Day 1 | 22 SEPTEMBER 2025
Her Power. Africa’s Future.
07:30 - 08:30 Registration & Refreshments
08:30 - 08:40 Moderators Welcome | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
08:40 - 08:45 Organisers Welcome Address | Ralf Fletcher, CEO, Topco Media
08:45 - 08:50 Standard Bank Top Women Publication launch | Unveiling Two Decades of Impact
Fiona Wakelin, Group Editor for Topco Media & Judy Twaambo Chileshe, Head of Brand at Topco Media
08:50 - 09:00 Host Province Address |Honourable Lebogang Maile, Gauteng Province MEC for Finance and Economic Development
09:00 - 09:10 Standard Bank Address | Simone Cooper, Head, Business and Commercial Banking South Africa, Standard Bank Group
09:10 - 09:15 Merseta Keynote Address |Disa Mpande, CFO, merSETA
09:15 - 09:45 A Top Women Table Talk | Rachel Kolisi, Co-Founder, Kolisi Foundation
09:45 - 10:15 Opening Panel Discussion | Catalysts of Change: Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Africa’s Growth Story
This powerful kickoff will spotlight bold women who are challenging entrenched norms and building impactful ventures, from side hustles to multinational enterprises. Panelists will unpack how inclusive leadership, access to capital, and ecosystem support enable women to catalyze transformative change across communities and industries.
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
● Jackie Motsepe, COO, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism And Film Authority
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10:15 - 10:30 Deputy Minister’s Address | Policy in Practice: Advancing Fair Employment and Labour Transformation
South Africa’s labour landscape is undergoing critical change, with the public sector playing a decisive role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive future of work This session explores how effective labour policy and employment strategies can drive transformation, close inequality gaps, and open up opportunities for all South Africans From addressing youth unemployment to ensuring workplace equity, the focus is on translating policy into real-world impact that supports sustainable economic growth
Speaker: Hon. Judith Tshabalala, Deputy Minister of Employment & Labour
10:30 - 10:45 Minister’s Address | Equality in Action: Advancing Women, Youth, and Disability Inclusion in Africa’s Economy
Delivered by Honourable Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, this keynote explores how empowering women isn’t just a social imperative, it’s the foundation of sustainable economic growth. Through impactful policies and public–private partnerships, South Africa is reshaping systems to elevate women, youth, and persons with disabilities setting a bold example for the continent.
Speaker: Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities
10:45 - 10:46 Top Women Power Pause - by Lethiwe Ndawonder from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute mindful meditation - a chance to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reset before diving back into the conference
10:46 - 11:15
Hosted by: PitchPower Networking PitchPower Networking is an interactive session where guests are invited to the stage to deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches about their business, product, or service to a room full of peers, potential partners, and investors The high-energy format is designed to maximise exposure for entrepreneurs, spark targeted connections, and turn networking into real business opportunities The strict time limit sharpens each pitch for clarity and impact, ensuring every idea lands powerfully.
11:15 - 11:35 NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK
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11:30 - 12:05
Hosted by merSETA
12:05 - 12:50
Hosted by merchants
12:50 - 13:05
Hosted by Bridging & Associates
Panel Discussion | Skills to Scale: Equipping Women Entrepreneurs for Industrial Innovation
From engineering to manufacturing, industrial sectors hold immense opportunities for female-led SMEs This session will explore how technical training, vocational hubs, and market access empower women to thrive in high-impact sectors, and how upskilling fuels national competitiveness and regional transformation
Panellists:
● Disa Mpande, CFO, merSETA
● Bronwin Abrahams, Manager: Western Cape, merSETA
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
Panel Discussion | Culture by Design: Embedding Women’s Advancement into Enterprise Infrastructure
Intentionality drives transformation. This discussion explores how inclusive architecture, equity KPIs, career mapping, bias-proof recruitment, creates enduring organisational change Learn from leaders who’ve gone beyond policy to operationalize gender inclusion.
Panellists:
● Nadia Naidu, Vice President Human Resources, Merchants*
● Eteboheng Llale, Vice President Finance, Merchants*
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
SheLeads Dialogue |Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Redefining Leadership and Innovation
This session spotlights women who are challenging traditional power structures and reshaping what it means to lead in the 21st century. These trailblazers are not just breaking barriers, they’re building new models of leadership rooted in inclusivity, innovation, and impact.
