In celebration of Women's Month, DLO Energy Resources Group is proud to announce the return of the 3rd Annual DLO African Women in Leadership (AWIL) Summit and Brunch, taking place this August in Johannesburg.

Since its inception, the AWIL platform has been steadfast in its mission to move beyond dialogue to real `action, with a sharp focus on unlocking leadership pathways, expanding access to capital, and amplifying the voices of African women across sectors. This year’s events build on a powerful legacy of advocacy, inclusion, and implementation.

2025 THEME: CONNECTING CAPITAL TO OPPORTUNITY

Held on 5 August 2025, the Summit will convene a dynamic cross-section of leaders from business, government, technology, finance, and civil society under the theme: “Connecting Capital to Opportunity.”

According to Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder of DLO Energy Resources Group and Creator of the AWIL Summit, this year’s programme takes direct aim at the barriers preventing women from scaling their ventures and influence, specifically access to funding, market opportunities and decision-making spaces. AWIL 2025 aims to present practical, policy-driven solutions that support women to lead, invest and grow at scale.

“Now in its third year, the Summit has grown into one of the continent’s most action-oriented gatherings for African women leaders, previously partnering with institutions such as KPMG and Bowmans, and drawing changemakers from across Africa and the global diaspora,” adds Mabhena-Olagunju.

CONFIRMED SUMMIT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

• H.E. Bertha Peace Mabe, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, South Africa
• Nene Maiga, CEO, Orange Botswana
• Unathi Mtya, Group Chief Information & Digital Officer, African Bank
• Rajesh Jayarajh, CFO, Access Bank South Africa
• Taelo Mojapelo, CEO & Vice President, BP South Africa
• Mikateko Nkuna-Valoyi, Managing Executive: Talent and Culture, Vodacom
• Janice Johnston, CEO, Edge Growth Ventures
• Prof. Mills Soko, Wits Business School
• Dr. Ese Owie, International Trade Lawyer
• Baratang Miya, Founder & CEO, GirlHype Women Who Code
• Roberta Gumede, Deputy CEO, Gijima
• Nompendulo Thobile Mkhatshwa, Spokesperson: Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities
• Ziaad Suleman, CEO South Africa & Botswana Cassava Technologies
• Hon S.E Zanele Makina, Ambassador of SA to: Argentina Republic 
• Dr. Sibongile Vilakazi, CEO Nitsikelelo Business Solution
• Karel Cornelissen, CEO & Co-Founder NOA Group

These leaders will engage in curated panel discussions and fireside chats, tackling themes such as:

• The Role of Big Business in Fostering Diversity
• Technology as Africa’s Next Frontier
• Investment in the Energy Sector
• Unlocking Funding for SMMEs and Entrepreneurs
• The Challenge of Women’s Underrepresentation in Public Office

THE BRUNCH: CELEBRATING CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CULTURAL POWER

Date: 2 August 2025

Venue: Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg

The DLO African Women in Leadership Brunch will spotlight visionary women at the intersection of arts, business and media. This year’s feature panel, “The Rise of African Women Art Collectors,” will explore the role of women as cultural investors shaping Africa’s creative industries.

Confirmed panelists include:

• Roberta Coci, Co-founder, Latitudes Online
• Karabo Morule, Founder, Capital Art
• Pulane Kingston-Tshabalala, Founder, Mirai Rail Corporation
• Mandla Sibeko, Founder, FNB Art Joburg
• Same Mdluli, Artist & Arts Administrator
• Vumi Msweli, CEO, Hesed Consulting
• Penny Lebyane, Broadcaster & Lifestyle Authority
• Lala Tuku, Head of Local Content, SABC

AMPLIFYING IMPACT THROUGH GLOBAL VISIBILITY

In 2025, AWIL proudly partners with Making of a Mogul as its official visibility and content partner, expanding reach across digital, broadcast, and international media platforms.

THE SUMMIT

Date: 5 August 2025

Venue: Bowmans, 11 Alice Lane, Sandhurst, Sandton

THE BRUNCH

Date: 2 August 2025

Venue: Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg

AWIL 2025 is more than a gathering, it is a movement to resource African women with capital, influence and agency to lead on their own terms.