The Retreat for African Women in Mathematical Sciences (RAWAMS) 2026, in collaboration with the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), successfully brought together women mathematicians, researchers and professionals from Africa and the diaspora for an intensive week of scholarship, mentorship, cultural exchange and community building at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana.

The sessions officially opened with welcoming remarks by the AIMS Ghana Centre President, Prince Koree Osei, who set an inspiring and collaborative tone. Participants then engaged in a rich lineup of plenary and research talks covering both theoretical and applied mathematics. Early plenaries by Aissa Wade on Riemannian geometry and Chinwendu Emilian Madubueze on Lassa fever transmission were complemented by research presentations from Olubunmi Fadipe-Joseph, Fadekemi Osaye, Victoria Adah, Tefa Kaisara, Edwiga Renald, Deborah Makinde, Sarah Nakato and Angela Tabiri, highlighting topics ranging from epidemic modelling to quantum algebra.

Across the week, held from January 12 – 16, 2026, the programme continued to deepen in scope and impact. Plenary talks by Sophie Dabo, Selma Negzaoui, Farai Nyabadza, Folashade Agusto and Nsoki Mavinga explored spatial cancer modelling, harmonic analysis, techno-pandemics, human behaviour in disease transmission and nonlinear boundary value problems. These were reinforced by research talks from Hanifa Napari, Bouchra Nasri, Marie-Françoise Ouedraogo, Nkemdirim Ogbonna, Vida Afosaa, Agnes Adom-Konadu, Monica Crankson, Temitayo Olabisi Oluyo, Janet Koladejo, Fati Kirakoya, Perpetual Andam Boiquaye, Phyllis Muniu, Mahlet Tadesse, Martina Mthombeni, Fameno Rakotoniaina, Dorcas Atubea, Blessing Emerenini, Anne-Françoise Yao and Sandra Addai-Henne, showcasing the diversity and relevance of contemporary mathematical sciences.

Beyond academic exchange, RAWAMS 2026 placed strong emphasis on mentorship, wellbeing and professional development. A mentor–mentee session featured reflections by Tinuke Adebanji and Olubunmi Fadipe-Joseph, while a dedicated mental health session by Gladys Setordzie encouraged participants to prioritise holistic wellbeing. An inspiring research talk by Winnie Nakiyingi examined how community, narrative and support shape African women’s journeys in mathematical sciences.

A vibrant Accra City Tour to Kwame Nkraumah Memorial Park and the Arts Centre, offered cultural immersion and networking beyond the lecture hall, while the evening banquet; featuring music, dance, acrobatics and a live band, created a joyful space for celebration and connection. The career panel, led by Bouchra Nasri with panelists including Marie-Françoise Ouedraogo, Sana Louhichi, Mahlet Tadesse, Selma Negzaoui and Karin Theresa Howell, provided candid reflections on resilience, leadership and navigating academic careers.

The retreat concluded with a reflective panel discussion led by Folashade Agusto, Sophie Dabo and Angela Tabiri, focusing on key lessons, next steps and future collaborations, followed by closing remarks and certificate presentations.

RAWAMS 2026 stood out not only for its high-level scientific content, but also for its intentional focus on mentorship, wellbeing and sisterhood, affirming the growing impact and leadership of African women in the mathematical sciences.