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#WIT26 Panel Announcement I Technology as a Catalyst for Africa's Growth Verticals How can technology help women-owned tech SMMEs overcome barriers to funding and market access, cultivate strategic partnerships and compete in Africa's digital economy? From fintech and agritech to healthtech, green technology and digital services, this panel will explore how women entrepreneurs can turn innovation into commercial opportunities and contribute to Africa's economic growth. Meet our panellist: Simangele Mphahlele is an entrepreneur, Founder of ejoobi, a Director at Tala Consulting Engineering and a Technology & Engineering Business Leader. Ejoobi is an HR technology company that simplifies recruitment and connects job seekers to employment opportunities through digital solutions. Drawing on leadership experience across technology and engineering, Simangele is passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, and building sustainable businesses that make a meaningful impact in South Africa. Yashmita Bhana is the Founder and Group CEO of Nihka Technology Group, a South African technology company she has built over the past 18 years. Having navigated engineering and technology boardrooms as one of few women in the room, Yashmita advocates for meaningful transformation through access to opportunity, commercial influence, technical credibility and the freedom for women to lead authentically. Nyari Samushonga, CEO of FoldLeft, Chair of the Board of WeThinkCode, and former Managing Director of Thoughtworks Africa. A Chartered Accountant with a 26 –year career spanning global finance, technology leadership and institutional technology talent development, Nyari works to advance applied AI and economic equity. Mwamvita Makamba is a Tanzanian entrepreneur, investor, and author of Things I Tell My Daughter. She is Chair of MMConnect Africa Group and Founder of The Africa I Know. She also brings 14 years of previous senior leadership experience at Vodacom Group across Africa, where she worked on inclusive finance, clean energy, and lifestyle ventures grounded in Ubuntu and the belief that Africa’s future must be built by Africans, for Africans. As we look towards the future, this conversation will bring together leadership, experience, and diverse perspectives on what it takes to turn Africa's technological potential into meaningful economic participation. Join us virtually on 24 November 2026 for #WIT26: https://lnkd.in/e426SpNd #InnovatorTrust #TechBelievers #WIT26 #SMMEGrowth #InnovateDigitally

#WIT2026 Spotlight | CEO’s Address Tashline Jooste The future of technology entrepreneurship is shaped by people who recognise its potential and create opportunities for others to participate. At #WIT2026, Tashline Jooste, Chief Executive Officer of Innovator Trust, will deliver the CEO’s Address, reflecting on the role of entrepreneurship, innovation, and SMME development in advancing South Africa’s ICT sector. With more than a decade of experience in the entrepreneurship and technology ecosystem, Tashline has played an instrumental role in Innovator Trust initiatives such as the Women in Tech Experience, Her Seat at the Table, and SMME Programmes, i.e. The Innovator Trust Accelerator Programme, StartUp, and RedShift Programme. For SMMEs, entrepreneurs, Gen Z, and women in tech, her work highlights the importance of creating an environment where innovation can translate into meaningful opportunities and lasting economic participation. Join us virtually on 24 November 2026 for #WIT2026 as we celebrate the Tech Believers shaping what comes next. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e426SpNd #ToBelieveForward #TechBeliever #InnovatorTrust #WIT2026 #WomenInTech #SMMEGrowth #Entrepreneurship #GenZ #InnovateDigitally

