The commitment to recognising the value of women in innovation is exemplified by the high calibre of speakers who are drawn to the Women in Tech (WIT) platform.

This year, the Innovator Trust’s WIT Awards celebrates the creativity and achievements of South African female-owned small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), which are leading the way in technology innovation.

Read more: Women in Tech awards return to empower women-led innovation

Established by Vodacom more than a decade ago, the Innovator Trust has played a significant role in the development of black-owned information and communication technology (ICT) SMMEs in South Africa. The WIT platform is one of its most impactful initiatives, dedicated to acknowledging and amplifying the achievements of women in technology who lead with purpose and influence.

The 2025 awards ceremony will be held on November 20 at Vodacom World in Midrand, bringing together a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and next-generation innovators.

The event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, insightful keynote presentations, interactive plenary sessions, exhibitions showcasing emerging talent in innovation, and valuable networking opportunities.

This year marks a decade of commitment, not only to providing financial support, but also to offering consistent mentorship, hands-on guidance, and unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of women-led innovation.

Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised that women-led innovation is crucial for long-term social and economic progress. “Research conducted by McKinsey and Company in 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, demonstrating that inclusion enhances business performance. Furthermore, a report from the Boston Consulting Group shows that startups founded or co-founded by women deliver significantly higher returns – over twice as much revenue per dollar invested – compared to those founded by men. The evidence is clear: Investing in women yields measurable results.”

The prominence of WIT speakers over the years reflects the event’s national significance. Previous line-ups have included notable figures such as professor Thuli Madonsela, the former public protector of South Africa, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the former deputy president and executive director of UN Women, and Takalani (Taki) Netshitenzhe, Vodacom South Africa’s director of external and regulatory affairs and chairperson of the Vodacom Foundation, to name a few.

Further details, including the full speaker list and programme agenda, will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit the Innovator Trust website or follow updates on the official media channels.

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