AWIEF. /PHOTO ; Courtesy
East and Southern Africa are set to benefit from one of the continent’s most influential gatherings on women’s economic empowerment as the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) opens its 11th annual conference and exhibition from 30 to 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Under the theme “Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever,” the forum will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate executives, and development partners from across Africa and the diaspora for two days of high-level dialogue and collaboration.
The focus: how to expand women’s leadership, digital inclusion, and sustainable business across the continent.
For more than a decade, AWIEF has become a vital bridge between entrepreneurship, finance, and inclusive growth, connecting women innovators with the networks and capital they need to scale ideas that transform communities.
The 2025 edition comes at a time when access to funding, technology, and supportive policy remains uneven, but momentum for gender-responsive growth continues to build.
“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,” said Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF
Collaboration for Inclusive Growth
This year’s conference will feature major development and corporate partners, including OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, UNDP, UN Women, Nedbank, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).
Their involvement underscores how partnerships across business, government, and philanthropy can unlock opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
“I believe women should be empowered, equipped, and recognized for their contributions, innovations, and leadership. AWIEF highlights and celebrates these women, globally, in the most beautiful way,” added Monique Shurray White, CEO and Media Coach, I.M.A.G.E.S. Media Group, USA.
These perspectives reflect a wider shift in development thinking, one that views gender inclusion not as an act of goodwill, but as a strategic driver of shared prosperity.
Two Days of Ideas, Innovation, and Impact
AWIEF2025 will feature keynotes, panels, masterclasses, and B2B networking sessions exploring topics such as AI and the Future of Work, Mobilising Capital for Women Entrepreneurs, Africa’s Green Transition, and Harnessing the AfCFTA for Intra-African Trade.
The Opening Keynote Address by Dr. Elsheikh will set the tone for two days of knowledge-sharing and practical collaboration.
The exhibition floor will showcase innovative African SMEs, development organisations, and impact-driven businesses.
The forum will close with the prestigious AWIEF Awards & Gala Dinner on 31 October, celebrating women innovators and entrepreneurs whose work exemplifies resilience and creativity in the face of systemic barriers.
Sustaining Momentum for Women’s Leadership
Now in its 11th year, AWIEF has evolved from a continental convening to a global movement for women’s enterprise.
For donors and impact investors, it offers a space to identify and support high-impact ventures aligned with sustainable development, digital inclusion, and green innovation.
“Over the past 11 years, AWIEF has grown into one of Africa’s most influential platforms for women in business,” added Ochem.
“It is a place where women entrepreneurs connect with peers, investors, and industry leaders, building authentic relationships that open doors and spark collaboration.
Her words resonate strongly in a context where many African women-led businesses still struggle to access financing and digital markets.
AWIEF’s emphasis on practical collaboration between governments, corporations, and development institutions helps shift gender equality from advocacy to action.
Building an Equitable Future
AWIEF 2025 is supported by a broad coalition of 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 reinforces a shared belief that empowering women entrepreneurs is not simply about fairness; it is an investment in Africa’s collective resilience and growth.
About AWIEF
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is a pan-African, non-profit organisation that promotes and supports women’s enterprise development, innovation, and leadership across Africa.
Since its founding in 2015, AWIEF has built one of the continent’s most influential platforms connecting women entrepreneurs with investors, policymakers, and development partners to accelerate inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
