What to expect from the 9th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit

The 9th Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit is set to take place on the 8th of March 2024 at the Convention Centre, Emperors Palace, bringing together a diverse group of powerful women and thought leaders to engage in crucial conversations around innovation, impact, and empowerment in Africa. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Renuka Methil, the Managing Editor of Forbes Africa, provided insights into what attendees can expect from the upcoming summit. This milestone 9th edition is themed 'Women Unscripted, Empowering Innovation and Impact in Africa,' building upon the discussions from the previous year centered around 'Women 3.0, the Ideas and Icons Shaping Africa.' Methil highlighted the importance of convening influential figures from various sectors including presidents, CEOs, tycoons, peace activists, human rights activists, and youth icons to discuss current trends and key themes, with a particular focus on the role of technology in upskilling women and addressing historical inequalities. The summit aims to push boundaries, disrupt traditional norms, and foster collaboration among women to drive impactful change in the region. Over the years, the summit has witnessed a significant growth in attendance, from a hundred people in a ballroom to over 1500 attendees in recent editions, showcasing the increasing power and influence of women in Africa. Methil emphasized the 'power of the collective,' underscoring the transformative potential of bringing together diverse and brilliant minds to inspire and drive progress. As the summit continues to evolve, it seeks to address pressing issues such as the lack of investment capital flowing to women-led ventures in the innovation and technology space. Despite the challenges, Methil expressed optimism about the gradual shifts occurring in the venture capital landscape, as evidenced by dedicated panels exploring how to support and fund female entrepreneurs. She stressed the importance of showcasing successful role models who can mentor and guide the next generation of women leaders, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The 9th Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit promises to be a platform for empowerment, collaboration, and innovation, shaping the narrative of women's leadership and impact in Africa. With a lineup of influential speakers and thought-provoking discussions, the summit is set to ignite change and inspire women and men across the continent to believe in the possibility of a more inclusive and diverse business landscape. As Africa continues to navigate its path towards progress and development, the contributions and achievements of women in various industries will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for the continent.