Date
29-31 October 2026
EmpowaHer Programme 2026
The Future Is Female.
An Executive Leadership Experience for Africa's Next Generation of Women Leaders (18-35).
Venue
EmpowaWorx House, 364 Pine Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, 2196
Executive Producer
Simphiwe Masiza, Founder and Executive Producer EmpowaHer
Programme Architecture
Opening Plenary
- Presidential / Ministerial Keynote
- Global Leadership Keynote
- Strategic Partner Address
- Summit Declaration
Leadership Tracks - Nine Executive Tracks
- Entrepreneurship & Capital
- Digital Leadership & AI
- Citizenship & Social Impact
- Personal Leadership Mastery
- Personal Finance & Wealth
- Health & Vitality
- Relationships, Rights & Safety
- Education & Global Leadership
- Board Readiness & Governance
Leadership Experiences
- Keynote Addresses
- Leadership Dialogues
- Executive Panels
- Executive Masterclasses
- Leadership Labs
Opportunity Pathways
- Education & Bursaries
- Employment & Placements
- Entrepreneurship & Capital
- Executive Leadership Programmes
- Board Appointments
Global Leadership, Opportunity & Graduation Finale
- The Opportunity Compact
- Delegate Leadership Voices
- Graduation & Recognition
- Leadership Reception
DAY ONE — 29 OCTOBER 2026 — OPENING PLENARY
Day One
Opening Plenary: Leading the Future: Women, Power and Possibility.
The Day One Opening Plenary establishes the intellectual, emotional and strategic direction for the three-day EmpowaHer Leadership Summit.
Day One Theme
Leading the Future
Audience
Emerging women leaders 18-35
Venue
Main Auditorium
The Rise of Her
A powerful multidisciplinary performance combining music, spoken word, movement and visual storytelling to celebrate African women's courage, leadership and possibility.
Welcome to EmpowaHer - The Future Is Female
Formal welcome, recognition of government, diplomatic, corporate, academic and development partners, and introduction to the summit experience.
Why EmpowaHer. Why Now.
The Founder and Group CEO defines the leadership challenge, presents the summit's vision and calls for a coordinated national pipeline connecting young women to education, capital, employment, executive leadership and board opportunities.
The Future Is Female: Building a Generation of Women Who Will Lead Africa
A national call to accelerate women's access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, technology, capital, executive leadership and public decision-making.
From Inspiration to Access
Introduction of the scholarships, internships, executive programmes, mentorship, enterprise support, exchange opportunities and board-readiness pathways available through the summit.
09:00-09:08Immersive Cultural Opening
The Rise of Her
Strategic FocusA powerful multidisciplinary performance celebrating African women's agency and triumph.
09:08-09:15Official Opening & Welcome
Welcome to EmpowaHer - The Future Is Female
Strategic FocusFormal welcome and strategic alignment with key partners.
09:15-09:30Founder's Strategic Scene-Setter
Why EmpowaHer. Why Now.
Strategic FocusThe Founder & Group CEO outlines the urgent imperative for a national pipeline.
09:30-09:40Strategic Partner Address
Investing in Her Leadership Is Investing in Africa's Future
Strategic FocusThe anchor partner outlines its strategic commitment to women's economic advancement.
09:40-10:05Presidential / Ministerial Keynote
The Future Is Female: Building a Generation of Women Leaders
Strategic FocusA national call to accelerate access to education, capital, executive roles and governance.
10:05-10:35Global Leadership Keynote
Leading Without Permission: Courage, Power and Global Impact
Strategic FocusCompelling global perspective on authentic leadership, authority, and influence.
10:35-10:50Leadership Conversation
From the Global Stage to the Next Generation
Strategic FocusTranslating international leadership milestones into practical progression strategies.
10:50-10:56Opportunity Commitment
From Inspiration to Access
Strategic FocusAnnouncing executive placements, bursaries, internships, and mentorship matches.
