The Africa Women Conference (AWC) is set to hold its 9th edition in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 5–7, 2025, under the theme “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
Since its inception in 2018, the AWC has grown into one of the continent’s foremost platforms dedicated to advancing the empowerment of African women. It brings together experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and organizations committed to shaping inclusive and sustainable solutions for Africa’s development.
A Platform for Change
The AWC was established with a clear mission which is to provide women of African descent with a platform to design Afrocentric solutions to Africa’s challenges. Its vision remains rooted in building partnerships that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing the realities and potentials of women across Africa.
Over the years, the conference has been hosted in different countries including the United States, Namibia, Morocco, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Zambia. Each edition has explored pressing issues from women’s economic empowerment and digital inclusion to gender equality and sustainable governance.
The 2025 Focus: Legacy Meets Innovation
This year’s conference will spotlight the intersection of heritage and modernity, honoring the contributions of African women leaders while embracing innovative strategies to secure the continent’s future. The discussions will center on re-imagining African education in the AI era, with emphasis on balancing technology-driven learning with cultural context. Another key focus will be transcending borders by building regional cooperation and networks for the empowerment of young African women. The conference will also advance conversations on inclusive governance, using AI, data, and indigenous innovation to foster electoral fairness, security, and youth participation in decision-making.
What to Expect
The three-day event will feature keynote addresses by distinguished African and international thought leaders, panel discussions on policy, technology, and gender inclusion, and practical workshops on leadership, innovation, and digital skills. Delegates will also engage in networking sessions designed to connect women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and advocates. Exhibitions will showcase African-led initiatives and innovations, while cultural exchange activities will highlight Africa’s rich diversity through performances and art.
A Continental Gathering
The AWC is expected to draw participants from across Africa and beyond, including representatives from government agencies, international organizations such as UN Women and the African Union, civil society groups, financial institutions, academia, and women entrepreneurs.
Continuing the Journey
From its first edition in New York in 2018, themed “Repositioning Africa: Roles of Women in Sustainable Development” to its most recent edition in Lusaka, Zambia in 2024, which focused on “Digital Advancement: Harnessing Its Potentials for the African Woman”, the Africa Women Conference has consistently set the stage for actionable conversations.
The 2025 edition in Johannesburg promises to build on this momentum, blending the power of legacy with the promise of innovation to create pathways for Africa’s sustainable future.
For registration and more details, visit www.africa-womenconference.org.
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