The University of South Africa (Unisa), through its subsidiary Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, has announced a strategic partnership with the Embassy of the United States of America in Pretoria to host a landmark roundtable discussion dedicated to accelerating women’s participation in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Taking place on February 17, 2026, this exclusive event aims to connect South African innovators with global expertise to create sustainable, inclusive ecosystems.
Global Expertise Meets Local Impact
The roundtable will feature powerhouse international speakers designed to bridge the gap between local initiatives and global opportunities:
- Jill Finlayson: CEO of CITRIS at the University of California, Berkeley, and a key delegate of the TechWomen Conference currently touring South Africa.
- Aisuluu Kozhomkulova: Regional Director for Central Asia at StrategEast and a prominent Social Innovations Consultant for UN Women.
Key Focus Areas: Scaling & Funding
The engagement goes beyond dialogue, aiming for tangible outcomes to strengthen the local entrepreneurship scene:
- Global Funding: Positioning South African women-led initiatives to secure international philanthropic funding.
- TechWomen Model: Exploring the localization and scaling of the successful TechWomen mentorship model within South Africa.
- Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with CITRIS to unlock research-to-market initiatives and mentorship networks.
“This engagement reflects our commitment to building globally connected, inclusive innovation ecosystems that empower women to lead in science, technology, and enterprise,” says Professor Raphael Mpofu, CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC.
Event Details: Join the Dialogue
Leaders from South Africa’s innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship ecosystems are invited to attend.