10:56-11:00Official Summit Declaration
The Future Is Female Leadership Call
Strategic FocusFormal declaration inaugurating the three-day EmpowaHer Summit 2026.
| Time | Item | Topic | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-09:08 | Immersive Cultural Opening | The Rise of Her | A powerful multidisciplinary performance celebrating African women's agency and triumph. |
| 09:08-09:15 | Official Opening & Welcome | Welcome to EmpowaHer - The Future Is Female | Formal welcome and strategic alignment with key partners. |
| 09:15-09:30 | Founder's Strategic Scene-Setter | Why EmpowaHer. Why Now. | The Founder & Group CEO outlines the urgent imperative for a national pipeline. |
| 09:30-09:40 | Strategic Partner Address | Investing in Her Leadership Is Investing in Africa's Future | The anchor partner outlines its strategic commitment to women's economic advancement. |
| 09:40-10:05 | Presidential / Ministerial Keynote | The Future Is Female: Building a Generation of Women Leaders | A national call to accelerate access to education, capital, executive roles and governance. |
| 10:05-10:35 | Global Leadership Keynote | Leading Without Permission: Courage, Power and Global Impact | Compelling global perspective on authentic leadership, authority, and influence. |
| 10:35-10:50 | Leadership Conversation | From the Global Stage to the Next Generation | Translating international leadership milestones into practical progression strategies. |
| 10:50-10:56 | Opportunity Commitment | From Inspiration to Access | Announcing executive placements, bursaries, internships, and mentorship matches. |
| 10:56-11:00 | Official Summit Declaration | The Future Is Female Leadership Call | Formal declaration inaugurating the three-day EmpowaHer Summit 2026. |
Day One and Day Two
Nine Executive Leadership Tracks.
Specialised learning tracks designed to prepare Africa's next generation of women leaders to compete, lead and succeed.
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Funding
Capital. Markets. Scale. Women Leading Africa's Economic Future.
Strategic Focus: Investment Readiness, Access to Capital (DFIs, Institutional investment, PE, VC), Market Access (Procurement, Corporate supply chains), Sustainable Scale.
Digital Leadership, AI and Career Growth
Visible. Valuable. Future-Ready.
Strategic Focus: Practical AI Capability, Digital Fluency, Technology Innovation, Future-of-Work Readiness, Cyber Literacy.
Citizenship, Patriotism and Social Impact
Our Country. Our Responsibility. Our Future.
Strategic Focus: Constitutional Literacy, Human Rights, Gender Equality, Ethical Patriotism, Civic Technology, Community Leadership, Social Innovation.
Personal Leadership Mastery & Transformation
Lead Yourself. Navigate Complexity. Accelerate Your Future.
Strategic Focus: Self-Awareness, Executive Presence, Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Career Navigation, Disruption Resilience, Career Ownership.
Personal Finance, Investing & Wealth Creation
The Cost of Waiting: Why Wealth Must Begin Early.
Strategic Focus: Cash-Flow Mastery, Credit & Debt Architecture, Direct Investing, Property Ownership, Retirement Systems, Estate Planning, Digital Assets.
Health, Wellness and Executive Vitality
Healthy Woman. Powerful Leader. Sustainable Future.
Strategic Focus: Physical Health, Mental Wellbeing, Emotional Resilience, Reproductive Healthcare, Preventive Medicine, Restorative Sleep, High-Performance Nutrition.
Relationships, Rights, Safety & Executive Parenting
Whole Woman. Equal Partner. Protected Future.
Strategic Focus: Healthy Relationships, Personal Agency, GBV Prevention & Support, Legal & Financial Rights, Marriage & Property Architecture, Executive Parenting, Boundary Setting.
Education, Executive Development & Global Leadership
Learn. Lead. Advance. Women Building Africa's Knowledge Economy.
Strategic Focus: Executive Education, Professional Designations, Commercial Acumen, Global Fellowships, Executive Mentorship, Lifelong Career Capital.
Leadership, Governance & Board Readiness
Lead with Authority. Govern with Integrity. Shape the Future.
Strategic Focus: Governance Literacy, Financial Statement Fluency, King IV & Fiduciary Duties, Boardroom Ethics, AI & Technology Oversight, Board Appointment Strategy.
DAY TWO — 30 OCTOBER 2026 — LEADERSHIP TRACKS 06–09
Day Two
Specialist Day Two Tracks
09:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Four specialist executive tracks running in parallel across Day Two. Each delegate attends one focused track.
Track 06
Health, Wellness and Executive Vitality
Healthy Woman. Powerful Leader. Sustainable Future.
Strategic Outcome
Healthy Leaders. Sustainable Performance.
