The Next Generation of African-Australian Women Leaders Steps Forward in WA: What Do They Want?

The Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia (OACWA) has welcomed a new cohort of African women to the fourth phase of its African Women’s Leadership, Empowerment and Development (A-LEAD) Program, with a meet-and-greet held on October 2nd 2026 at the organisation’s Community Hub in Nollamara. The gathering formally introduced participants ahead of a new round of workshops, mentoring, networking and leadership development activities being delivered in partnership with Curtin University.

A-LEAD has been developed to address leadership and professional development gaps experienced by African-Australian women in Western Australia. OACWA says the program focuses on building confidence, leadership and networking capabilities while creating pathways for women to participate more strongly in community, professional and business life. Previous phases have graduated more than 70 African-Australian women community leaders, according to Curtin-linked information about the fourth phase.

A-Lead program participants pose for a photo after the event (Photo source: Linkedin}

The program has an important economic dimension because leadership development can strengthen women’s ability to progress in employment, establish businesses and build professional networks. OACWA’s Women’s Department identifies economic empowerment as one of its priorities, seeking to increase African-Australian women’s contribution to Western Australia’s social and economic development. Earlier A-LEAD reporting also recorded participants receiving promotions, starting businesses and making progress in their personal and professional lives.

The fourth phase is structured around a range of activities designed to connect participants with skills, knowledge and professional networks. According to Curtin University-linked information, the 2026–27 program includes workshops, panel discussions, open forums, mentoring, industry networking and a collaborative book project. The program began its fourth phase in 2026 and is scheduled to conclude with a graduation gala around International Women’s Day in March 2027.

The opening event also brought an international dimension to the cohort, with Nigerian women’s advocate Nkechika Ibe delivering the keynote address. Ibe is the founder of Impact Her World Foundation, an organisation focused on the wellbeing and empowerment of women and girls, and has worked across issues including gender equality, peace and women’s participation in decision-making.

Curtin University’s partnership provides an academic and professional platform for the community-led initiative. The collaboration between OACWA’s Women and Families Department and Curtin’s Centre for Australia-Africa Relations is intended to connect community experience with university expertise and broader professional networks. OACWA also acknowledged Curtin’s ongoing involvement, including the support of David Mickler, who has previously described A-LEAD as a partnership aimed at strengthening African-Australian women’s leadership and networking skills.

For the new cohort, the program represents more than a leadership course; it creates a network through which professional knowledge, entrepreneurship and community leadership can be developed together. OACWA said it was “proud to continue creating opportunities for women to connect, strengthen their leadership skills and contribute to their communities.” As the fourth phase gets underway, its longer-term value will be measured by how participants translate those connections and skills into career advancement, business activity, leadership roles and stronger economic participation across Western Australia.



Alex Nyembo | AMA Contributor