Global Entrepreneurship Week South Africa

Programme · 17–19 November 2026

South-South Learning and Market Access Expo

Women Entrepreneurs Thrive Here: Building Resilient, Innovative and Sustainable Enterprises in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa

When17–19 November 2026

WherePark Inn by Radisson, Polokwane

Who120–150 delegates, 3 countries

View the programme Meet the speakers

About the Expo

Three days of learning, trade and recognition

Celebrating women entrepreneurs since the EntreprenHER programme began in 2018.

In observance of Global Entrepreneurship Week, 'Entrepreneurs Thrive Here', the annual EntreprenHER South-South Learning event honours the achievements of women entrepreneurs. It builds regional partnerships, promotes South-to-South knowledge exchange, opens up investment and market access, and fosters dialogue that shapes future policy on women's economic empowerment in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

The Expo links women entrepreneurs through partnerships, market access, financial inclusion, business support and policy dialogue, strengthening an inclusive, innovative and resilient entrepreneurship ecosystem in Southern Africa.

Knowledge legacy. The launch of three G20 FIWE 2025 publications on financial inclusion and women's economic empowerment.

Delegates from

Botswana

Namibia

South AfricaHost country

What's on

High-Level Policy DialogueSouth-to-South Learning ExchangeMarket Access ExpoBusiness Matchmaking7 MasterclassesRecognition Dinner

Convened by

UN Women South Africa Country Office
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Centre for Entrepreneurship Development

Programme

Day by day

All times are South African Standard Time (SAST). The session in progress is highlighted during the event.

G20 FIWE 2025 legacy publications

Knowledge legacy

Launched at the Recognition of Women Entrepreneurs Dinner, Wednesday 18 November at 20:00.

Book · De Gruyter

Financial Inclusion and Women's Empowerment in the Global South

Edited by Bridget Irene, Patrick E. Ebewo, Elona N. Ndlovu and Motshedisi Mathibe · De Gruyter

This volume examines how expanding women's access to savings, credit, insurance and digital financial services can drive economic growth, reduce poverty and advance gender equity. Drawing on case studies from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and beyond, it offers an intersectional analysis of what works, for whom, and under what conditions.

Emerging from the G20 Conference on Financial Inclusion and Women's Empowerment under South Africa's Presidency, the book bridges research, policy and practice across women's entrepreneurship, financial literacy, green economy participation and regulatory reform.

Get the book on Amazon See the launch session

Journal special issue · MDPI

Women Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Development

Guest editors: Dr Patrick Ebewo, Dr Motshedisi Sina Mathibe, Dr Bridget Irene, Dr Elona Ndlovu and Dr Kanayo Kingsley Ogujiuba · Administrative Sciences

Research on financial inclusion strategies, innovative financing models and policy reforms that support women entrepreneurs, with a focus on digital financial services, financial literacy, gender-responsive policy and green economy financing.

View the special issue

Speakers & facilitators

Voices across the region

Select a name to jump to their session.

Getting there

Venue & practical information

Park Inn by Radisson

Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Plenary sessions are in the Main Conference Room; masterclasses run in the breakaway rooms.

Open in Google Maps →

Registration

Opens at 08:00 on Tuesday 17 November in the Foyer and Exhibition Area, with a networking breakfast. The Market Access Expo is open to visit throughout all three days.

Recognition Dinner

Wednesday 18 November from 18:00. Dress code: African-inspired, 'African Chic'.

See the evening programme →

In partnership with

Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Tshwane University of Technology

Tshwane School for Business & Society, Tshwane University of Technology