Programme Purpose
This evidence-led track positions health as leadership capital. It recognises that sustained performance requires more than ambition: it depends on physical vitality, emotional resilience, preventive care, supportive workplaces, and informed access to healthcare.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Physical Health
- Mental Wellbeing
- Emotional Resilience
- Reproductive Health
- Preventive Care
- Supportive Workplaces
- Healthcare Access
- Sleep & Recovery
- Nutrition & Movement
- Sustainable Vitality
11:00-11:10Immersive Health Opening
Vitality as Leadership Capital
Strategic FocusWhy sustained executive performance begins with physical, emotional and mental well-being.
11:10-11:30Opening Medical Keynote
The Biology of Leadership: Stress, Hormones and High Performance
Strategic FocusUnderstanding the physiological demands of leadership and managing burnout proactively.
11:30-12:05Mental Health Dialogue
Mind Over Matter: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in High-Pressure Roles
Strategic FocusDe-stigmatising mental health, emotional boundaries, therapy, and psychological safety.
12:05-12:45Reproductive Health Panel
From Fertility to Menopause: Navigating Women's Health Throughout Career Phases
Strategic FocusReproductive choices, hormonal cycles, preventive screenings, and corporate healthcare benefits.
12:45-01:30Wellness Lunch & Connection
The Nourish Experience
Strategic FocusNetworking over curated nutritious lunch connecting delegates with medical and wellness specialists.
01:30-02:15Executive Vitality Masterclass
Sleep, Nutrition and Micro-Habits That Power High Performance
Strategic FocusCircadian rhythms, targeted nutrition, movement integration, and science-backed recovery protocols.
02:15-02:45Workplace Health Advocacy
Designing Healthier Organisations for Women
Strategic FocusHow leaders advocate for mental wellness days, ergonomic workspaces, and flexible health policies.
02:45-03:00Closing Commitment
My Executive Vitality Blueprint
Strategic FocusEach delegate drafts a personal 90-day wellness commitment across sleep, movement, and medical care.
| Time | Item | Topic | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-11:10 | Immersive Health Opening | Vitality as Leadership Capital | Why sustained executive performance begins with physical, emotional and mental well-being. |
| 11:10-11:30 | Opening Medical Keynote | The Biology of Leadership: Stress, Hormones and High Performance | Understanding the physiological demands of leadership and managing burnout proactively. |
| 11:30-12:05 | Mental Health Dialogue | Mind Over Matter: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in High-Pressure Roles | De-stigmatising mental health, emotional boundaries, therapy, and psychological safety. |
| 12:05-12:45 | Reproductive Health Panel | From Fertility to Menopause: Navigating Women's Health Throughout Career Phases | Reproductive choices, hormonal cycles, preventive screenings, and corporate healthcare benefits. |
| 12:45-01:30 | Wellness Lunch & Connection | The Nourish Experience | Networking over curated nutritious lunch connecting delegates with medical and wellness specialists. |
| 01:30-02:15 | Executive Vitality Masterclass | Sleep, Nutrition and Micro-Habits That Power High Performance | Circadian rhythms, targeted nutrition, movement integration, and science-backed recovery protocols. |
| 02:15-02:45 | Workplace Health Advocacy | Designing Healthier Organisations for Women | How leaders advocate for mental wellness days, ergonomic workspaces, and flexible health policies. |
| 02:45-03:00 | Closing Commitment | My Executive Vitality Blueprint | Each delegate drafts a personal 90-day wellness commitment across sleep, movement, and medical care. |
Track 07
Relationships, Rights, Safety and Executive Parenting
Whole Woman. Equal Partner. Protected Future.
Strategic Outcome
Whole-Life Leadership and Personal Agency
Programme Purpose
This courageous, rights-centred track recognises that women's personal relationships, safety, financial independence, caregiving responsibilities and family structures profoundly influence their leadership journeys and economic futures. It creates a facilitated environment for informed conversations about equality, legal protection, and work-life integration.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Healthy Relationships
- Personal Agency
- GBV Prevention
- Legal & Financial Rights
- Consent & Boundaries
- Marriage & Property Systems
- Executive Parenting
- Work-Life Integration
- Support Networks
- Financial Independence
11:00-11:10Immersive Opening Experience
The Whole Woman: Leadership Beyond the Boardroom
Strategic FocusReflecting on how identity, relationships, safety, family, and personal agency intersect.
11:10-11:30Opening Keynote Address
A Life of Your Own: Love, Leadership and Personal Agency
Strategic FocusBuilding relationships without surrendering identity, ambition, dignity, or economic agency.
11:30-12:05Healthy Relationships Dialogue
Love Without Losing Yourself: Partnership, Boundaries and Shared Power
Strategic FocusRecognising healthy relationship dynamics, negotiating equality in domestic duties and careers.
