Business & Economy
DLO African Women in Leadership Summit Returns for 3rd Year, Spotlighting Capital, Influence & Impact
Johannesburg, South Africa – As the country prepares to commemorate Women’s Month this August, DLO Energy Resources Group is set to host the 3rd Annual African Women in Leadership (AWIL) Summit and Brunch, reinforcing its mission to drive action for African women across business, government, and civil society.
Scheduled for 5 August 2025 at Bowmans, Sandton, and preceded by a celebratory brunch on 2 August 2025 at Shepstone Gardens, this year’s Summit carries the theme “Connecting Capital to Opportunity”—a direct response to the persistent challenges women face in accessing funding, markets, and decision-making spaces.
“Now in its third year, the Summit has grown into one of the continent’s most action-oriented gatherings for African women leaders,” said Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder of DLO Energy Resources Group and Creator of AWIL. “We are building a platform that doesn’t just inspire but implements. AWIL is about shifting the needle on capital access, leadership, and influence.”
A Powerhouse Line-Up of Leaders
The 2025 Summit will bring together a diverse and dynamic group of leaders from across the continent and diaspora, including:
H.E. Bertha Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Nene Maiga, CEO, Orange Botswana
Unathi Mtya, Group Chief Information & Digital Officer, African Bank
Rajesh Jayarajh, CFO, Access Bank South Africa
Taelo Mojapelo, CEO & Vice President, BP South Africa
Mikateko Nkuna-Valoyi, Managing Executive: Talent and Culture, Vodacom
Janice Johnston, CEO, Edge Growth Ventures
Prof. Mills Soko, Wits Business School
Dr. Ese Owie, International Trade Lawyer
Baratang Miya, Founder & CEO, GirlHype Women Who Code
Roberta Gumede, Deputy CEO, Gijima
Ziaad Suleman, CEO SA & Botswana, Cassava Technologies
Dr. Sibongile Vilakazi, CEO, Nitsikelelo Business Solution
Karel Cornelissen, CEO & Co-Founder, NOA Group
Hon. S.E Zanele Makina, Ambassador of South Africa to Argentina
Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, Spokesperson: Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities
Through panel discussions and fireside chats, the Summit will unpack critical topics including:
The Role of Big Business in Fostering Diversity
Technology as Africa’s Next Frontier
Investment in the Energy Sector
Unlocking Funding for SMMEs and Entrepreneurs
Women’s Representation in Public Office
Brunch with Purpose: Creativity Meets Capital
The weekend will begin with the AWIL Brunch on 2 August at Shepstone Gardens, celebrating creative entrepreneurship and cultural investment. A key feature this year is the “Rise of African Women Art Collectors” panel—spotlighting women shaping the continent’s creative economy.
Confirmed brunch panelists include:
Roberta Coci, Co-founder, Latitudes Online
Karabo Morule, Founder, Capital Art
Pulane Kingston-Tshabalala, Founder, Mirai Rail Corporation
Mandla Sibeko, Founder, FNB Art Joburg
Same Mdluli, Artist & Arts Administrator
Vumi Msweli, CEO, Hesed Consulting
Penny Lebyane, Broadcaster & Lifestyle Authority
Lala Tuku, Head of Local Content, SABC
A Platform with Purpose and Reach
In a significant step to amplify African women’s voices, AWIL has partnered with Making of a Mogul as its official content and visibility partner, ensuring extensive digital and global media coverage.
With its emphasis on implementation over inspiration, AWIL 2025 stands as more than a summit—it is a movement committed to resourcing African women with capital, influence, and agency to lead on their own terms.
Event Details
AWIL Brunch
📅 2 August 2025
📍 Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg
AWIL Summit
📅 5 August 2025
📍 Bowmans, 11 Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton
For media and participation enquiries, contact:
Team AWIL | 📞 083-880-1260
