Johannesburg will host one of the continent’s most strategic gatherings for women’s leadership this November when the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) stages the AWLO International Women’s Conference — South Africa 2025 at Hotel Sky, Sandton. The one-day summit brings together 200 women and youth leaders from across the AWLO network — which spans a dozen African countries — for cross-sector dialogue on policy, finance, STEM, climate, trade and culture as the continent shapes a post-pandemic global order.
This is a high-impact news event for editors and reporters: AWLO South Africa is convening regional representatives, business leaders and changemakers in a programme explicitly linked to South Africa’s NDP 2030, AU Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs — offering an exceptional roster of human-interest stories, policy conversation and practical commitments. Organisers expect attendances from senior public- and private-sector figures, youth innovators and sector specialists.
Why this conference matters now
Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability — Advancing Women’s Leadership for a New Global Order,” the conference targets the levers that matter to Africa’s recovery and competitiveness: inclusive economic growth, climate-smart finance, digital transformation, and reimagined social norms. Journalists will find strong storylines across the agenda — from women driving mining, aviation and STEM innovation to men-as-allies conversations and youth-led tech solutions. Coverage opportunities include policy breakouts, profile interviews, and audio-visual content from plenaries and the evening gala.
Five headline panels — who’s on stage
The programme balances institutional heft with youth energy and cross-sector expertise. Key panels and confirmed moderators/speakers include:
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Women Shaping Africa’s Future Economic Development — Moderator: Dr Mary Morolong-Nonkwelo (Eskom Academy of Learning). Speakers: Amb. Dr Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay; Refentse Shinners (Cricket South Africa); Motlatjo B. Moholwa (Gauteng DED); Florence Musundwa (INWEGO / G20 EMPOWER).
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STEM Frontiers: Women Pioneering Science, Mining & Construction — Moderator: Thabiso Ramasike. Speakers include Dr Zanele Bikitsha; Dr Zanele Matsane-Chidawo; Innocentia Khathi-Mathonsi (SAWIMA); Captain Annabel Vundla; Tebogo Makgatho (Netcampus Group).
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Redefining Masculinity: Men as Catalysts for Women’s Development — Moderator: Dr Adele Romanis. Speakers: Oscar Emetuei; Gilbert Ewehmeh; Nick Nzama; Dr Buyani Zwane.
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Youth 4.0: Innovation & Digital Transformation — Moderator: Ariel (AI Host) / Mykel Parish (invited). Speakers: Zemi Nxumalo; Alice Adero; Phiwokuhle Shabangu-Mokoka; Amonge Sinxoto.
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Trade, Access to Finance & Climate Action — Moderator: Chelene Ebersohn — Programs Director, AWLO South Africa; Board Member, WiNN. Speakers: Themba Rikhotso (CEO, Land Bank); Thulani Nzimande-Dlamini (Absa Group); Dr Moffatt Ngugi; Thokozani Miya (Neo Aviation).
The day closes with remarks from Dr Elisha Attai (Founder & Global President, AWLO) and Ms Zanele Tsambo (National President, AWLO South Africa), followed by a Pan-African Glamour Gala Dinner featuring a live performance by Busi Gold and Band.
What you can expect
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Interviews with women leading change in mining, aviation, finance and STEM.
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Youth innovation showcases and profiles of digital entrepreneurs.
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Panel insights tying conference recommendations to the NDP 2030, AU Agenda 2063 and SDGs.
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Gala visuals and red-carpet opportunities for lifestyle and culture desks.
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When: Friday, 14 November 2025 | 08:00–18:00.
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Where: Hotel Sky Sandton, 150 West Street (corner West & Maude), Johannesburg.
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Tickets / Press: Standard ticket price is R1,000 (conference, lunch and gala dinner included). Early registration is advised — the conference is expected to sell out.
A strategic moment for African leadership
AWLO’s Johannesburg summit comes at a pivotal time — African economies are negotiating post-COVID recovery, digital transitions, and climate resilience while the global debate over fair finance and trade intensifies. By convening policymakers, corporate leaders and youth innovators, AWLO aims to convert ideas into partnerships and to place women’s leadership at the centre of Africa’s leap forward. For journalists, the conference promises exclusive interviews, policy angles and profile pieces that will resonate from local newsrooms to pan-African platforms.