12:05-12:45Rights and GBV Leadership Panel
Safe at Home. Safe at Work. Safe in Society.
Strategic FocusPreventing coercive control, harassment, financial abuse, and accessing legal/psychosocial support.
12:45-01:05Consent & Wellbeing Conversation
Consent, Communication and Sexual Wellbeing
Strategic FocusMedically accurate and rights-based conversation about boundaries and sexual health.
01:05-01:50Leadership Lunch & Circles
The Circle of Strength
Strategic FocusCurated lunch connecting delegates with mentors, legal practitioners, therapists, and senior leaders.
01:50-02:25Marriage, Law & Money Masterclass
Before I Do: Marriage, Property and Financial Rights
Strategic FocusAntenuptial contracts, civil vs customary marriage, estate planning, wills, trusts, and maintenance.
02:25-03:00Executive Parenting Lab
Leading While Raising Leaders
Strategic FocusManaging high-powered careers alongside caregiving, delegating without guilt, and support networks.
| Time | Item | Topic | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-11:10 | Immersive Opening Experience | The Whole Woman: Leadership Beyond the Boardroom | Reflecting on how identity, relationships, safety, family, and personal agency intersect. |
| 11:10-11:30 | Opening Keynote Address | A Life of Your Own: Love, Leadership and Personal Agency | Building relationships without surrendering identity, ambition, dignity, or economic agency. |
| 11:30-12:05 | Healthy Relationships Dialogue | Love Without Losing Yourself: Partnership, Boundaries and Shared Power | Recognising healthy relationship dynamics, negotiating equality in domestic duties and careers. |
| 12:05-12:45 | Rights and GBV Leadership Panel | Safe at Home. Safe at Work. Safe in Society. | Preventing coercive control, harassment, financial abuse, and accessing legal/psychosocial support. |
| 12:45-01:05 | Consent & Wellbeing Conversation | Consent, Communication and Sexual Wellbeing | Medically accurate and rights-based conversation about boundaries and sexual health. |
| 01:05-01:50 | Leadership Lunch & Circles | The Circle of Strength | Curated lunch connecting delegates with mentors, legal practitioners, therapists, and senior leaders. |
| 01:50-02:25 | Marriage, Law & Money Masterclass | Before I Do: Marriage, Property and Financial Rights | Antenuptial contracts, civil vs customary marriage, estate planning, wills, trusts, and maintenance. |
| 02:25-03:00 | Executive Parenting Lab | Leading While Raising Leaders | Managing high-powered careers alongside caregiving, delegating without guilt, and support networks. |
Track 08
Education, Executive Development and Global Leadership
Learn. Lead. Advance. Women Building Africa's Knowledge Economy.
Strategic Outcome
Leadership Pipeline from Learning to Opportunity
Programme Purpose
This high-impact track connects ambitious young women to the education, executive development, and global leadership opportunities required to progress from specialist to manager, executive, and board member. The focus extends beyond qualifications to commercial acumen, global fluency, mentorship, and sponsorship.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Executive Development
- Professional Designations
- Digital Fluency
- Commercial Acumen
- Global Fellowships
- Executive Mentorship
- Sponsorship Networks
- Executive Coaching
- Lifelong Learning
- Opportunity Pathways
11:00-11:10Immersive Education Opening
The Future Belongs to Women Who Keep Learning
Strategic FocusShowcasing how continuous credentialing, AI mastery, and global exposure accelerate mobility.
11:10-11:30Ministerial Keynote Address
Educating the Women Who Will Lead Africa's Future
Strategic FocusExpanding funded access to quality post-school education, scarce skills, and executive programmes.
11:30-12:10Public-Sector Leadership Panel
From Policy to Opportunity: Building a National Leadership Pipeline
Strategic FocusHow SETAs, NSFAS, the National Skills Fund, and universities activate funded development pathways.
12:10-12:50Business School Deans' Dialogue
From Qualification to Executive Capability
Strategic FocusExecutive education responsiveness to AI, ESG, commercial acumen, and continental trade.
12:50-01:35Opportunity Marketplace Lunch
The Education & Leadership Exchange
Strategic FocusConnecting delegates with scholarship providers, business schools, and executive search partners.
01:35-02:05SETA & Bursary Masterclass
Fund Your Future: Navigating Bursaries and Workplace Learning
Strategic FocusActionable guidance on learnerships, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and funded leadership seats.
