The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum has lined up more than 60 African and global thought leaders from business and politics for the 12th edition of its flagship Conference, Expo and Awards event.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Access: Owning Capital, Markets and Power,” sets the tone for two days of dialogue, networking, collaboration and deal-making. The gathering will bring together global thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, development organisations, investors, women entrepreneurs and ecosystem stakeholders — all focused on accelerating the growth of women-owned and women-led businesses across Africa.
AWIEF2026 will explore what it takes to move past mere access and build greater ownership and influence for women across Africa’s economies, with capital, markets, leadership and innovation as its pillars.
Headline Speakers
Three exceptional global female leaders will deliver keynotes and fireside chats.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat serves as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. An Egyptian economist, she spent eight consecutive years in the Egyptian Cabinet (2018–2026) across three portfolios: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation; Minister of International Cooperation; and Minister of Tourism.
Magda Wierzycka is founder and CEO of Sygnia Limited, a JSE-listed South African financial services group and a leading provider of passive investment solutions, savings products, stockbroking and administration services. She is also a partner at Braavos Investment Advisers LLP in the UK. Named by Forbes as one of Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women in 2020, she is widely respected for her leadership and her outspoken stance against corruption.
Dr. Judy Dlamini is Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand. A medical doctor by training, she is also a leading businesswoman, author and philanthropist. She serves as Executive Chairperson of Mbekani Group and is Founder of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship Fund.
The conference will feature other high-level speakers from international institutions, government, diplomacy, finance, academia, technology and business, sharing insights in panel discussions and entrepreneur-focused masterclasses and workshops designed to strengthen enterprises, scale businesses and navigate African and global supply chains.
Conference Features
An exhibition will run alongside the conference, showcasing businesses and organisations. The Pitch n Grow competition will present twelve outstanding women founders selected from across African countries — builders and scalers of African deep-rooted tech solutions seeking capital. The AWIEF Awards, celebrating excellence in African women entrepreneurship, will be presented on Day 2 of the event, 11 November.
