EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit 2025: Powering Africa’s Next Generation of Business Leaders

 Thulisa Sosbo, Executive Lead: Special Program, Empowaworx

Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is set for a seismic shift as EmpowaEntrepreneurs hosts two landmark events: the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit on Friday, 30 May 2025 at The Forum, Bryanston, Johannesburg, followed by the inaugural EmpowaEntrepreneur Pitching Festival on Monday, 2 June 2025.

Following the resounding success of the 2024 Summit — where 850 high-growth entrepreneurs were connected to over R500 Billion in funding opportunities, supported by 250 leading funders and industry experts — this year’s platform will be even bigger, bolder, and more transformative.

Where Visionary Entrepreneurs Meet Decisive Capital

The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit serves as a catalytic platform intentionally curated to connect Africa’s most promising, investment-ready businesses with a powerful network of funders, including Venture Capitalists, Angel Investors, Development Finance Institutions, Women-Focused Funds, Impact Funds, and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Capital Partners.

Sechaba Motsieloa, Managing Executive,Empowaworx

“Africa’s future belongs to those who build it,” said Simphiwe Masiza: Founder and Executive Producer of EmpowaEntrepreneurs. “This Summit is not just about deals — it’s about architecting a new era of African business leadership, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.”

Introducing the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Pitching Festival: A New Era of Entrepreneurial Excellence

Debuting in 2025, the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Pitching Festival will showcase Africa’s brightest entrepreneurial talents in a live, high-stakes pitch competition before an elite panel of funders. It’s where game-changing ideas meet transformative capital — and where the next generation of industry leaders will be forged. This full-day festival promises high-energy pitches, strategic deal signings, and breakthrough partnerships to shape Africa’s economic future.

Strategic Alignment with Africa’s Growth Priorities

EmpowaEntrepreneurs aligns with Africa’s most urgent imperatives: Transformation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), Socio-Economic Development (SED), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD).

Participation at these events positions stakeholders at the forefront of Africa’s inclusive growth agenda — demonstrating leadership, unlocking opportunity, and driving sustainable impact.

Key Opportunities for Funders, Partners, and Media:

1. Engage directly with curated, investment-ready entrepreneurial talent.
2. Expand strategic investment portfolios through exclusive deal flow and partnerships.
3. Accelerate DE&I, ESG, and ESD transformation initiatives with measurable impact.
4. Amplify brand positioning as a catalyst for Africa’s sustainable growth and economic empowerment.

A Call to Action: From Opportunity to Impact

The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit and “ EmpowaEntrepreneurs Pitching Festival are not simply events — they are platforms for action, influence, and change.

This is an invitation for visionaries, funders, corporates, media, and development partners to shape Africa’s future — starting now.

For more details: www.empowaworx.co.za