The Standard Bank Top Women Conference returns this year. The South African premier gender empowerment platform has set this year’s theme as: “Her Power. Africa’s Future.”
The conference will take place over two days, hosting over a thousand attendees, including entrepreneurs, policymakers, leaders, and impactful parties who aim to help advance the role women play in accelerating business growth across Africa.
The theme for this year intends to highlight the importance of women entrepreneurs as key players who, through strength, resilience, and innovation, build and transform ecosystems.
“I believe platforms like the Standard Bank Top Women Conference are vital because they don’t just recognise women’s achievements, they ignite conversations and connections that lead to real change. For me, the most powerful part of this journey is seeing how collaboration between visionary leaders, sponsors, and entrepreneurs creates lasting impact. As we launch the 20th annual Top Women Leaders Publication, it’s a reminder that women are not waiting for the future…we are building it.” – Twaambo Judy Chileshe, Head of Brand, Top Women
What to Expect From the Conference?
Attendees have a lot to look forward to during the two-day programme. This includes keynote addresses, SheLeads dialogues, panel discussions, as well as opportunities to network with women in business and changemakers.
Opportunities will also be provided to delegates to engage in PitchPower networking sessions. During these sessions, entrepreneurs will have two minutes to deliver lightning pitches showcasing their business to fellow attendees, investors, and potential partners.
Programme Highlights
Delegates can expect a variety of insightful and exciting topics at the Standard Bank Top Women Conference. This includes:
- Catalysts of Change: Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Africa’s Growth Story
Discover how innovative women entrepreneurs are fueling economic growth in Africa by fostering innovation and generating new opportunities. - Skills to Scale: Equipping Women Entrepreneurs for Industrial Innovation
Gain insight into practical strategies and skills that women entrepreneurs need to scale their businesses. - Digital by Design: Bridging Africa’s Gender Tech Gap
Attendees will experience a showcase of how digital innovation can be harnessed to bridge Africa’s gender tech gap. - Leading Through Transformation: Inclusive Growth at SAA
Learn how to break down long-standing obstacles, develop diverse leaders, and rethink the future of air travel. - Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Redesigning Africa’s Financial Future
Get exposed to tips and strategies on how women leaders are breaking barriers in the financial sector and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for Africa.
The conference covers a wide range of topics that women entrepreneurs can use to propel their businesses. From sustainability and governance to creative industries, youth entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, the agenda covers the full entrepreneurial journey and the ecosystem of support needed to help women in business.
Keynote Speakers to Expect at the Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2025
Every year, the conference brings forth incredible leaders to address delegates at the Standard Bank Top Women Conference. This year, the attendees can look forward to the following keynote speakers:
- Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, South Africa
- Rachel Kolisi, delivering the Day 1 Keynote Address
- Hon. Emma Theofelus, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Namibia
These distinguished leaders will share their expertise, experience, and passion, fostering discussions that champion inclusive enterprise and women-driven innovation. Their insights will be invaluable, guiding attendees through practical strategies and inspiring future progress.
This environment aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between innovative ideas and market realization. Attendees can expect actionable takeaways and networking opportunities that will accelerate their ventures. This event is a catalyst for economic empowerment and a testament to the power of shared knowledge.
Driving Impact and Building a Legacy Through Partnership
The Standard Bank Top Women Conference continues to grow as a collaborative platform thanks to the support of its valued partners and sponsors:
- Platinum Partner: Standard Bank
- Gold Partner: merSETA
- Host City Partner: Gauteng Tourism Authority
- Silver Partners: Merchants, Harmony Gold Mining Company, Guerbet SA, KFC South Africa
- Bronze Partners: Enel Green Power, Barloworld Limited, Bridging & Associates, MSD Southern Africa, South African Airways, SIBANYE Still Water
- Showcase Counters: CorpsAfrica, Mancosa, Godrej Consumer Products, Euphoria Telecom, The Gordon Group, CCG Systems
- Lifestyle Partners: Nespresso, Mr Price Sport, L’oreal, DHL
Their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in business and society is central to the conference’s impact and longevity.
Join the Movement and Shape Africa’s future
Delegates will be spoiled with actionable strategies, new connections, and a renewed vision of how women-led enterprises can shape Africa’s economic and social future. If you’re excited about this movement, here are the event details:
Venue: The Ballroom, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
Date: 22–23 September 2025
Tickets: https://qkt.io/X98Pay
