With the focus on rebuilding economies in Africa post-COVID-19, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum has added keynote speakers to its programme for its annual conference which is online this year.
These include the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Lana Marks, and the Mayor of the City of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Marks will provide the opening keynote to AWIEF2020. This year the conference is themed, ‘Reimagining Business and Rebuilding Better’ and will be held on 2-3 December.
Mene, will also speak on the first day addressing the crucial role of AfCFTA in rebuilding the continent post-pandemic. This year’s event compere will be popular broadcaster and South African Broadcasting Corporation’s TV presenter, Leanne Manas.
“COVID-19, a global pandemic of the century, has caused enormous global upheaval and has highlighted enduring inequalities in African societies and many regions across the world. This year’s AWIEF conference theme calls on us to reflect on the structures that underpin the African economies and society as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and explore ways to recover from its aftereffects.
“Global and African thought leaders will dialogue on the role of business, leadership, innovation, technology, agriculture, trade, impact and gender-lens investing, women, and youth in a post-crisis world,” said AWIEF’s Chief Executive Officer, Irene Ochem.