02:05-02:35Global Exposure Dialogue
Africa to the World: Building Globally Fluent Women Leaders
Strategic FocusFellowships, cross-border secondments, international trade delegations, and global think tanks.
02:35-03:00Mentorship vs Sponsorship Lab
Beyond Mentorship: Who Is Advocating for Your Promotion?
Strategic FocusDistinguishing advisors from active sponsors and securing champions who speak up behind closed doors.
| Time | Item | Topic | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-11:10 | Immersive Education Opening | The Future Belongs to Women Who Keep Learning | Showcasing how continuous credentialing, AI mastery, and global exposure accelerate mobility. |
| 11:10-11:30 | Ministerial Keynote Address | Educating the Women Who Will Lead Africa's Future | Expanding funded access to quality post-school education, scarce skills, and executive programmes. |
| 11:30-12:10 | Public-Sector Leadership Panel | From Policy to Opportunity: Building a National Leadership Pipeline | How SETAs, NSFAS, the National Skills Fund, and universities activate funded development pathways. |
| 12:10-12:50 | Business School Deans' Dialogue | From Qualification to Executive Capability | Executive education responsiveness to AI, ESG, commercial acumen, and continental trade. |
| 12:50-01:35 | Opportunity Marketplace Lunch | The Education & Leadership Exchange | Connecting delegates with scholarship providers, business schools, and executive search partners. |
| 01:35-02:05 | SETA & Bursary Masterclass | Fund Your Future: Navigating Bursaries and Workplace Learning | Actionable guidance on learnerships, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and funded leadership seats. |
| 02:05-02:35 | Global Exposure Dialogue | Africa to the World: Building Globally Fluent Women Leaders | Fellowships, cross-border secondments, international trade delegations, and global think tanks. |
| 02:35-03:00 | Mentorship vs Sponsorship Lab | Beyond Mentorship: Who Is Advocating for Your Promotion? | Distinguishing advisors from active sponsors and securing champions who speak up behind closed doors. |
Track 09
Leadership, Governance and Board Readiness
Lead with Authority. Govern with Integrity. Shape the Future.
Strategic Outcome
Executive Leadership and Board Readiness
Programme Purpose
This rigorous track prepares emerging women leaders for executive committees and board service by strengthening governance literacy, financial fluency, ethical leadership, and technology oversight. It creates direct pathways into corporate, state-owned, and civil society boardrooms.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Governance Literacy
- Financial Fluency
- Fiduciary Duties
- Board Ethics
- AI & Tech Oversight
- Cyber Risk Oversight
- ESG & Sustainability
- Strategic Stewardship
- Board Appointment Strategy
- Executive Credibility
11:00-11:10Immersive Leadership Opening
The Future Is Female and Governed by Her
Strategic FocusShowcasing African women transforming industries in the highest decision-making boardrooms.
11:10-11:30Ministerial Keynote Address
From Representation to Decision-Making Power
Strategic FocusAccelerating women's progression onto corporate and state-owned entity governing bodies.
11:30-12:10Women on Boards Dialogue
Beyond the Seat: What Defines a Board-Ready Woman?
Strategic FocusCompetence, character, judgment, independence of thought, and director-level maturity.
12:10-12:50CEO & Managing Executives Panel
From Operational Leader to Enterprise Leader
Strategic FocusPivotal assignments, commercial acumen, and strategic relationships that unlock ExCo progression.
12:50-01:35Governance Connections Lunch
The Governance Exchange
Strategic FocusConnecting delegates with board chairs, IoDSA directors, executive search chairs, and deans.
01:35-02:05IoDSA Governance Masterclass
Inside the Boardroom: Directors' Duties, Ethics and Accountability
Strategic FocusKing IV principles, fiduciary responsibilities, conflicts of interest, and oversight vs management.
02:05-02:35Financial Fluency Masterclass
Reading the Business Behind the Numbers
Strategic FocusInterrogating balance sheets, liquidity, capital allocation, solvency, audit reports, and risk.
02:35-03:05Future-Ready Board Dialogue
Governing What Comes Next: AI, Cyber Risk, Sustainability & Trust
Strategic FocusOverseeing artificial intelligence adoption, cybersecurity posture, workforce disruption, and ESG.
