The Women in Trade & Investment Networking Soirée convened Africa’s economic leaders at The Shyre for an evening of connection and strategy. Hosted by Amila Africa, Artform Advisory and the HERitage Collective, the event combined refined hospitality with a clear purpose —marking a new chapter in women’s leadership across the continent.
Johannesburg set the tone for the G20/B20 period with a thoughtful gathering focused on women shaping trade, investment, and enterprise across the continent. The soirée drew policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and sector leaders into one room, each committed to advancing economic participation through collaboration and shared intent.
The evening reflected a broader shift in how women are influencing global and continental markets. Across Africa, women are driving transformation in trade, digital systems, sustainability, and enterprise development, yet they remain under-represented in key investment forums. The soirée addressed this gap by highlighting leadership, capital mobilisation, and cross-sector partnerships .
Its purpose was clear: to create an intimate, high-level environment where meaningful relationships could form. Over carefully curated moments — whisky tastings, refined confections, thoughtful conversation — guests exchanged perspectives on gender-responsive trade and investment frameworks, and explored practical avenues for long-term regional prosperity.
Amila Africa, Artform Advisory and the HERitage Collective each contributed a distinct pillar of expertise — from trade facilitation and development finance, to cultural leadership and strategic storytelling, to networks advancing Africa’s next generation of women leaders. Together, they delivered a convening rooted in depth, clarity, and shared purpose.
The sensory experience at The Shyre was enhanced by brand partners, whose involvement reinforced the event’s cross-sector ethos. Château Gâteaux, Lexus, Le Vin Wine Bar, Balvenie Whisky, Ormonde Jayne of Galeries De Parfums and Basilur Tea brought texture to the evening. Their presence signalled the influence of lifestyle, culture and creative industries within economic spaces typically dominated by policy and finance.
Art provided a grounding narrative. Works by South African artist Ayanda Mabulu, curated by Artform Advisory Founder Monalisa Molefe, invited reflection on agency, power, and the lived realities of African women. Their inclusion demonstrated how fine art operates not only as cultural commentary but as a growing category within investment portfolios, shaping broader understandings of value in emerging markets.
The soirée’s structure mirrored its objectives: connect, inspire, engage, and amplify. It brought together women reshaping trade systems, digital transitions, infrastructure, and enterprise development. The gathering marked the start of a collaborative movement anchored in strategic intent — one where women lead with insight, purpose, and a clear vision for the future of global trade and investment.
