The fourth edition of the UpYouWomen Conference is set to take place in Lagos this August, with organisers promising a larger and more impactful gathering aimed at equipping women with the tools, networks and confidence to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Scheduled for Friday, 28 August, and Saturday, 29 August 2026, the two-day event will be held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos and is expected to attract participants from across Nigeria, Africa and the global diaspora.
Organisers said this year’s theme, “Aligned: Positioned for Purpose and Impact,” is designed to encourage women to embrace intentional living, discover their purpose and position themselves to make meaningful contributions in their careers, businesses and communities.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Convener Mrs Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem described UpYouWomen as more than an annual event, saying it has grown into a movement focused on inspiring women to lead with purpose and authenticity.
“It is a gathering of women committed not only to succeeding, but to living intentionally, leading authentically, and creating meaningful impact in their families, careers, businesses, communities and nations,” she said.
According to the organisers, participants will engage in leadership sessions, entrepreneurship discussions, personal development workshops and networking opportunities designed to promote self-awareness, resilience and career advancement.
Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Julia Oku Jacks, said the conference continues to evolve in response to the changing realities facing women.
“Women today are navigating unprecedented opportunities and unprecedented challenges. More than ever before, they need clarity, community, capacity and confidence. UpYouWomen Conference 2026 has been intentionally designed to provide all four,” she said.
The conference will feature a line-up of local and international speakers, including Ambassador Khadijah Okunnu, Prof Joy Ada Onyesoh, Alibaba Akpobome, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Seyi Jolayemi, Dr Eden A. Onwuka, Iquo Ukoh, Dr Ronke Adeniyi, Karen Ifeoma Ubani-Alli, Dr Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, Obinna Onunkwo and Dr Nike Folagbade.
Discussions will focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, economic empowerment, emotional wellbeing, faith, resilience, purpose discovery and the future of work.
The organisers also announced a strategic partnership with the MTN Foundation aimed at expanding opportunities for women beyond the conference.
Through the collaboration, registered participants will gain free access to the MTN Skills Academy, a digital learning platform powered by Coursera, offering professional training and globally recognised certifications in areas including data analytics, digital marketing, software development, project management, entrepreneurship and other future-of-work skills.
The conference will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either physically at the MUSON Centre or virtually from anywhere in the world.
Registration for UpYouWomen Conference 2026 is now open, with the early bird registration window closing on 15 July 2026.
