WLHE Summit 2025: Powerful Voices, Transformative Futures
TheKerzner@UJ, University of Johannesburg
24–25 September 2025
Empowering Women Leaders Across African Academia
A wave of transformation is reshaping African academia – and at the helm are dynamic women leading change. This September, Johannesburg will host the inaugural Women Leaders in Higher Education (WLHE) Summit 2025, a two-day event dedicated to advancing gender equity, research excellence, and collaborative leadership in African higher education.
Themed “Sustaining Leadership Excellence: Women Shaping the Future of Higher Education,” the summit will convene over 60 distinguished participants at The Kerzner@UJ on the University of Johannesburg campus.
From vice-chancellors to policymakers and research pioneers, attendees will reflect the depth of talent and vision driving inclusive, transformative leadership across the continent.
Summit Focus Areas
The WLHE Summit 2025 is more than a leadership dialogue – it’s a collaborative platform for impact. Key themes include:
- Gender equity in university governance
- Policy alignment for research and innovation across Africa
- Intercultural collaboration and mentorship in higher education
The summit also aims to bridge generations by encouraging mentorship models that connect emerging and established academic leaders.
A Distinguished Line-up of Speakers
With more than 20 confirmed speakers, the WLHE Summit boasts an impressive lineup of academic and political leaders, including:
- H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor – Former Commissioner for HR, Science and Technology, African Union
- Prof. Refilwe Phaswana – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation, University of Johannesburg
- Prof. Lisa-Dionne Morris – Professor, University of Leeds, UK
- Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng – Businesswoman and former Vice-Chancellor, UCT
- Prof. Jose Frantz – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation, UWC
- H.E. Mrs. Abigail Marshall-Katung – Former Lord Mayor of Leeds, UK
Celebrating Heritage and Inspiring Futures
The summit will feature a formal dinner on Heritage Day, 24 September, celebrating South African culture and the contributions of women to national and continental development. Attendees can expect:
- Plenary and keynote addresses
- Expert panel discussions
- Guest speeches from global changemakers
- Networking forums and strategy workshops
- An intergenerational mentorship track
The event is hosted by Bee Solutions and Consultancy Services, in collaboration with partner universities, innovation hubs, and higher education networks across Africa and the UK.
A Vision of Actionable Change
“Women are increasingly the architects of institutional transformation,” says Prof. Beatrice Opeolu, Convenor of the WLHE Summit. “We are excited to bring together both established and emerging voices to shape the next era of leadership.
Women are not just shaping institutions – they are reshaping futures. We are proud to offer a space where those futures are imagined and made actionable.”
