Johannesburg — As we open the #WCWSummit2025, our CEO Theo Sowa and Director of Programmes Shiphra Chisha (M.Inst.D), MBA set the tone for the day, centered on purpose, impact, and collective power.
Theo reflected on the deeper purpose of our work, emphasizing that true equality requires collective action, balance, and systemic change. Inspired by a stirring opening performance, she reminded us: "Our continent will not flourish unless we unleash the economic power of women. Wealth, as African women define it, is not just personal, it's communal. It uplifts entire communities."
She highlighted the Trust's commitment not only to supporting individual women but also to reshaping the systems that limit them, from access to finance and markets to dismantling structural barriers to economic leadership.
With those words, Shiphra Chisha opened the Summit by spotlighting the possibilities unlocked when women are equipped with the right tools: practical skills, leadership, market access, and ownership of their journeys.
This year marks a 15-year milestone for the Trust, a testament to sustained impact and dedication.
We proudly celebrate 3,694 women who have journeyed through the programme in the past two years. Together, they have:
* Raised $14.5 million in capital
* Built thriving, sustainable enterprises
* Positively impacted over 26,000 lives
These aren't just numbers, they are milestones of real change.
In her opening declaration at the #WCWSummit2025 , our founder, Mama Machel reminded us that transformation isn't performative.
It's not the applause, the panel, or the perfect post. It's rooted in something far more personal and enduring.
"Transformation is not simple. It's very complex. It takes time, it requires detail, and the transformation has to be also something you can measure." She said. She called on us to stop simply doing, and start becoming. To stop listing actions, and start breaking barriers. The summit is open. The work is ongoing. And the most powerful tool you carry? You.
More from #WCW2025
Everyone who spoke about their business didn't start knowing, they got their hands dirty. And look at them now." - Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Former Deputy President of South Africa & Founder of Umlambo Foundation
During her keynote address, Dr. Phumzile underscored that Growth isn't instant, it's earned. She further added that Africa's true wealth is its women, their ideas, and their drive. What holds us back isn't potential, but access, opportunity, and sense of belonging. She calls for African women to start building with what they have because that's a foundation for generations.
Managing Executive in Strategy and Client Value Management at Absa Group, Sanah Gumede reflections at the #WCWSummit2025 resonated with us deeply.
African women have always had the talent, ambition, and resilience to drive change. What they need are systems that nurture, invest in, and believe in them. As she beautifully put it, "Financial inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it's an economic necessity. True partnership is about equipping women with the tools to walk confidently to open doors and build lasting legacies." Through our partnership with Absa Group, we continue to transform ambition into action for women entrepreneurship.
" There is no Africa we want unless young women are not just at the table, but leading the conversation." - Marieme Esther Dassanou, Director, Gender Programs, Mastercard Foundation
We were reminded that closing the gender gap isn't about leaving young men behind, it's about making sure young women aren't left out of education, opportunity, or leadership. The value of investing in young women? Immeasurable. Together with the Mastercard Foundation, we're proud to transform systems, shift narratives, and put young women at the center of Africa's future.
