The 2025 Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) Awards is set to take place on 20 November 2025 at Vodacom World, Midrand, bringing together South Africa’s leading women in technology for a day of reflection, recognition, and forward-thinking dialogue. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event honours the groundbreaking achievements of female-owned SMMEs who are shaping the future of innovation across South Africa’s tech landscape.
Founded over a decade ago by Vodacom, the Innovator Trust has played a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of black-owned ICT SMMEs, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurs through its Women in Tech platform. The WIT Awards remain a cornerstone initiative of the Trust, highlighting women who lead with vision, purpose, and measurable impact.
“Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,” says Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust. “The research speaks for itself—companies with gender-diverse leadership not only outperform financially but also generate significantly higher returns. Investing in women delivers measurable results.”
A Decade of Impact and Influence
The 2025 edition marks a milestone celebration of ten years of action, mentorship, and impact—not just financial investment, but also hands-on guidance and a sustained commitment to empowering women-led businesses.
This year’s event will host thought-provoking panels, insightful keynote addresses, interactive plenaries, and exhibitions by emerging tech talent, all designed to foster networking and deep engagement between entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, policy makers, and future change-makers.
The legacy of the WIT Awards is further solidified by the high-calibre speakers who have graced the stage over the years, including:
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Prof. Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa
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Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President and UN Women Executive Director
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Lillian Barnard, Chief of Enterprise Partners, Microsoft MEA
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Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director: External & Regulatory Affairs, Vodacom South Africa
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Irene Charnley, former CEO of Smile Telecoms and prominent ICT executive
Their presence reflects the platform’s national significance and its role in advancing inclusive development both locally and globally.
Looking Forward: New Ideas, New Leaders
While honouring the strides made over the past decade, the WIT 2025 Awards also serve as a launchpad for the next generation of women in tech. With a renewed focus on inclusive leadership, innovative thinking, and sustainable growth, the event seeks to amplify the voices and ventures that will shape South Africa’s tech future.
Further details, including the full programme and speaker lineup, will be released in the coming weeks. For updates and announcements, follow Innovator Trust’s official platforms:
📱 Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: @innovatortrust
📺 YouTube: Innovator Trust
🌐 Website: www.innovatortrust.co.za
