Cape Town: The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has announced a powerful line-up of headline and international speakers for its prestigious annual conference taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 30 – 31 October 2025 for the advancement of women in Africa as innovators and entrepreneurs. In its eleventh edition, AWIEF’s benchmarking Conference, Expo, and Awards, will feature more than 60 African and global thought leaders across business, politics, and development to share insights and thought leadership on the conference agenda.
According to African Press Organization, the conference theme this year is “Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever.” The two-day event aims to promote and accelerate the growth of women-owned and women-led businesses for Africa’s inclusive economic growth, share entrepreneurship trends, and connect and network with trailblazers from all over Africa and African Diaspora.
AWIEF 2025 keynote speakers include Dr. Fatima Elsheikh, Secretary General, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). The speakers will share practical insights on finance and investing, innovation, food security, sustainability, policy, and digital transformation, and will engage directly with delegates on how to break barriers and create sustainable impact.
AWIEF2025 is a high-level, content-rich, and action-oriented platform designed to equip attendees with the knowledge, networks, and tools to grow their businesses and careers. Attendees can expect keynotes and panel discussions by global thought leaders and decision-makers, a vibrant Expo showcasing businesses, startups, corporate and development organizations, and how-to workshops and masterclasses on the Expo floor delivered by industry experts, addressing issues and challenges of vital importance for business growth, with free access to both delegates and visitors.
Additionally, the event will feature startup pitch competitions offering visibility and investor access, unparalleled networking opportunities with investors, business leaders, policymakers, and peers from across Africa and the globe, and a high presence of African Diaspora businesses and entrepreneurs looking for African markets and partnerships.