Cape Town, South Africa — The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF 2025) opened its 11th edition at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC2), uniting over 600 delegates, thought leaders, and innovators from more than 50 countries under the theme “Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever.” The two-day summit is focused on dismantling systemic obstacles that continue to hinder women’s participation and leadership in Africa’s economy.
The forum’s theme, announced earlier this year by the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), reflects an urgent call to action amid what organisers describe as a “backlash against progress.” The message is clear: Africa cannot afford to lose momentum in its pursuit of gender equality and inclusive growth.
Speakers at the opening ceremony, including business executives, policymakers, and development partners, underscored the need for decisive reforms to accelerate women’s access to finance, technology, and markets. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP South Africa) highlighted that over 80% of women’s employment in sub-Saharan Africa remains informal, calling for policy interventions that promote digital inclusion, skills development, and equitable market access.
The event’s agenda includes masterclasses on securing investment, leveraging digital tools for growth, and navigating regulatory environments — each designed to equip entrepreneurs with the practical skills required to scale their ventures. Hands-on workshops on storytelling, branding, and business continuity are being led by experts from across Africa, Europe, and the Gulf region.
Delegates are also participating in curated networking and business matchmaking sessions to foster partnerships between small businesses, investors, and development institutions. Exhibitors are showcasing innovations in fintech, agribusiness, education, and creative industries — with many leveraging the exhibition’s visibility across AWIEF’s digital and media platforms.
The conference continues on 31 October with sessions on policy alignment and post-AWIEF action planning, focusing on building measurable pathways for impact. Among this year’s keynote voices are Fatma Samoura, former FIFA Secretary General and 2023 AWIEF Lifetime Leadership Award recipient, and Dr. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
The AWIEF platform, founded in 2015, has grown into one of Africa’s most influential convenings on women’s economic participation. Over the past decade, it has worked with institutions including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the European Union (EU Africa Gateway). Its impact has been visible in the increased representation of women in leadership across sectors, as well as policy dialogue on entrepreneurship, trade, and innovation.
As the 2025 forum marks ten years of AWIEF’s impact, organisers emphasise that the work ahead demands coordinated policy shifts, stronger investment ecosystems, and a renewed focus on inclusion. “Now more than ever, Africa must ensure that its women entrepreneurs are not left behind in the next wave of growth,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF’s founder and CEO.
The closing gala on 31 October will celebrate the winners of the annual AWIEF Awards, recognising exceptional women entrepreneurs across Africa who have demonstrated innovation, leadership, and social impact.
For registration and updates, visit the official AWIEF 2025 website.
