2024 Standard Bank Top Women Conference Live Programme

Day 1 | 25 November 2024 Empowering Top Women Entrepreneurs and leaders in Africa to “Rise above the Noise” ​ 07:30 - 08:30

Registration & Refreshments

08:30 - 08:32

Moderators Welcome | Carol Tshabalala, Award-Winning Sports Broadcaster

08:32 - 08:37

Standard Bank Keynote Address| Simone Cooper, Head, Business and Commercial Banking South Africa, Standard Bank Group

08:37 - 08:47

Host Province Address| Sthembiso Dlamini, CEO, Gauteng Tourism Authority

08:47 - 08:57

Keynote Address |Empowering Top Women Entrepreneurs and leaders in Africa to “Rise above the Noise”Empowering Top Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders in Africa to Rise above the Noise Speaker: Her Excellency, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD

08:57 - 09:30

Opening Panel Discussion | The Role of Banking and Trade Solutions in Empowering Female Entrepreneurs and Society This panel will delve into the pivotal role of banking and trade solutions in unlocking potential for female entrepreneurs and driving societal progress. Focusing on initiatives that enhance access to funding, trade resources, and financial literacy, the discussion will spotlight how banks and financial institutions are supporting women-led businesses to overcome unique challenges, expand their reach, and create lasting social impact. Panellists will share insights on the benefits of inclusive finance models and how these solutions are fostering economic resilience and empowering communities across diverse sectors.

Panellists: *= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

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09:30 - 09:40

Gwen Mwaba, Managing Director: Trade Finance & Correspondent Banking, African Export-Import Bank, Egypt Thembi Dlamini, Head, Africa China Banking, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank

Deputy Minister’s Address | Government Driving the South African Women Entrepreneurship Agenda Speaker: Hon. Phumzile Mgcina, Deputy Minister, the Department of Employment and Labour

09:40 - 09:45

Power Talk | Redefining Boundaries: The Power of Innovation to Elevate Women Entrepreneurs Across Markets Speaker: Lineshree Moodley, Country Head for Visa South Africa

09:45 - 10:20

Panel Discussion |Empowering Women Across Sub-Saharan Africa: Unlocking Economic Potential through Financial Freedom and Entrepreneurship

Hosted by: VISA

Explore the critical role that financial independence and entrepreneurship play in empowering women across Sub-Saharan Africa. In a region where women face numerous socio-economic barriers, unlocking their economic potential can drive not only individual success but also broader social and economic transformation. This discussion will focus on how entrepreneurship and financial freedom can serve as powerful tools for women's empowerment, and the strategies needed to support women-led businesses and economic inclusion.

Panellists: ● Nono Malefane, Senior Director, Government Engagement Sub-Saharan Africa, Visa ● Lerato Molebatsi, Non-Executive Director, South African Reserve Bank ●

Margaret Hirsch, Co-Founder, Hirsch’s Home Stores

10:20 - 10:50

Fast Track Networking - Turn Conversations into Connections

10:50 = 11:20

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK *= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

11:20 - 11:25

Power Talk | Alveena Pillay, iME Executive: Strategic Partnerships

11:25 - 12:00

Panel Discussion | The Impact of Women Entrepreneurs in Africa

Hosted by iME

This session highlights the rise of female entrepreneurs and the impact they are making, as well as, explores funding opportunities, mentorship, and the role of innovation in driving female-led businesses.

