Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Eicon-close


Africa Women Innovation
& Entrepreneurship Forum

AWIEF is a non-profit, award-winning pan-African organization dedicated to women’s economic empowerment. Granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), AWIEF is committed to closing the gender gap by driving women’s business leadership and entrepreneurship in Africa. Our activities and initiatives are designed to support our mission, fostering an environment where women-owned businesses can thrive and contribute to sustainable economic development across the continent.

 

Learn more about #AWIEF2025

AWIEF2025 Conference & Exhibition CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa

The AWIEF Conference & Exhibition brings together key players in the African entrepreneurial ecosystem to engage in impactful dialogue, share good practices, and foster collaboration.
 
Join us this October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for an inspiring gathering of global thought leaders as speakers, exhibitors, and delegates. Together, we will explore strategies to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth through entrepreneurship and innovation.
 
30-31 October 2025. 
Register Now

Ticket Sales are now open for AWIEF2025!

Choose your delegate package and secure your spot at AWIEF2025! Register now and complete your payment to join us for an unforgettable experience.

Standard

Conference + Exhibition.
$ 120
  • Access to all Conference sessions
  • Access to the multi-sector exhibition
  • Access to all workshops & masterclasses
  • Lunch X 1 daily
  • Coffee breaks X 2 daily
  • AWIEF Awards Gala Dinner
  • B2B Matchmaking
Register & Pay

Premium

Conference + Exhibition + Awards + Gala Dinner
$ 220
  • Access to all Conference sessions
  • Access to the multi-sector exhibition
  • Access to all workshops & masterclasses
  • Lunch X 1 daily
  • Coffee breaks X 2 daily
  • 1 ticket to the AWIEF Awards Gala Dinner
  • B2B Matchmaking
Register & Pay
0 +
Conference Participants to Date
0
Countries Represented
+
AWIEF Programmes Alumni

Past Sponsors

AWIEFWebsiteSponsorCarouselSizing
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Programmes

Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Lesotho, Eswatini & South Africa

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a program designed to empower women entrepreneurs in Southern Africa, including Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa. AWE provides participants with the tools & skills to scale their businesses, drive economic growth, and foster innovation.

Untitled design (2)

AWIEF Growth Accelerator in Partnership with African Guarantee Fund and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited

Applications Now Open: AWIEF Growth Accelerator Nigeria 2025! The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is excited to launch the AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme in Nigeria in partnership with African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited.

Read More

WITH: Boosting Women Entrepreneurship in Tourism & Hospitality

The WITH program empowers women in Sub-Saharan Africa’s tourism and hospitality industries through education and skills development. Co-funded by the European Union, it nurtures a new generation of climate-conscious women entrepreneurs committed to sustainability and innovation.

Latest News

AWIEF Growth Accelerator in Partnership with African Guarantee Fund and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited

Applications Now Open: AWIEF Growth Accelerator Nigeria 2025! The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is excited to launch the AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme in Nigeria in partnership with African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited.

Graduation for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Lesotho, Eswatini & South Africa

We are proud to celebrate the graduation of five Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) cohorts from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Limpopo, Bloemfontein, and Pietermaritzburg, along with two cohorts from Maseru, Lesotho, and Manzini, Eswatini. Their unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit mark the beginning of an exciting journey. We can’t wait to see how these inspiring leaders transform their communities and industries!

Winners of AWIEF Awards 2024

The 2024 AWIEF Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of African women entrepreneurs on Friday night at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The glamorous awards ceremony honored six outstanding winners, selected from a distinguished group of 18 finalists, while also recognizing Dr. Naledi Pandor, Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for South Africa, with the inaugural Lifetime Leadership Award.

Testimonials

“What I like about AWIEF is its strong focus on fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation, which is key to shaping the future of our economies.”
Naledi Pandor
Naledi PandorFormer Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa
“AWIEF and its amazing team should be proud of this achievement. It has made a significant impact on policy dialogue across Africa. As the organization continues to grow, it’s important to reflect on its accomplishments while also looking ahead at the challenges in sustainable development and inclusive growth, areas where AWIEF is well-positioned to contribute.”
Michael B. O'Sullivan
Michael B. O'SullivanSenior Economist and Head, Africa Gender Innovation Lab, World Bank
“The African proverb says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ and this is true for our women entrepreneurs and innovators. AWIEF’s platform is vital for exchanging ideas, collaborating, and taking action to ensure that the ecosystem is conducive, self-sustaining, and healthy.”
Zimkhitha Peter
Zimkhitha PeterCEO, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa
“I feel privileged to partner with AWIEF. Your 10-year impact and ability to bring together initiatives, collaboration, and networking is truly powerful.”
Ashleigh Theophanides
Ashleigh TheophanidesChief Sustainability Officer, Deloitte Africa
“The AWIEF Conference is a key event of the year, bringing together stakeholders and decision-makers from across Africa. It provides a platform to discuss critical issues and support SMEs.”
Nirmala Reddy
Nirmala ReddyStrategy Specialist, Enterprise and Supplier Development, Nedbank South Africa
Previous
Next

Our work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals

PL-Seal-final
thessismun-united-nations-economic-social-council

ABOUT US

AWIEF’s mission is to foster the economic inclusion, advancement and empowerment of women in Africa through entrepreneurship support and development.

Top Links

SOCIAL

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Eicon-close

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join 20,000 other subscribers