AFRICA → EUROPE
Women
Leading
Innovation.
A transformational 10-day experience taking 30 African women leaders to Europe to build practical capabilities in entrepreneurship, AI and global business growth.
to global impact.
leaders
WOMEN LEADING INNOVATION
THE EXPERIENCE
This is more than
a trip.
WLI Exchange is designed as an intentional journey: learn in the classroom, see innovation in action, build relationships across borders, and return home ready to lead differently.
Discover the programme →
It’s who you know.
Build a lasting network of peers, mentors and global partners that extends well beyond the ten days.
It’s what you know.
Gain practical exposure to entrepreneurship, AI and business growth — and see how ideas become action.
It’s how you grow.
Return home with stronger confidence, new perspective and relationships that can compound over time.
WHY WLI EXISTS
Africa doesn’t need
more spectators.
It needs leaders.
Women Leading Innovation equips African women leaders with future-ready competencies in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, innovation management and global business transformation.
Through academic instruction, industry visits, guest lectures, innovation tours and cross-cultural exchange, delegates gain the knowledge, exposure and relationships to accelerate what they are already building.
Entrepreneurship
& Innovation
Practical frameworks for building and scaling ventures in fast-moving markets.
AI for
Business Growth
Apply artificial intelligence tools to real operations, products and decisions.
Leadership
Development
Personal branding, executive presence and confident global leadership.
Industry &
Innovation Tours
Direct exposure to companies, hubs and founders shaping Europe’s tech scene.
International
Networking
Cross-cultural exchange and relationship-building with global peers and mentors.
Alumni
Community
A lasting network of graduates mentoring the next cohort of women innovators.
Where it happens
Two cities, one journey
Ten days split across Vic and Barcelona — combining focused academic immersion with direct access to one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
Delegate profile
Who’s in the room
Thirty participants from across Africa, selected for impact and ambition.
Inside the experience
Ten days, three dimensions
Academic depth, industry access and cultural immersion — built into a single itinerary.
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence Applications
- Business Transformation
- Leadership Development
- Company visits & innovation hubs
- Guest speakers & mentors
- Business networking sessions
- Startup ecosystem tours
- City tours & community immersion
- International networking
- Cross-cultural exchanges
- Closing celebration & awards
Why this programme matters
- Practical Skills: Build entrepreneurship, AI and leadership competencies you can apply immediately.
- Global Access: Direct exposure to Europe’s innovation hubs, founders and ecosystem partners.
- Lasting Network: Join a growing alumni community of African women leaders across sectors.
- Recognised Leadership: Return home equipped to scale your venture and mentor the next cohort.
Meet the team
The people behind it
A small team driving the programme from concept to delivery.
Full Name
Role / Title
One or two lines about this team member’s background and role on the programme.
Full Name
Role / Title
One or two lines about this team member’s background and role on the programme.
Full Name
Role / Title
One or two lines about this team member’s background and role on the programme.
Full Name
Role / Title
One or two lines about this team member’s background and role on the programme.
Partner with us
Sponsorship & exhibition packages
Support the delivery of a high-impact programme and gain structured visibility, recognition and direct access to a curated delegation of African women leaders.
- Presenting sponsor at opening ceremony, closing event and media coverage
- Dedicated delegate session and company feature
- Representative speaking slot
- Introductions to international innovation ecosystem partners
- Full-page feature in official impact report
- Named sponsor at opening and closing ceremonies
- Company profile in delegate resource pack
- Two tickets to programme networking events
- Half-page feature in impact report
Silver Sponsor
$7,000+- Logo on selected printed and digital programme materials
- Company mention at programme events
- Quarter-page feature in impact report
Bronze Sponsor
$3,600+- Logo listed in programme materials
- Name in impact report acknowledgements
Support Partner
$700+- Name listed in programme materials
- Acknowledgement in final impact report
- Premium showcase space at all programme venues
- Dedicated product or service demonstration session
- First-priority delegate engagement slot
- Branded exhibition materials and signage
- Full-page feature in official impact report
- Dedicated exhibition space at key programme events
- Product or service demonstration slot
- Branded exhibition signage
- Half-page feature in impact report
Silver Exhibitor
$7,000+- Shared exhibition space at selected events
- Company materials available to delegates
- Quarter-page feature in impact report
Bronze Exhibitor
$3,600+- Table-top display at one programme event
- Name in impact report acknowledgements
Showcase Partner
$700+- Printed materials placement at one event
- Acknowledgement in final impact report
Get involved
How to take part
Register Your Interest
Complete the short form below. A full application opens in the next step.
Complete Your Application
Shortlisted applicants receive the full programme details and agreements.
Confirm Your Place
Delegates complete selection; sponsors and exhibitors finalise their package.
Join the Programme
Take part in the ten-day experience, May 2027.
Register interest
Be part of this cohort
Spaces are limited to thirty delegates. Sponsorship and exhibition packages are allocated on a first-confirmed basis. Tell us a little about yourself — the full application opens in the next step.
- Open to delegates, sponsors and exhibitors
- No payment required to register interest
- Full programme brief sent on follow-up
- Response within 5 working days
Questions
Frequently asked
The programme is open to African women entrepreneurs, SME owners, technologists, lecturers, researchers, startup founders, corporate executives, public sector professionals, NGO leaders and emerging innovators.
Yes, there is a programme fee that applies. Shortlisted delegates will be informed of the complete costs during the confirmation process.
Sponsorship packages support the programme’s delivery and offer brand visibility and recognition. Exhibition packages provide direct showcase space and engagement opportunities with delegates throughout the programme.
International flights, accommodation, meals, academic and faculty fees, industry visit costs, programme materials, travel insurance, visa support, cultural activities and on-ground coordination.
Yes. Delegates complete a short course with our host institution in Barcelona and receive a formal certificate of completion. Outstanding delegates are also recognised with programme awards at the closing ceremony.
Our team responds to all registrations within five working days with next steps and, where relevant, the full programme brief.
Yes. Many partners combine a sponsorship tier with an exhibition package. Select “Other Collaboration” in the form and describe what you have in mind.
Whether you’re applying, sponsoring or exhibiting — every action builds the next generation of women leading Africa’s innovation economy.
Register Your Interest