The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) will host its 11th Annual Conference and Exhibition from October 30–31, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), South Africa.
This year’s event, set for October 30–31, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), will be held under the theme “Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever.” It is expected to attract a distinguished gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners from Africa and around the world — including the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
AWIEF2025 will feature more than 70 high-profile speakers and a comprehensive agenda of keynotes, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and B2B networking sessions. The program is designed to address critical issues such as access to finance, digital transformation, sustainability, policy reform, and the pivotal role of women in Africa’s economic transformation.
Sessions will explore topics like artificial intelligence and the future of work, mobilizing capital for women entrepreneurs, Africa’s green transition, and harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade.
A standout moment of the conference will be the Opening Keynote Address by Dr. Fatima Elsheikh, Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), who will set the stage for dynamic exchanges.
The event will also showcase an array of innovative businesses, SMEs, and development organizations from across the continent in its Exhibition Showcase. The grand finale, the AWIEF Awards & Gala Dinner on October 31, will celebrate Africa’s most outstanding women innovators and entrepreneurs.
Strategic partners and sponsors are playing a crucial role in powering AWIEF2025. OCP Africa headlines as Diamond Sponsor, while Deloitte Africa is Knowledge Partner, the City of Cape Town serves as Host City, and the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) is Platinum Sponsor.
Additional support comes from Nedbank (Silver Sponsor), UNDP and UN Women (Bronze Sponsors), and MINT360 (Tech Partner), signaling a broad commitment to building an inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem for African women.
Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF, reflected on the forum’s growth: “Over the past 11 years, AWIEF has become one of Africa’s most influential platforms for women in business. This year’s theme reflects our continued commitment to championing women’s leadership and innovation, despite the challenges and pushbacks.”
With its ambitious agenda and global reach, AWIEF2025 is poised to reinforce its reputation as Africa’s premier platform for empowering women entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth.
