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It’s who you know.
Build a lasting network of peers, mentors and global partners that extends well beyond the ten days.
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Women
This is more than
Africa doesn’t need
01Entrepreneurship
02AI for
03Leadership
04Industry &
05International
06Alumni
Who’s in
& SME Owners
Technology
& Researchers
Founders
Executives
Professionals
Leaders
Innovators
01
02
03
04
05
International Study Tour · Innovation Exchange · 2027
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.
30Women leaders
10Days in Europe
01Global exchange
WLI EXCHANGE 2027From ambition
to global impact.
to global impact.
30selected
leaders
leaders
TECH4HER AFRICA
WOMEN LEADING INNOVATION
WOMEN LEADING INNOVATION
A new generation of African leadership
ENTREPRENEURSHIP◆ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE◆BUSINESS GROWTH◆GLOBAL NETWORKING◆LEADERSHIP
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 →02
It’s what you know.
Gain practical exposure to entrepreneurship, AI and business growth — and see how ideas become action.
03
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.
THE SIX PILLARSWhat delegates take home
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.
VicCatalonia, Spain
Home to our host institution, offering a focused academic environment with inclusive meals, a welcoming campus setting and day-trip access to Barcelona. Academic sessions, workshops and certification take place here.
BarcelonaSpain
An international business hub with a thriving startup ecosystem and world-class innovation districts. Delegates visit companies, attend networking events and experience cross-cultural exchange in one of Europe’s most connected cities.
DELEGATE PROFILE / 2027 COHORT
Who’s in
the room?
A cross-sector circle of African women who are building, leading and influencing what comes next.
30selected
delegates
delegates
ONE ROOM. MANY PERSPECTIVES.
From founders and executives to researchers, public servants and emerging innovators — the room is designed for meaningful exchange, not passive attendance.
01BUILD
Entrepreneurs& SME Owners
Building and scaling ventures with purpose.
↗02CREATE
Women inTechnology
Creating solutions through digital innovation.
↗03DISCOVER
Lecturers& Researchers
Translating knowledge into practical impact.
↗04LAUNCH
StartupFounders
Turning bold ideas into viable businesses.
↗05LEAD
CorporateExecutives
Leading transformation across organisations.
↗06SHAPE
Public SectorProfessionals
Strengthening systems, policy and delivery.
↗07IMPACT
NGOLeaders
Advancing social impact and community change.
↗08EMERGE
EmergingInnovators
Bringing fresh perspectives and new possibilities.
↗Inside the experience
Ten days, three dimensions
Academic depth, industry access and cultural immersion — built into a single itinerary.
Academic Sessions
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence Applications
- Business Transformation
- Leadership Development
Industry Engagement
- Company visits & innovation hubs
- Guest speakers & mentors
- Business networking sessions
- Startup ecosystem tours
Cultural Exchange
- 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.
Elizabeth O. Edwards Dr. HC
Program Director
Leading the programme vision, strategy and delivery for Women Leading Innovation 2027.
Montse Corrius PHD
University of Vic, Spain Rep
Supporting the Spain-based academic and international exchange experience for WLI delegates.
Mrs. Kemi Shonubi
AdvisoryDirector, People, Culture & Operations, TVC
Dr. Eradiri Ebiekure
AdvisoryPresident, All African Association of Small and Medium Enterprises
Dr. Deborah Adejobi
AdvisoryPrincipal Ass. Registrar, Lead City University
Thompson Vida
Rep, Ghana
Supporting programme coordination and representation across the WLI Africa network.
Oyinlola Sale
PR x Comms
Driving communications, visibility and storytelling around the Women Leading Innovation experience.
Get involved
Five ways to take part
Women Leading Innovation 2027 is built by a community. Join us as a delegate, exhibitor, sponsor, strategic partner or country volunteer.
Join the cohort
Delegate
Apply to be one of 30 African women leaders joining the ten-day study tour in Spain for learning, industry visits and cross-border networking.
Apply as a delegate →Showcase
Exhibitor
Put your product, service or brand in front of a curated delegation of women founders, executives and innovators.
Express interest →Back the programme
Sponsor
Support the delivery of WLI 2027 and stand alongside a programme investing in African women’s leadership.
Express interest →Build with us
Strategic Partner
Collaborate with Tech4Her Africa as an institution, ecosystem builder or host to shape and extend the programme’s impact.
Start a conversation →Represent your country
Country Volunteer
Help recruit, support and coordinate delegates in your country as a trusted voice for WLI in the network.
Volunteer with us →Next steps
How to register your interest
01
Register Your Interest
Complete the short form below and our team will be in touch.
02
Complete Your Application
Shortlisted applicants receive the full programme details and agreements.
03
Confirm Your Place
Delegates complete selection; partners, exhibitors and volunteers confirm their role.
04
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. Tell us a little about yourself. Complete the form and we’ll be in touch.
- Open to delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, strategic partners and country volunteers
- 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.
You can join as an exhibitor, sponsor, strategic partner or country volunteer. Register your interest and tell us how you would like to be involved.
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 people and organisations contribute in more than one capacity. Tell us what you have in mind when we follow up after your registration.
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