Panellists: ● Simonetta Ternent, COO, Playroll ● Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs South Africa ● Sibu Mabena, Founder, Duma Collective

12:00 - 12:20 Hosted by Wipro

SheLeads Dialogue | Investing in Women: Accelerating Progress Through Funding, Skills, and Mentorship In today’s dynamic work environment, organisations are increasingly recognizing the importance of gender diversity and inclusion (D&I) as key drivers of innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall business success. Implementing innovative and unique D&I policies can foster a culture of equality and propel organisations toward meaningful change. This panel explores several cutting-edge strategies that organisations can adopt to enhance gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Speakers: ● Palesa Mokaba, Head of Marketing and Communications Africa, Wipro ● Nosizwe Dlengezele-Senyakoe, Head of ENU ( Energy, Natural Resources & Utilities), Wipro

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

12:25 - 12:40 Hosted by Exxaro

SheLeads Dialogue |Women at the Helm: Redefining Leadership in Sustainable Business Models As organisations worldwide pivot towards sustainability, the role of women in leadership is becoming increasingly vital. "Women at the Helm" explores how female leaders are uniquely positioned to drive sustainable business practices and redefine leadership within this context. By bringing diverse perspectives and collaborative approaches, women leaders can foster innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges, ultimately shaping a more sustainable future for businesses.

Speaker: Dr. Nombasa Tsengwa, CEO, Exxaro Resources

12:40 - 12:55 Hosted by Harmony Gold

SheLeads Dialogue |Driving Inclusion in Transformation: Strategies to Support Women's Advancement in Mining and Beyond

This session will explore actionable strategies for fostering inclusion and empowering women in the mining sector and other traditionally male-dominated industries. With insights on overcoming common barriers, this conversation aims to equip organisations with practical tools to support women in reaching leadership positions and to cultivate a culture of equality, innovation, and sustainable growth across industries.

Speaker: Mabo Malaza, Head of Learning Development & Transformation, Harmony Gold

13:00 - 14:00

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

14:00 - 14:10

Power Talk |Driving Responsible Business through DEI: Leadership, Inclusion, and Impact

Hosted by bp Southern Africa

This Power Talk will explore how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are key drivers of responsible business practices in South Africa. Drawing insights from the bpSA, GIBS, and Accenture White Paper, the discussion will highlight leadership philosophies essential for fostering a DEI-aware organisation, with a special focus on empowering women in leadership roles. The session will also

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

provide practical recommendations to enhance DEI strategies, demonstrating the commercial and social benefits of embedding these principles into business operations.

Speaker: Taelo Mojapelo, CEO, bp Southern Africa

14:10 - 14:40

Hosted by Eskom

Panel Discussion |Empowering Women: Breaking Barriers and Building Skills This session will focus on the transformative role of women’s empowerment and skills development across various industries. It will explore how these programmes are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women to excel in their careers. The discussion will emphasise the importance of providing women with the tools, training, and support necessary to drive both personal and professional growth, fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.

Panellists: ● Mpho Mookapele, CEO, EWSETA ● Beke Moloi, General Manager, Learning & Development, Eskom ● Yolisa Motsepe, Founder and Director, Luluk Technology Solutions

14:40 - 14:50

Power Talk | Empowering Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs This session explores the transformative power of empowering leadership for women entrepreneurs. It delves into how fostering confidence, resilience, and strategic thinking enables women to lead with impact, scale their businesses, and inspire change in their communities.

Speaker: Future Moyo, Group Marketing Director, Toastmasters International

14:50 - 15:25

Panel Discussion |Women at the Forefront: Bridging Gender and Climate Action for a Sustainable Future

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

This topic explores how women, particularly in developing countries, are disproportionately affected by climate change yet play critical roles in driving climate justice initiatives. It highlights the leadership of women in advocating for environmental policies, resilience-building, and community-centred sustainability projects.

Speakers: ● ● ● ●

15:25 - 16:10

Simphiwe Ngwenya, Programme Manager - Mitigation, Presidential Climate Commission Mashudu Ndou, Head, Community Affairs: Mining, Oil and Gas Industry Sibulele Sibaca-Nomnganga, Global Speaker and Social Entrepreneur Niki Neumann-Forder, Head, Agribusiness Platforms & Innovation, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank

Panel Discussion | Closing the Digital Gender Divide: Building Female Leaders in the Digital Era This session discusses the barriers women in Africa face in accessing digital tools and education, and explores the opportunities created by closing the digital divide in South Africa and Africa.

