in the ‘2026 Africa Women of Impact Awards’ organised by ARISE News.

Mrs Shinkafi, the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), was listed alongside 99 other prominent African women honoured for their contributions across various sectors.

She was first appointed to the position by former President Muhammadu Buhari and was reappointed in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu.

Mrs Shinkafi is widely regarded as one of the key drivers of reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through her leadership at the SMDF.

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The awards

The recognition, which is in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrates women who have made significant contributions to governance, business, healthcare, technology, and the creative industries.

Others include entrepreneurship, law and justice, media, academia, science, medicine, social impact and philanthropy.

This year’s IWD theme is “Give To Gain,’ to encourage the mindset of generosity and collaboration.

The honourees were selected by the Board of Editors of the ARISE News channel from audience nominations and focus group engagements across Africa and the world.

According to the broadcast channel, the honourees were “found to be fit and proper in the shaping of the African renaissance in the emerging new world.”

The awardees reflect a cross-section of African excellence, with strong representation from Nigeria alongside leaders from South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger as well as accomplished African women in other parts of the world.

The list includes the former Nigerian First Lady Aisha Buhari; Executive Director of UNAIDS (Uganda), Winnie Byanyima; and South African politician, activist, Helen Zille.

Business leaders like Ibukun Awosika and Halima Dangote, and creative industry professionals like filmmaker Kemi Adetiba were recognised.

The award ceremony, scheduled for 8 March, will bring together women leaders from diverse fields to the Eko Hotel and Suites in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

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Congratulatory message

The management of PREMIUM TIMES has congratulated Ms Shinkafi on the recognition.

In a statement on Friday, Olayinka Lawal, Senior Manager, Business and Partnership at PREMIUM TIMES, described Ms Shinkafi as a leader committed to excellence, public service and national development.

“Mrs Shinkafi’s selection underscores her dedication to advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and strengthening institutional frameworks that promote sustainable resource development,” Mr Lawal wrote.

“Through her leadership at the SMDF, she has continued to champion initiatives aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources while encouraging responsible investment and innovation within the sector.”