With just four months to go until the 11th edition of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), organisers have announced a keynote speaker set to reshape the continent’s economic narrative. Dr. Fatima Elsheikh, Secretary General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), will headline AWIEF2025 in Cape Town, bringing bold insights on inclusive growth and women-led innovation across Africa.

As the first woman to lead BADEA in its five-decade history, Dr. Elsheikh has become one of the most influential voices in African finance. Under her leadership, the multilateral development bank—funded by 18 Arab countries—has channelled critical investments into infrastructure, entrepreneurship and regional integration. Her keynote address is expected to focus on empowering women entrepreneurs, a mission that aligns directly with AWIEF’s drive to amplify female-led innovation.

Dr. Elsheikh’s appearance at AWIEF2025 signals a growing convergence between global financial institutions and Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. For South African founders, funders and policymakers, the opportunity to hear from a leader shaping development financing at scale is a rare chance to glean strategic insights. Her track record includes supporting everything from rural infrastructure to tech-enabled urban startups, making her one of the few development leaders with real cross-sector reach.

BADEA’s emphasis on sustainability, women and youth has made it a key player in African transformation. At AWIEF2025, expect Dr. Elsheikh to unpack BADEA’s latest initiatives and funding strategies, including how startups and SMEs can better position themselves for multilateral partnerships. Whether you’re building the next fintech in Johannesburg or scaling agritech in Lusaka, her message will resonate.

Set to take place at Westlake Business Park in Cape Town, AWIEF2025 continues to grow as one of Africa’s most important gatherings for women in tech, innovation and enterprise. Dr. Elsheikh’s keynote elevates this year’s programme, and her participation is a clear signal of the forum’s global relevance.

For anyone working to shape Africa’s economic future—especially through a gender-inclusive lens—AWIEF2025 is not to be missed.

For more details and to register, visit awief.com.