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Explore everything you need to know about the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference, from standout speakers and thought-provoking topics to key highlights and opportunities you won’t want to miss.

Established 25 years ago at the request of Cyril Ramaphosa, Impumelelo was the first directory of leading black-owned and managed companies in South Africa.
Since then, the Top Empowerment brand has grown into one of the Country’s most well-respected transformation platforms.
The Top Empowerment Conference looks to celebrate the progress made by those committed to empowering black businesses and gain actionable insight on transforming the South African workforce through interactive panel discussions, keynote addresses and workshops.
The success of the economy rests on South Africa’s ability to nurture its people skills and development, open space for black owned businesses and re-shape the socio-economic status quo.





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At this 2-day hybrid conference, we’ll hear from leading experts on the African economy who will share insights and best practices for creating businesses that are impactful while also addressing some of the continent’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, investor, or policy-maker, this 2026 Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference, is an opportunity to learn from and network with some of the brightest minds in African business.
Join us as we work together to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for Africa and the world.












Step into the legacy of Nedbank Top Empowerment and discover the influential voices who’ve shaped the conversation around transformation and inclusion. TRANSFORMATION

Deputy Minister, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

Managing Director, Banking Association South Africa

Director: Policy & Institutional Management, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

Managing Director, Black Management Forum (BMF)

Acting Director- General, Department of Employment and Labour

Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Africa, IFC

Topics for Discussion in the Transformation Agenda

Africa is a dynamic continent that boasts some of the world’s most rapidly growing economies.

With a burgeoning middleclass and a vibrant, youthful population, Africa holds immense economic potential.
However, harnessing this potential requires embracing a fresh paradigm in business, where purpose and sustainability take centre stage.



25 Years of Top Empowerment: Celebrating Legacy, Charting the FuturePublication Launch
Resetting the Transformation Agenda: Aligning Inclusion with Economic Reality
Public-Private Partnerships: Scaling Funding Solutions for Youth Employment
The Silent Crisis: Child & Youth Mental Health as South Africa’s Next Economic Emergency
Who Gets to Define Transformation?
A Conversation Across Generations
Corporate Accountability: What Multinationals Can Do to Advance LGBTQI+ Economic Empowerment
What “Impact” Really Means Under the New Codes
Measuring Gender Bias: Auditing Your Organisation for Hidden Inequities
Browse through the 2025 Post Event Report













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