Speaker:
● Antoinette Roberts, CEO, Bridging & Associates
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13:05 - 14:00 NETWORKING LUNCHEON
14:00 - 14:01 Top Women Power Pause: Stretch & Reset by Lethiwe Ndawonder from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute movement break to stand, stretch, and release tension Re-energize your body and mind before diving back into the conference after lunch
14:01 - 14:41
Hosted by Harmony Gold Panel Discussion |Leading with Purpose: Gender Empowerment as a Business Catalyst
Success is more than profit, it’s people Hear from women CEOs, founders, and investors who are designing companies with impact, inclusivity, and intentional leadership. Discover how visionary cultures accelerate growth and inspire loyalty in both customers and teams
Panellists:
● Dr Urishanie Govender, Chief Sustainability Officer, Harmony Gold
● Senior representative, Standard Bank*
● Reshni Singh, CEO, Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA)
14:41 - 14:46 Top Women Power Talk | Akhona Qengqe, General Manager, KFC Africa
14:46 - 15:20
Hosted by KFC Africa Panel Discussion |Scaling the Value Chain: Advancing Women in Supply Chains, Franchising, and Leadership
Featuring real case studies like KFC South Africa, this session shows how inclusive models, from supplier diversity to franchising, create pathways for women to thrive across the entire business landscape. Learn how internal pipelines can launch women from operational to strategic roles.
Panelists:
● Nolo Thobejane, Chief People and Culture Officer, KFC Africa
● Akhona Qengqe, General Manager, KFC Africa
● Lebo Letsoalo, Global Supply Chain Coach
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15:20 - 15:40
Hosted by SAA
SheLeads Dialogue | Flying Forward: Transforming Aviation Through Gender Empowerment and Inclusive Innovation
This session explores how fostering gender diversity and inclusive innovation is shaping the future of aviation Learn strategies to empower women, unlock untapped talent and drive sustainable growth in an industry ready to soar beyond traditional boundaries
Speaker: Mpho Letlape, Interim HR Executive, South African Airways
15:40 - 15:50 Top Women Power Talk | Mia De Lange, General Manager, Guerbet South Africa
15:50- 16:20
Panel Discussion | The Role of Advanced Imaging in Transforming Women’s Healthcare
Hosted by Guerbet South Africa
This session explores how advanced imaging technologies are revolutionizing women’s healthcare, focusing on innovations that improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment It will address the specific health challenges women face in South Africa and discuss how advanced imaging solutions can play a key role in enhancing health outcomes This session aims to highlight the transformative impact of medical imaging on women’s health, equity, and access to care
Panellists:
● Mia De Lange, General Manager, Guerbet South Africa
● Noelene Kotschan, CEO & Founder, Pink Drive*
● Natasha Perold, Brand Ambassador, Mrs South Africa
16:40 MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
END OF CONFERENCE DAY 1 OF 2
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Day 2 | 23 SEPTEMBER 2025
Her Power. Africa’s Future.
08:00 – 09:10 Registration & Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05 Moderators Welcome | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
09:05 - 09:15 Standard Bank Address |
09:15 - 09:30 Keynote Address |
09:30 - 10:00 Panel Discussion | Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Redesigning Africa’s Financial Future
Money meets meaning in this dynamic discussion featuring women leading financial services, impact funds, and high-growth ventures Discover how they’re breaking silos, building equity-driven models, and mentoring the next generation of finance leaders.
Panelists:
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
● Cláudia Conceição, Regional Director: Southern Africa, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
● Zanele Gigaba, Transformation Manager, South African Insurance Association
10:00 - 10:01 Top Women Power Pause by Lethiwe Ndawonder from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute mindful meditation - a chance to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reset before diving back into the conference
10:01 - 10:30
Hosted by: PitchPower Networking
PitchPower Networking is an interactive session where guests are invited to the stage to deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches about their business, product, or service to a room full of peers, potential partners, and investors The high-energy format is designed to maximise exposure for entrepreneurs, spark targeted connections, and turn networking into real business opportunities The strict time limit sharpens each pitch for clarity and impact, ensuring every idea
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lands powerfully.
