Africa Summit 2025 Spotlights Market Access as Key to Economic Growth

Johannesburg, South Africa – April 2025 — WEConnect International convened over 200 women business owners, member buyers, government representatives, and ecosystem partners in Johannesburg for the Africa Regional Summit 2025, themed “Leveraging the Power of Access.” The two-day summit underscored a critical global challenge: women-owned businesses still receive less than 1% of corporate and government procurement spend.

“As a global network committed to unlocking opportunity, we know this isn’t just an issue of fairness—it’s a missed business opportunity,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International. “Women entrepreneurs bring competitive, scalable solutions to the table. When they gain access to markets, everyone benefits—from stronger supply chains to thriving communities.”

WEConnect International operates in over 135 markets and certifies women-owned businesses in 60 countries. With more than 20,000 women entrepreneurs in its network and over 180 engaged member buyers representing $4 trillion in purchasing power, the organization serves as a trusted bridge between suppliers and sourcing professionals worldwide.

The Africa Summit 2025 delivered high-impact conversations, matchmaking, and regional collaboration aimed at increasing visibility and opportunity for women-owned businesses across the continent. Leaders of the South Africa and Kenya Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Councils were instrumental in shaping the program, reflecting the power of Pan-African partnership and local leadership.

Featured participants included:

• Jessica Manhica, WEConnect International Market Lead, South Africa
• Kulani Shiluvane, Founder, Shiluvah
• Ayanda Mzondeki, Founder & CEO, Liyema Consulting Group
• Colette Crichton, Managing Director, Creative Simplicity
• Aarifa Ellemdeen, Founder, Chique Events
• Mahlako Mahapa, Managing Director, Maina SA (Pty) Ltd
• Ninoy Kichari, Director, Proscene Systems Limited

Strategic voices from across the region and globe included:

• Gary Joseph, CEO, South African Supplier Diversity Council
• Oltesh Thobias, Regional Chief Procurement and Contracts Officer, African Development Bank
• Tanya Ninganga-Kaponda, Graça Machel Trust
• Nokuthula Lukhele, Partner & Digital Transformation Lead, ThirdSpace Africa
• Narnia Bohler-Muller, Human Sciences Research Council
• Valerie Geen, National Coordinator, UNIDO and SASDC
• Vanessa Adams, Founder & CEO, Level4International
• Frida Owinga, Regional Director, WEConnect International – Africa

“These discussions must turn into action,” said Frida Owinga, Africa Regional Director. “By expanding access to capital, markets, and networks, we’re empowering women entrepreneurs to grow competitive businesses that deliver impact far beyond the bottom line.”

Sessions also explored sustainable sourcing and the integration of women-led businesses into green value chains—spotlighting women’s leadership in building a more resilient and inclusive African economy.

The summit reinforced WEConnect International’s role as a catalyst for market access and global growth—offering participants actionable strategies, new business leads, and a renewed commitment to changing the global procurement landscape, starting with Africa.

For Enquiries:
Jessica Carlson (she/her/hers)
Marketing & Communications Consultant
WEConnect International
weconnectinternational.org