AWIEF2025 announces high-profile speakers for Cape Town conference advancing women in business

Cape Town, South Africa — The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced a stellar roster of more than 60 African and global speakers for its 11th annual conference, taking place 30–31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Under the theme “Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever”, AWIEF2025 will serve as a premier platform for advancing women-owned and women-led businesses across Africa, accelerating inclusive economic growth, and connecting leaders from across the continent and the African diaspora.

Keynote Speakers

• Dr Fatima Elsheikh, Secretary General, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

• Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)

Notable International and African Speakers

• H. E. Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism, Malawi

• Hon. Christelle Vuanga, Member of Parliament, Democratic Republic of the Congo

• H. E. Marie-Celine Zialor, Minister of Youth, Sports and Family, Seychelles

• LaTanya White and Pamela Ellis, business and finance experts, USA

• Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member, Economic Growth, City of Cape Town

• Mustapha Zaouini, Interim CEO, Alyf, Morocco

• Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou, Head of Mission, AU, UNECA & IGAD, South Sudan

• Marvis Owusu-Gyamfi, Executive Vice President, ACET, Ghana

• Alice Usanase, Lead for Europe, Middle East & Francophone Africa, AFC

• Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President Heifer Africa, Heifer International

Sponsors and Partners include OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, African Women’s Development Fund, City of Cape Town, UNDP, UN Women, Nedbank, APO Group, Financial Nigeria, Bellanaija, Guardian Woman, Africa.com, and AI in Africa.

Conference Highlights

Delegates can expect:

• Keynotes and panels from global thought leaders

• A vibrant Expo showcasing businesses, startups, and development organisations

• Workshops and Masterclasses offering practical, business-critical skills

• Startup Pitch Competitions connecting entrepreneurs with investors

• High-level networking with policymakers, investors, and diaspora entrepreneurs

The forum will cover finance and investing, innovation, food security, sustainability, policy, and digital transformation, with an emphasis on breaking barriers and creating sustainable impact for women entrepreneurs.

Registration: Click here to book your delegate ticket for AWIEF2025