03:05-03:35Board Appointment Lab
From Board-Ready to Board-Appointed
Strategic FocusCrafting a governance CV, board value proposition, navigating nominations and due diligence.
| Time | Item | Topic | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00-11:10 | Immersive Leadership Opening | The Future Is Female and Governed by Her | Showcasing African women transforming industries in the highest decision-making boardrooms. |
| 11:10-11:30 | Ministerial Keynote Address | From Representation to Decision-Making Power | Accelerating women's progression onto corporate and state-owned entity governing bodies. |
| 11:30-12:10 | Women on Boards Dialogue | Beyond the Seat: What Defines a Board-Ready Woman? | Competence, character, judgment, independence of thought, and director-level maturity. |
| 12:10-12:50 | CEO & Managing Executives Panel | From Operational Leader to Enterprise Leader | Pivotal assignments, commercial acumen, and strategic relationships that unlock ExCo progression. |
| 12:50-01:35 | Governance Connections Lunch | The Governance Exchange | Connecting delegates with board chairs, IoDSA directors, executive search chairs, and deans. |
| 01:35-02:05 | IoDSA Governance Masterclass | Inside the Boardroom: Directors' Duties, Ethics and Accountability | King IV principles, fiduciary responsibilities, conflicts of interest, and oversight vs management. |
| 02:05-02:35 | Financial Fluency Masterclass | Reading the Business Behind the Numbers | Interrogating balance sheets, liquidity, capital allocation, solvency, audit reports, and risk. |
| 02:35-03:05 | Future-Ready Board Dialogue | Governing What Comes Next: AI, Cyber Risk, Sustainability & Trust | Overseeing artificial intelligence adoption, cybersecurity posture, workforce disruption, and ESG. |
| 03:05-03:35 | Board Appointment Lab | From Board-Ready to Board-Appointed | Crafting a governance CV, board value proposition, navigating nominations and due diligence. |
Applied Programme Model
From Expert Insight to Measurable Progression.
Executive Keynote or Strategic Dialogue
Sets the strategic agenda through insights from accomplished business, government, and industry leaders.
Expert & Practitioner Interrogation
Connects strategic frameworks with lived experience, operational reality, and sector-specific nuance.
Applied Masterclass, Simulation or Lab
Enables participants to practice critical skills, solve complex simulations, and leave with working blueprints.
Curated Partner & Delegate Engagement
Creates high-trust interaction between partners and a pre-selected cohort aligned with their talent priorities.
Partner-Owned Opportunity Activation
Converts summit sponsorship into tangible pathways: bursaries, internships, seed capital, or board seats.
Practical 90/100-Day Commitment
Each participant defines measurable milestones to hold themselves accountable well beyond the summit.
Integrated Progression Model
From Potential to Opportunity.
An integrated leadership acceleration pathway across the EmpowaHer Summit.
Potential
Preparation
Opportunity
Leadership
Measurable Impact
01
Potential
Education, Foundational Skills, Purpose
02
Preparation
Capability Mastery, Executive Education, Mentorship
03
Opportunity
Employment, Venture Capital, Fellowships
04
Leadership
Executive Committee, Board Directorship, Civic Power
05
Measurable Impact
Opportunity Compact, Mentoring Next Cohorts, Economic Transformation
| Potential | Preparation | Opportunity | Leadership | Measurable Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, Foundational Skills, Purpose | Capability Mastery, Executive Education, Mentorship | Employment, Venture Capital, Fellowships | Executive Committee, Board Directorship, Civic Power | Opportunity Compact, Mentoring Next Cohorts, Economic Transformation |
DAY THREE — 31 OCTOBER 2026 — GRADUATION FINALE
Day Three, 31 October 2026
Global Leadership, Opportunity and Graduation Finale.
Her Future. Her Leadership. Her World.
09:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The final day brings together all participants, partners and leadership tracks for a high-level graduation experience focused on opportunity, recognition and measurable progression. Delegates engage with senior government leaders, ambassadors, CEOs, business-school directors and strategic partners before graduating as the EmpowaHer Class of 2026.
Programme Highlights
- Global Leadership and Ministerial Keynote Addresses
- Ambassadors Panel: Africa to the World: Diplomacy, Global Leadership and Opportunity
- CEOs Panel: The Leadership Opportunity Agenda: Opening Doors to Power, Capital and Influence
- The Opportunity Exchange — Direct Engagements with Corporates & Business Schools
- Leadership Opportunities and Commitments: The EmpowaHer Opportunity Compact
- Delegate Leadership Voices: The Future We Choose to Lead
- Graduation and Leadership Recognition: The EmpowaHer Class of 2026
- Graduation Reception: The Future Is Female Leadership Reception
Graduation Finale Timetable
31 October 2026, 09:00 AM to 2:00 PM • Her Future. Her Leadership. Her World.
09:00-09:10Immersive Opening Experience
Her Future. Her Leadership. Her World.
