Event Description
Background and Rationale
HER Economy is an annual high-level Women, Gender and Financial Inclusion summit launched in 2023 to advance systemic solutions to women's economic exclusion. The convening focuses on transforming financial systems to enable women's meaningful participation, leadership, and ownership in economic life.
Previously hosted by DEI&B (Pty) Ltd, HER Economy is now convened by the Africa Women Financial Inclusion Initiative (AWFII), in partnership with the Graça Machel Trust's New Faces New Voices (South Africa Chapter).
While access to finance for women has improved in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented as owners, issuers, investors, and decision-makers within capital markets. Structural barriers — including market access, product design, governance norms, and participation in asset ownership — continue to limit women's ability to benefit fully from capital market systems.
HER Economy was established to convene senior stakeholders across policy, finance, investment, and markets to address these challenges at a systems and market architecture level.
Transforming financial systems at policy and market architecture level
Mobilising capital commitments and cross-sector collaboration
Positioning Africa as a leader in women's financial inclusion
HER Economy 2026 will convene senior policymakers, regulators, development finance institutions, investors, financial institutions, corporates, and women leaders to advance women-centred financial infrastructure, mobilise partnerships and capital commitments, and position Africa as a leader in women's financial inclusion systems.
The programme includes strategic plenaries, closed-door roundtables, evidence and innovation showcases, and a Gala & Awards evening recognising leadership reshaping the architecture of ownership.
Past Event's Highlights
Launch Event | 28 March 2025
Hosted by Black Distributors Trust (BDT) [An initiative of Old Mutual]
Our official kick-off event set the stage for the year's discussions, unveiling insights, partnerships and opportunities that drives the Her Economy movement forward.
New Faces New Voice South Africa Launch | 9 May 2025
We were excited to have officially launched the New Faces New Voices Women in Finance South Africa chapter! This pan-African network is committed to expanding the role and influence of women in the financial sector by bridging the funding gap, advocating for policy reform, and accelerating women's access to financial services. "The overall objective of the network is to advance the financial inclusion of women by bringing more women into the formal financial system."
Her Economy Women in Finance Leadership Masterclass | 2 July 2025
Hosted by KPMG
Her Economy Women in Finance Leadership Masterclass Series is a curated leadership experience that brings together women from across the financial ecosystem to engage in transformative conversations, skill-building, and network development. Each session is thoughtfully designed to foster authentic leadership, strategic career growth, financial acumen, and systemic change.
Launch Event | 28 March 2025
Hosted by Black Distributors Trust (BDT) [An initiative of Old Mutual]
Our official kick-off event set the stage for the year's discussions, unveiling insights, partnerships and opportunities that drives the Her Economy movement forward.
New Faces New Voice South Africa Launch | 9 May 2025
We were excited to have officially launched the New Faces New Voices Women in Finance South Africa chapter! This pan-African network is committed to expanding the role and influence of women in the financial sector by bridging the funding gap, advocating for policy reform, and accelerating women's access to financial services. "The overall objective of the network is to advance the financial inclusion of women by bringing more women into the formal financial system."
Her Economy Women in Finance Leadership Masterclass | 2 July 2025
Hosted by KPMG
Her Economy Women in Finance Leadership Masterclass Series is a curated leadership experience that brings together women from across the financial ecosystem to engage in transformative conversations, skill-building, and network development. Each session is thoughtfully designed to foster authentic leadership, strategic career growth, financial acumen, and systemic change.
Be Part of the Movement
Her Economy 2026 is where financial inclusion meets action. Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, policymaker, or advocate, there's a place for you in this conversation.
Women Financial Inclusion Summit
Theme: "Advancing Women Financial Inclusion for a Prosperous Tomorrow"
21 May 2026 | VENUE: Johannesburg
Event Objectives
- Advocate and amplify the narrative for financial inclusion of women in Africa.
- Empower women with tools and information that will enable them to start accumulating assets, generating income, managing risks, and fully participating in the economy.
- Networking and fostering connections.
Who Can Attend?
Her Economy 2026 is where financial inclusion meets action. Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, policymaker, or advocate, there's a place for you in this conversation.
- Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders
- Young Professionals and Aspiring Business Owners
- Financial Professionals
- Policy Makers and Government Officials
- Tech Innovators
- Financial Inclusion Advocacy Groups
- Financial Inclusion and Gender Equality Academics and Researchers
- Financial Literacy Educators
Partner Benefits
Partner with us to enjoy the following benefits:
To become a partner, or for more information, contact us at info@awfii.org.za