Women Shaping Africa’s Economic Future: Women in Geopolitics Debate Series Season 2

21st Apr 2026 | Source: Beyond Boundaries

As President Cyril Ramaphosa recently stated during his keynote address at the Global Progressive Mobilisation Plenary in Spain:

The world is entering a pivotal moment, where the erosion of democratic norms and the selective application of international law by major powers are driving a new era of profound geopolitical uncertainty.

From the war in Russia–Ukraine, to the ongoing devastation in Israel–Palestine, escalating tensions involving the US, Israel, Iran and the broader Middle East, and persistent instability across regions such as the DRC and Sudan, the global landscape is being reshaped in real time.

These developments are not isolated; they are collectively redefining alliances, disrupting supply chains, and intensifying competition over strategic resources.

As protectionism rises and global powers reposition themselves to secure access to critical minerals, energy corridors, and strategic trade routes, Africa once again finds itself at a defining crossroads, rich in opportunity, yet vulnerable in positioning.

“The resurgence in unlawful wars of aggression and genocide in places like Palestine are linked to ideologies of superiority that continue to treat the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America as second-class global citizens, and regard the resources of their countries as goods to be used in service of former colonial and imperial powers.” READ MORE

The Untapped Strategic Power of African Women

Across the continent, women continue to anchor resilience, sustain communities, and drive economic activity at the grassroots. Yet their contribution extends far beyond this foundational role.

African women are increasingly emerging as solution architects, entrepreneurs, and strategic leaders, shaping governance, trade, climate action, and economic transformation across sectors.

They represent a largely untapped force of political and socio-economic transformation, with the capacity not only to strengthen national economies, but to significantly accelerate Africa’s GDP growth, industrialisation, and large-scale job creation.

However, the next phase of Africa’s development will not be determined solely by access to resources, but by who participates in building, owning, and controlling value chains.

In this context, positioning women as central actors in strategic economic sectors is no longer a question of inclusion, it is a matter of continental competitiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Season 1: Laying the Strategic Foundation

Season 1 of the Women in Geopolitics Debate Series focused on one of the most critical dimensions of Africa’s future: the role of the African Union in shaping security, diplomacy, and governance.

We were honoured by the participation of distinguished continental leaders, including:

Dr Naledi Pandor, Former Minister of International Relations, South Africa
H.E. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, Former Vice President of The Gambia
Ambassador Mohau Pheko, Former South African Ambassador
Dr Esther Waringa, Presidential candidate, Kenya
Alongside other influential voices across governance, academia, and civil society

These engagements were strategic, candid, and forward-looking.

They addressed critical issues of:

Collective security
Governance and institutional reform
Africa’s positioning within a changing global order

One conclusion emerged with clarity: Africa cannot shape its future without fully integrating women into its decision-making architecture.

Did you miss previous Debates? Watch full recordings here:

Watch all episodes

Season 2: Women, Power & Africa’s Economic Future

Launching 1 May 2026

JOIN as Participant, Speaker or Partner

We now move from governance to economics.

We are proud to launch Season 2 of Women in Geopolitics under the theme:

Women, Power & Africa’s Economic Future: Leading in Strategic Sectors

Launching 1 May 2026, this season is designed to accelerate women’s leadership in the strategic, traditionally male-dominated sectors that will define Africa’s economic trajectory and global competitiveness:

Infrastructure & Construction
Energy (Renewable & Conventional)
Mining, Oil & Gas Services
ICT & Digital Technology
Transport & Logistics
Agribusiness & Agro-processing
Manufacturing & Industrial Production
Water, Sanitation & Environmental Services
Real Estate & Property Development
Aviation & Maritime

These sectors are not peripheral, they are the core engines of economic sovereignty, industrialisation, and long-term growth.

Season 2 will spotlight both established and emerging women leaders who are entering, influencing, and transforming these industries, while creating scalable pathways for others to participate, lead, and build economic power.