Strategic FocusCinematic reflection on the three-day summit journey and emerging leaders' commitments.
09:10-09:20Official Welcome & Reflection
From Potential to Leadership
Strategic FocusReflecting on converting insights into concrete career progression and measurable impact.
09:20-09:45Ministerial Keynote Address
The Future Is Female: Building a National Pipeline of Young Women Leaders
Strategic FocusNational roadmap for economic inclusion across business, government, and the boardroom.
09:45-10:25High-Powered Ambassadors' Panel
Africa to the World: Diplomacy, Global Leadership and Opportunity
Strategic FocusInternational fellowships, cross-border trade networks, diplomatic careers, and study exchanges.
10:25-11:10High-Powered CEOs' Panel
The Leadership Opportunity Agenda: Opening Doors to Power, Capital and Influence
Strategic FocusCEOs pledge tangible roles, supplier development funding, and board mentorship.
11:10-11:25Leadership Connections Break
The Opportunity Exchange
Strategic FocusStructured networking between delegates, employers, embassies, and executive coaches.
11:25-12:05DGs & Business School Deans' Panel
From Learning to Leadership: Building Capabilities the Future Demands
Strategic FocusCreating seamless pathways from graduate diplomas to executive education and board directorship.
12:05-12:35Leadership Commitments Announcement
The EmpowaHer Opportunity Compact
Strategic FocusUnveiling scholarships, enterprise seed capital, bursaries, and executive placements.
12:35-12:55Delegate Leadership Voices
The Future We Choose to Lead
Strategic FocusSelected delegates present their concrete post-summit initiatives and commitments.
12:55-01:25Graduation & Leadership Recognition
The EmpowaHer Class of 2026
Strategic FocusConferral of certificates of track completion and special leadership recognitions.
01:25-02:00Graduation Reception & Departure
The Future Is Female Leadership Reception
Strategic FocusCelebratory networking, partner engagements, official class portraits, and departure.
| Time | Item | Topic | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00-09:10 | Immersive Opening Experience | Her Future. Her Leadership. Her World. | Cinematic reflection on the three-day summit journey and emerging leaders' commitments. |
| 09:10-09:20 | Official Welcome & Reflection | From Potential to Leadership | Reflecting on converting insights into concrete career progression and measurable impact. |
| 09:20-09:45 | Ministerial Keynote Address | The Future Is Female: Building a National Pipeline of Young Women Leaders | National roadmap for economic inclusion across business, government, and the boardroom. |
| 09:45-10:25 | High-Powered Ambassadors' Panel | Africa to the World: Diplomacy, Global Leadership and Opportunity | International fellowships, cross-border trade networks, diplomatic careers, and study exchanges. |
| 10:25-11:10 | High-Powered CEOs' Panel | The Leadership Opportunity Agenda: Opening Doors to Power, Capital and Influence | CEOs pledge tangible roles, supplier development funding, and board mentorship. |
| 11:10-11:25 | Leadership Connections Break | The Opportunity Exchange | Structured networking between delegates, employers, embassies, and executive coaches. |
| 11:25-12:05 | DGs & Business School Deans' Panel | From Learning to Leadership: Building Capabilities the Future Demands | Creating seamless pathways from graduate diplomas to executive education and board directorship. |
| 12:05-12:35 | Leadership Commitments Announcement | The EmpowaHer Opportunity Compact | Unveiling scholarships, enterprise seed capital, bursaries, and executive placements. |
| 12:35-12:55 | Delegate Leadership Voices | The Future We Choose to Lead | Selected delegates present their concrete post-summit initiatives and commitments. |
| 12:55-01:25 | Graduation & Leadership Recognition | The EmpowaHer Class of 2026 | Conferral of certificates of track completion and special leadership recognitions. |
| 01:25-02:00 | Graduation Reception & Departure | The Future Is Female Leadership Reception | Celebratory networking, partner engagements, official class portraits, and departure. |
Invest in her leadership. Build Africa's future.
An Executive Leadership Experience for Africa's Next Generation of Women Leaders (18-35).
29-31 October 2026 • EmpowaWorx House, Randburg