Focusing on initiatives that provide digital literacy, coding boot camps, and entrepreneurship opportunities tailored to African women.

Speakers: ● ● ● ● ●

Dr. Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy VC: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Tshwane University of Technology Mamela Luthuli, Founder and CEO, Take Note Information Technology Imke Dannhauser, Marketing Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, Google Search & Consumer AI Products Ridwaan Boda, Executive: Technology, Media, Telecommunications and Data, ENS Kim Holmes, Head, Online Banking Platforms, Digital & eCommerce, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

16:10 - 16:35

Panel Discussion | Why Investing in Women’s Health and Wellbeing is Good Business This session unpacks the benefits of investing in women's health wellbeing and how this can lead to health outcomes and financial opportunities for families, communities, entire economies, and future generations. These strategies and policies are also crucial to achieving all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Yet we lack the framework or tools for measuring outcomes and developing strategies to address the substantial sex and gender-based barriers that continue to affect women’s wellbeing today.

Speakers: ● ● ●

16:35

Dr. Thembisile Xulu, CEO, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Fatima Seedat, Development Manager, South African Depression and Anxiety Group Navlika Ratangee, Managing Director, Lyra Southern Africa

MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS END OF CONFERENCE DAY 1 OF 2

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

Day 2 | 26 November 2024 Empowering Top Women Entrepreneurs and leaders in Africa to “Rise above the Noise” ​ 08:00 – 09:00

Registration & Refreshments

09:00 - 09:05

Moderators Welcome | Carol Tshabalala, Award Winning Sports Broadcaster

09:05 - 09:15

Opening Power Talk | Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal

09:15 - 09:20

Minister Address ||Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency For Women,Youth and Persons with Disabilities

09:20 - 09:45

SheLeads Dialogue |The Importance of Tailored Value Propositions, Exceptional Client Experiences and the Role of International Finance in Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs to Thrive This session explores the transformative impact of international finance on Africa’s business landscape, focusing on how global investments, trade financing, and access to capital are driving growth across the continent. Panellists will discuss the opportunities international finance provides to empower African businesses, from enhancing competitiveness and innovation to expanding into new markets. By examining the partnerships, policies, and financial instruments that facilitate cross-border collaboration, this session will highlight how international finance can help local businesses thrive in an increasingly connected global economy.

Panellists: ●

Cláudia Conceição, Regional Director for Southern Africa, International Finance Corporation (IFC)

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

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Jenine Zachar, Head Value Proposition and Client Experience, Standard Bank

09:45 - 10:25

Fast Track Networking - Turn Conversations into Connections

10:25 - 10:55

NETWORKING REFRESHMENTS BREAK

10:55 - 11:00

Power Talk | Ncedisa Mpande, Chief Financial Officer, merSETA

11:00 - 11:35

Panel Discussion | Unlocking Potential: The Impact of Mentoring Programmes for Female Entrepreneurs and Leaders in business

Hosted by Merseta

This session explores the transformative role of mentoring programmes in fostering the development of female leaders across various sectors. By pairing aspiring women leaders with experienced mentors, these programmes aim to provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities that can help break down barriers and promote gender equality in leadership.

Panellists: ● Ncedisa Mpande, Chief Financial Officer, merSETA ● Laura Harris, Senior Manager: Strategic Planning & Reporting, merSETA ● Lynnette Magasa, CEO, Boniswa Group

11:35 - 12:15

Panel Discussion | Building Inclusive Workplaces for Women in Business

Hosted by

This panel discussion will explore the elements that contribute to truly inclusive workplaces where women can thrive, advance, and contribute to the growth of the organisation. The focus is on understanding what it means to foster an environment that supports women holistically, from recruitment to leadership development, and how these inclusive practices benefit not just women but the entire workforce.

