Cape Town is set to host one of the most influential gatherings on the continent dedicated to women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Conference and Exhibition opens on 30–31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), uniting delegates from across Africa and the global diaspora.
Now in its 11th year, AWIEF2025 is expected to attract entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and corporate executives from more than 40 countries for two days of high-level dialogue, networking, and collaboration. The event’s overarching goal remains clear: to accelerate women’s economic participation and leadership across Africa’s evolving business landscape.
This year’s theme, “Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever,” will frame discussions around some of the most pressing challenges facing women in business — including access to finance, digital transformation, sustainability, and policy reform. The programme combines keynote addresses, panel discussions, and practical workshops covering leadership, innovation, technology, trade, and investment.
Dr Fatima Elsheikh, Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), will deliver the Opening Keynote. She said: “I’m excited to be part of AWIEF2025 because it’s a powerful platform that amplifies women’s leadership and innovation across Africa. It offers an incredible opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive real impact in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future.”
Government participation will be equally strong. Hon. Jane Sithole, Deputy Minister, Department of Small Business Development, South Africa, commented: “AWIEF is a dynamic platform that empowers women entrepreneurs and drives inclusive economic growth across Africa. It aligns with our mission to support small businesses, foster innovation, and create sustainable opportunities for South African entrepreneurs.”
For many delegates, AWIEF also represents a global celebration of women’s creativity and achievement. Monique Shurray White, CEO and Media Coach, I.M.A.G.E.S. Media Group, USA, added: “I believe women should be empowered, equipped, and recognised for their contributions, innovations, and leadership. AWIEF highlights and celebrates these women, globally, in the most beautiful way.”
The two-day event will feature more than 70 speakers from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. Topics include AI and the Future of Work, Mobilising Capital for Women Entrepreneurs, Africa’s Green Transition, and Harnessing the AfCFTA for Intra-African Trade. The exhibition hall will showcase innovative enterprises and SMEs, while the AWIEF Awards & Gala Dinner on 31 October will honour outstanding achievements by African women entrepreneurs and innovators.
Reflecting on AWIEF’s growth and mission, Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF, said: “Over the past 11 years, AWIEF has grown into one of Africa’s most influential platforms for women in business. It is a place where women entrepreneurs connect with peers, investors, and industry leaders, building authentic relationships that open doors and spark collaboration. This year’s theme, Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever, reflects our continued commitment to championing women’s leadership, innovation, and economic inclusion at every level despite the current pushbacks.”
The event is supported by a coalition of major sponsors and partners, including OCP Africa (Diamond Sponsor), Deloitte Africa (Knowledge Partner), City of Cape Town (Host City), African Women Development Fund (AWDF) (Platinum Sponsor), Nedbank (Silver Sponsor), UNDP and UN Women (Bronze Sponsors), and MINT360 (Tech Partner). Their collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership across Africa.
As the world’s attention turns to Cape Town, AWIEF2025 is poised to reaffirm its place as the continent’s most significant platform for empowering women through innovation, finance, and cross-border collaboration.