#WIT2026 Panel Announcement | Unlocking Access to Markets for Tech SMMEs Developing an innovative solution is one thing. Reaching the right markets, securing contracts, and turning that potential into sustainable business opportunities is another. From funding and supplier development to procurement strategy and industry connections, the discussion will examine what it takes to connect SMME capabilities with real market demand, this panel will explore how technology businesses can strengthen their competitiveness, and access opportunities through strategic partnerships, corporate supply chains, and emerging markets. Meet our panellists Cleola Kunene is an award-winning investment and growth expert with more than 15 years of experience supporting the funding and growth of African businesses. As Fund Partner and Executive Director at Equate Advisory, she leads Equate Trade Finance, a debt fund focused on expanding capital solutions for South African SMEs. She also serves as Deputy Chair of Startup20 under the G20, contributing to international discussions on entrepreneurship, investment, and SME finance. Tanya Briggs is a Supply Chain Business Partner specialising in B-BBEE at Vodacom, with more than 17 years of experience in procurement, supplier development, transformation, corporate governance, and ESG-aligned business practices. Working at the intersection of procurement and enterprise development, she champions initiatives that create opportunities for SMMEs, strengthen supplier ecosystems, and position small businesses to contribute to economic development. Kim Jayde Robinson is a Pan-African creative entrepreneur, MC, host, and cultural curator whose career spans nearly two decades across fashion, entertainment, and digital media. She is the founder of KJ Productions, through which she has expanded into show production, creative creative director of In The Shark Tank, she brings experience in content, audience engagement, and creating platforms that connect talent with wider industry opportunities. Sophia Sibanda is Head of Logistics and Services Procurement at A.P. Moller - Maersk in Cape Town, leading procurement for the Logistics and Services division across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. With more than a decade of experience in strategic sourcing, supply planning and business planning, she brings a strong understanding of procurement and supply chain operations. Her leadership highlights the importance of people and relationships in building effective business partnerships. To Believe Forward means recognising the opportunities ahead and building the connections needed to turn potential into progress. Join us virtually on 24 November 2026 for #WIT2026: https://lnkd.in/e426SpNd #ToBelieveForward #TechBeliever #InnovatorTrust #SMMEGrowth #WIT2026 #WomenInTech

SMMEs. Entrepreneurs. Tech Believers. Women in Tech. Gen Z. Gen X. We see you. Being a Tech Believer is about more than just technology. It’s about believing in what’s possible, for yourself, your community, and the women who will come after you. It is the woman with the unshared idea. The woman building what others can't yet see. The woman who doubted, started over, and pushed through anyway. Somewhere along the way, someone believed before you did. Someone stepped forward and turned possibility into proof. And now, it’s your turn to carry that belief forward. I believed, because she did. Now she can believe, because I did. Your journey is the proof another woman needs to take her first step. Believe Forward. Join us virtually on 24 November 2026 at #WIT26: https://lnkd.in/e426SpNd #InnovatorTrust #TechBeliever #SMMEGrowth #BelieveForward #WomenInTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship Tala Consulting Engineering Simangele Mphahlele Mavua Holdings Thandiwe Shema Jalusi Tech Sisanda Mbodlela Synergy Trading and Projects Glenshade Holdings (PTY) LTD Morongwa Glenda Ngale ELECDATA (Pty) Ltd Easyfind (Pty) Ltd

Innovator Trust Women in Tech 2026 Awards Registrations are now open! Register now: https://lnkd.in/eykNzFC4 If you see possibility where others see uncertainty, you’re already part of the movement. SMMEs pioneering solutions. Entrepreneurs turning possibility into proof. Gen Z & Alpha challenging what comes next. Women in Tech shaping the technology of tomorrow. Join us for the Innovator Trust Women in Tech 2026 Awards as we believe forward, celebrating the people whose belief today is building the future we will live tomorrow. Step forward. Believe forward. The future belongs to the Tech Believer. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eykNzFC4 #WIT2026 #TechBeliever #InnovatorTrust #InnovateDigitally

Have you registered for Beyond the Business: The Capacity to Lead? Entrepreneurship requires more than business acumen and strategic decision-making. It demands resilience, adaptability and the ability to navigate uncertainty, manage competing priorities and respond effectively to challenges. However, in the pursuit of business growth and sustainability, the mental wellbeing of the entrepreneur is often overlooked. The session will explore practical approaches to managing pressure, navigating setbacks and maintaining personal wellbeing while meeting the demands of business leadership. It will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between mental wellbeing and effective leadership, and the role resilience plays in building and sustaining a successful business. Recognising the person behind the business is essential to fostering a more sustainable approach to entrepreneurship. Prioritising mental wellbeing is not separate from business success; it is an important component of effective leadership, sound decision-making and long-term business sustainability. Event Details Date: 21 October 2026 Time: 10:00–11:30 Platform: Zoom https://lnkd.in/eQap-5ch Join Innovator Trust for this important conversation on developing self-leadership and supporting the wellbeing of entrepreneurs. Make mental health a part of your business strategy and Register now to be part of the conversation. #InnovatorTrust #SMMEGrowth #MentalHealtMatters #ConversationsToInnovate