Merchants *= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

Panellists: ● ● ●

Nadia Naidu, Vice President Human Resources, Merchants Eteboheng Llale, Vice President Finance, Merchants Gugu Ndebele, Executive Director, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls & Deputy Chairperson, Rhodes University Council

12:15 - 12:55

Panel Discussion |Business and Career-Long Mastery for Women

Strategic Fuel Fund

This topic explores what support looks like for women at every stage of their careers by implementing flexible work models, inclusive health policies, and gender-equitable practices. It emphasises fostering environments where women can balance personal and professional responsibilities, access opportunities in entrepreneurship, and rise to leadership roles through tailored mentorship and development programs.

Speakers: ● ● ● ●

Dr. Marion De Wet, Executive: Corporate Affairs, Strategic Fuel Fund Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo, Chairman, Raise Africa Investments Tivania Moodley, Author & Co-Founder, Change Her Story Elona Ndlovu, Vice President: Small Businesses, African Entrepreneurs Council

12:55 - 13:55

NETWORKING LUNCHEON

13:55 - 14:10

SheLeads Dialogue |The Female Touch: Elevating Business Value Chains Through Women-Led Contributions

Hosted by Mosholu

An insightful discussion on how women add unique value across the value chain—whether as entrepreneurs, employees, or partners—while addressing the challenges and triumphs of creating an ecosystem driven by female leadership.

Speaker: Nomalanga Makwe, Founder and MD, Mosholu

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

14:10 - 14:25 Hosted by Greysun Media

SheLeads Dialogue | Purpose-Driven Success: How Empowered Entrepreneurs are Solving Social Challenges This discussion explores the inspiring journeys of entrepreneurs who are building successful ventures while tackling pressing social issues. These leaders are not only transforming industries but uplifting communities by aligning their missions with purpose-driven goals. We’ll dive into the motivations behind their work, the unique challenges and rewards of purpose-led entrepreneurship, and how they balance profitability with social impact.

Speakers: ● Naledi Msibi, Public Relations and Comms Director, Greysun Media ● Aaron Moloisi, Media Personality

14:25 - 14:40

SheLeads Dialogue |Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace: Policies and Culture Shifts This SheLeads Dialogue focuses on how organisations should be identifying gender-based violence and harassment and implementing compelling policies to prevent and address these acts, fostering safe work environments.

Speakers: ● ●

14:40 - 15:10

Fatima Collins, Regional Head, Women of Sibanye-Stillwater Dr. Simamkele Dlakavu, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow based at the Centre for Women and Gender Studies, Nelson Mandela University

Panel Discussion |Inclusive Impact: Affordable DE&I Strategies for Growing Companies While many small businesses understand the value of DE&I, they often face challenges due to limited funding or a lack of dedicated personnel for DE&I efforts. Panellists will share practical tips on using existing technology and affordable tools to support inclusive hiring, creating a welcoming environment through simple policy changes, and building an internal culture of belonging.

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change

Panellists: ● ● ●

15:10 - 15:40

Thoko Mpumlwana, Chairperson, South African Women in Dialogue Nene Molefi,CEO, Mandate Molefi Erosha Govender, CEO, Diversifi

SheLeads Dialogue | From Passion to Profession: Navigating the Side Hustle to Full-Time Entrepreneur Journey This discussion seeks to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, strategies, and support needed to navigate the transition from side hustle to full-time business, turning their passions into viable professions. Recognizing the critical importance of this topic for small businesses, the panel will offer relatable advice on making this leap, including practical strategies for managing cash flow, marketing on a budget, and accessing support networks that can facilitate their journey.

Speakers: ● ●

Nomuzi Mabena, Media Personality & Creative Director, ERA by Dj Zinhle Naledzani Mosomane, Head, Enterprise & Supplier Development, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank

15:40 - 15:45

MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS

16:00 - 18:00

NETWORKING COCKTAIL FUNCTION

*= not confirmed or committed as yet NB: Please note that this is a draft programme with subject to change