The Women Creating Wealth (WCW) Summit 2025, held from October 13–15 , united women entrepreneurs and leaders from across Africa.
Held under the theme “Inspiration, Intergenerational Leadership & Job Creation,” the summit, hosted by the Graça Machel Trust (GMT), served as a platform for learning and a rallying call for African women to champion inclusive economic transformation.
The summit opened with a stirring declaration from Mrs. Graça Machel, founder of the Trust, who reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to unlocking women’s economic potential across the continent. She was joined by Theo Sowa, Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, and Shiphra Chisha, Director of Programmes, who both emphasized the importance of collaboration and sustained investment in women-led enterprises.
In her powerful keynote address, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka—former Deputy President of South Africa and Founder of the Umlambo Foundation—challenged attendees to embrace persistence and purpose in entrepreneurship, declaring that “growth isn’t instant, it’s earned.” Her remarks set the tone for a summit grounded in resilience, innovation, and shared progress.
Day two featured an engaging and candid fireside chat between Theo Sowa and Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, who discussed the evolving landscape of women’s entrepreneurship in Africa. Their conversation explored critical issues such as access to finance, digital transformation, and youth employment, while highlighting the importance of intergenerational mentorship and ecosystem support.
The day also included sessions led by accomplished African entrepreneurs who shared insights on scaling businesses, leveraging technology for impact, and navigating funding challenges in male-dominated industries.
The final day centered on the theme “Advocacy, Action & Celebration,” highlighting the collective achievements of women across the continent who are driving social and economic change. Participants called for stronger policy support, gender-responsive investment, and regional cooperation to close Africa’s gender wealth gap.
The summit culminated in a special celebration honoring the 80th birthday of Graça Machel, recognizing her extraordinary life of service—from the classrooms of Mozambique to the global stage. The tribute also marked the 15th anniversary of the Graça Machel Trust, which continues to champion African women’s voices, build powerful networks, and promote inclusive leadership.
A Legacy of Empowerment As the curtains fell on #WCW2025, attendees left inspired to carry forward Machel’s legacy—creating wealth not only in financial terms but through impact, dignity, and empowerment for future generations of African women.
