Summits & ConferencesIn person2 days

4th Annual FMI Women in Leadership Conference 2026

Unapologetic Voices

“Stop Apologising”

Two days redefining leadership models by placing women at the forefront of governance, innovation and sustainable development.

Scheduled dates (1)

10 - 11 September 2026
The Maslow Hotel, Sandton
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Overview

Why this programme

Women across the world, and especially in Africa, are taking on a bigger role in economies going through fast change. The 4th Annual FMI Women in Leadership Conference 2026 sets out to redefine leadership models, placing women at the forefront of governance, innovation and sustainable development.

“Stop Apologising” is a bold call to action - an invitation for women to step fully and unapologetically into their power. For generations, women have been socialised to downplay their achievements, dilute their ambitions and soften their voices to be acceptable. This theme challenges that narrative. It reframes leadership not as something women must earn by shrinking themselves, but as something they fully deserve by virtue of their expertise, purpose, resilience and lived experience.

Digital revolutions, climate breakdown, geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global power structures are reshaping the world women lead in. Their leadership isn't only a moral imperative. It's strategic, and it's the kind the future demands.

Programme

01
Women Leaders of Tomorrow
- From Potential to Power: building confidence, voice and executive presence
- Career Capital in a Changing World: skills, networks and strategic choices
- Leading in a Digital-First Economy: technology, AI and innovation literacy
- Purpose-Driven Leadership: aligning values, impact and professional growth
- The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship and Allyship
02
Leading in Inclusive & Purpose-Driven AI and Tech
- Balancing human skills and AI in leadership decision-making
- Women-led tech communities: advocacy platforms and shared resources
- Work-life integration and well-being in a fast-paced industry
- Empowering future generations through STEM exposure and visible role models
- Diversity in design and governance of AI ethics committees
03
Leading in Finance, Financial Services and Insurance
- Leading through volatility: redefining risk, resilience and capital allocation
- Inclusive capital and gender-smart finance
- AI, data ethics and digital trust in financial services
- The future of insurance: climate, health and systemic risk in emerging economies
- Executive leadership in regulated environments: influence without compromise
04
Leading in Climate, Biodiversity, Infrastructure & Energy
- Driving sustainable growth across climate and biodiversity mandates
- Infrastructure investment and pioneering technologies for vertical industries
- Women shaping power, influence and representation in media
- Creative powerhouses: leading innovation in the creative and cultural industries
- From stage to strategy: leading the business of visual and performing arts

Featured speakers

Who you'll hear from

Confirmed at time of publishing. Speakers and topics may be substituted where circumstances beyond our control require it.

Annabel Bishop

Chief Economist

Investec Bank Limited, South Africa

Dr Shirley Zinn

Board Member, Chair - Remuneration & HR Committee

WWF South Africa

Khethiwe N.C. Mhlanga

Chief Executive Officer

Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Eswatini

Keele Letsipa

Group Manager, Safety & Health

Exxaro

Maphepane “Pepsi” Baiocco

Chief Executive Officer, South Africa

Neon Energy

Bishnen Kumalo

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

DigiSquad (Pty) Ltd

Dr Phumzile Langa

Director of Rural Education

Department of Basic Education

Michelle Nxumalo

Chairperson - Aerospace & Defence Expert

South African Aerospace Maritime Defence Export Council (SAAMDEC)

Candice Stevens

Founder & CEO; Co-Chair, IUCN WCPA Sustainable Finance Specialist Group

Sustainable Finance Coalition

Deshun Deysel Bester

Chief Executive Officer

GoPeak International

Zimbini Hill

Chairperson - Governance Leader

Independent Development Trust

Phryne Williams

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Capital Assignments

Vino Govender

Managing Director

LA Consulting Engineers

Diana Rodrigues

Founder & Author

Resilient Agility

Brochure

Take the full programme with you

The printed brochure carries the complete agenda, the speaker line-up, pricing and the registration form - everything you need to put 4th Annual FMI Women in Leadership Conference 2026 in front of a budget holder.

Full 2-day agenda, session by session
Pricing, payment terms and the registration form
Venue, dates and delegate logistics

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