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.

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.

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.

$ 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

$ 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

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Conference Participants to Date

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Countries Represented

AWIEF Programmes Alumni

2025 Speakers

Fatima Elsheikh

Secretary General of Boards Governors and Directors

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

Hajar Elhaddaoui

Director General

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) Switzerland

Boitumelo Mosako

CEO

Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

H.E Vera Kamtukule

Minister

Tourism, Malawi Government

Hon. Christelle Vuanga

Member of Parlement (MP) Présidente réseau parlmentaire abolitionnistes

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Alderman James Vos

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth

City of Cape Town, South Africa

Marvis Owusu- Gyamfi

President and Chief Executive Officer

African Centre for Economic Transformation, Ghana

Adesuwa Ifedi

Senior Vice President Heifer Africa

Heifer International, Nigeria

Christine Titih

President & Founder

Oaks Of Central PA, USA

Pamela Ellis

Founder & CEO

Compass Education Strategies, USA

Ope Lawal

Chief Marketing Officer

NBA Africa, Kenya

Cheryl Tibbs

Business Funding Advisor

Commercial Capital Connect, USA

Mustapha Zaouini

CEO Fliptin SA & UAE and Chairman, AI in Africa

South Africa

2025 Sponsors

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.

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.

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

Finalists Announced for the 2025 AWIEF Awards

Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to shine a spotlight on women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

Building Creditworthiness & Facilitating Access to Finance through AFAWA

We marked the official launch of the AWIEF Growth Accelerator Programme in Lagos, Nigeria, delivered in partnership with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) and FSDH Merchant Bank. This impactful programme supports 100 women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) in Nigeria, helping them become investment-ready and scale through tailored training, mentorship, and expert business advisory services.

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

Our work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals

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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“I feel privileged to partner with AWIEF. Your 10-year impact and ability to bring together initiatives, collaboration, and networking is truly powerful.”

“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.”

Africa Women Innovation
& Entrepreneurship Forum

AWIEF2025 Conference & Exhibition CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa

Ticket Sales are now open for AWIEF2025!

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