10:30 - 11:00 NETWORKING REFRESHMENTS BREAK
11:00 - 11:20
Hosted by Barloworld SheLeads Dialogue |Leading Sustainability Through Enterprise
This dialogue dives into how women entrepreneurs are embedding sustainability into their business models, from eco-packaging to social upliftment. Learn how business leaders balance profit and planet to shape resilient companies that redefine their sectors
Speakers:
● Relebohile Malahlela, Executive Strategic Finance, Barloworld Limited
● Fatima Collins, Project Manager, Sibanye-Stillwater*
11:20 - 11:30 Top Women Power Talk | Future-Fit Female Leadership: The Neuro-Inclusive Advantage
Neurodivergence is doubling among girls, women, and midlife leaders yet silence, bias, and misdiagnosis are driving burnout and career exits at their peak. Women often mask traits due to flawed assessments, missing research on hormonal impacts, and a lack of support. Sarah reframes neurodivergence as a competitive advantage, an invisible strength aligned with future-ready leadership. Through real-world cases, humour, and evidence-based tools, she empowers organisations to unlock performance and inclusion. Leave with a 90-day playbook to boost engagement and innovation while reducing burnout, attrition, and missed disability targets in women’s leadership.
Speaker: Dr Sarah Babb, Co-Founder and MD of Stimm
11:30 - 12:10
Hosted by: Vodacom Panel Discussion | Powering Gender Equality Through Technology: Unlocking Africa’s Next Growth Frontier
This panel explores how technology is driving gender equality across Africa. Experts will discuss how digital tools, connectivity, and fintech empower women entrepreneurs, close the skills gap, and create new leadership opportunities. Through real-world examples and success stories, the
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discussion will highlight how tech is transforming lives, advancing inclusion, and shaping Africa’s next frontier of growth
Speakers:
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
● Zandile Mkwanazi, CEO, GirlCode
12:10 - 12:40 Panel Discussion |Next Gen Builders: Youth-Led Enterprises Reshaping Africa’s Economic DNA
Africa’s economic future lies in its youth. This energetic panel brings together entrepreneurs, educators, and ecosystem enablers who are igniting young changemakers through startup support, mentorship, and scalable innovation.
Speakers:
● Summer Clifford, Director, Jenna Clifford
● Kefilwe Mabote, Entrepreneur and Digital Content Creator
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
12:40 - 13:10 Panel Discussion | Leveling the Playing Field: How Workplace Health, Wellness, and Fitness Policies Drive Productivity and Equity
Workplace wellness programmes are strategic investments, not just perks. They are like training for athletes: they help all employees perform at their best. These programmes include exercise options, mental health support and fair policies to improve health and reduce burnout and turnover. When everyone has equal access, it creates a more engaged, productive and inclusive workplace. In short, prioritising employee wellness creates a level playing field and unlocks the full potential of your entire team.
Panelists:
● Akhona "She Ref" Makalima, Founder, SheRef Her Legacy Foundation*
● Philippa Feher, Head of Marketing, Mr Price Sport
● Sundrie Naidoo, Head of People, Discovery Vitality
13:10 - 14:10 NETWORKING LUNCHEON
14:10 - 14:11 Top Women Power Pause: Stretch & Reset Lethiwe Ndawonder from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute movement break to stand, stretch, and release tension. Re-energize your body and mind before diving back into the conference after lunch.
14:11 - 14:40 Panel Discussion | Media Makers: Women Building Africa’s Creative Economy
This conversation spotlights women disrupting media as founders, producers, and digital content leaders. Explore how storytelling becomes strategy, driving cultural currency, economic impact, and pan-African influence.
Speakers:
● Ntokozo Maseko, Editor-In-Chief, Robb Report
● Genevieve Coward, Deputy CEO, Primedia Out-Of-Home
● Senior Representative, ENCA*
14:40 - 15:00
Hosted by
Enel Green SheLeads Dialogue | Powering Women Entrepreneurs: Turning Renewable Energy into Business Opportunities
The renewable energy transition is a powerful engine for women-led entrepreneurship, offering new markets, supply chain opportunities, and skills pathways Enel Green Power sees women not just as participants but as leaders in shaping a sustainable, inclusive green economy by breaking down barriers to funding, knowledge, and partnerships, and connecting them directly to tangible business opportunities in the energy sector
Speakers:
● Caroline Nhlane, Head of Communications, Enel Green Power*
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15:00 - 15:30 Panel Discussion | Digital by Design: Bridging Africa’s Gender Tech Gap
Explore how women innovators are closing the digital divide by founding startups, disrupting AI bias, and building platforms for community impact This session addresses both digital inclusion and the tech-led future of African enterprise, with practical strategies for growth, safety, and visibility
Speaker:
● Kume Luvhani, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Vaxowave
● Emma Dicks, Co-Founder, CodeSpace Academy
● Senior representative, Standard Bank
● Sally Nhlanhla, CEO, Rekindle Learning
16:00 MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
16:00 - 18:00 NETWORKING COCKTAIL FUNCTION
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