AWIEF 2026 Asks Africa's Women Founders to Move From Getting a Seat to Owning the Table, in Cape Town on November 10 and 11 - Index Prima

2026-11-10 · Cape Town

Cape Town International Convention Centre

Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, AWIEF 2026 gathers over a thousand global delegates to focus on female entrepreneurship, ownership of capital, and market growth.

The 12th edition of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) brings together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, policymakers and ecosystem builders. The event features keynotes, panels, masterclasses, workshops, a startup pitch competition, an exhibition, and the AWIEF Awards. The theme for 2026 is Beyond Access: Owning Capital, Markets and Power.

Founder brief

Who should attend

Women founders across all sectors seeking capital, international market expansion, and strategic partnerships will gain direct value. The gathering also benefits ecosystem builders, corporate leaders, and early-stage entrepreneurs aiming to participate in high-level business matchmaking and sector-agnostic pitch competitions.

What happens

Spanning two days, the agenda includes keynote addresses, fireside chats, panel sessions, masterclasses, and hands-on workshops. Alongside an active exhibition floor and dedicated matchmaking sessions, the gathering hosts a startup pitch competition and closes with the AWIEF Awards ceremony.

Who's in the room

More than 1,000 delegates from over 50 countries join investors, policymakers, and corporate representatives. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Judy Dlamini of Mbekani Group, UN Under-Secretary-General Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, and Sygnia founder Magda Wierzycka, alongside partners like Afreximbank, Nedbank, AWS, and UN agencies.

How to prepare

Founders entering the startup pitch competition should submit materials ahead of the July 20 deadline and refine their core financial metrics. If you plan to use the matchmaking sessions, prepare concise summaries of your business model, traction, and specific capital or partnership asks.

Organizer: Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum

Register

At a glance

Tickets
150-250 USD
Format
Keynotes, fireside chats, panels, masterclasses, workshops, exhibition, startup pitch competition, business matchmaking, and awards ceremony.
Theme
Beyond Access: Owning Capital, Markets and Power.
Attendance
1,000+ delegates from over 50 countries
Refunds
Paid registrations cannot be cancelled after July 31, 2026
Sectors
Agnostic
Ticket options
  • Standard Pass — 150 USD (Covers all sessions, keynotes, workshops, business matchmaking and the exhibition)
  • Premium Pass — 250 USD (Adds the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner)
  • Visitor Registration — Free (Covers exhibition area, masterclasses, workshops and direct access to exhibitors)

Speakers, judges and hosts

  • Dr. Judy Dlamini — Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand and Executive Chairperson, Mbekani Group (Speaker)
  • Dr. Rania Al-Mashat — UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (Speaker)
  • Magda Wierzycka — Founder and CEO, Sygnia (Speaker)

Sponsors and partners

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