Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHer Conference | Cape Town 2026

Cape Town

Discover inspiring speakers, powerful networking opportunities, and the conversations shaping the future of women-led growth and empowerment across South Africa.

25 JUNE 2026 | RADISSON HOTEL, GRANGER BAY

Standard Bank Top Women

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sbtopwomen

Standard Bank Top Women

Where bold ideas, powerful voices, and the future of women in leadership unite

The EmpowHER Development Series is aimed at building communities, creating meaningful connections, and opening access to valuable networks for entrepreneurs across South Africa.

Travelling across various provinces, the series provides a platform for 10 pre-selected entrepreneurs to pitch their promising business models to a well-rounded panel of respected thought leaders, investors, and business experts. Participants deliver a 3-minute elevator pitch followed by an engaging 5-minute Q&A session, where they receive valuable feedback, mentorship, and insights on how to strengthen and grow their businesses into market leaders.

Beyond the competition, the initiative is designed to empower entrepreneurs through exposure, networking opportunities, and access to influential industry players who can help accelerate business growth.

Winners from each region then advance to the annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards, where one outstanding entrepreneur will walk away with the prestigious trophy and a R100 000 cash prize. n

Welcome to the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2026.

Dear EmpowHER Delegates,

Welcome to the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference 2026. It is a privilege to welcome you to this inspiring gathering of entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of South Africa’s economy. We are delighted that you are joining us for a day dedicated to connection, learning, growth, and opportunity.

At Topco Media, we believe that empowering women in business is not simply about creating opportunities, it is about unlocking economic potential, driving innovation, and building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Across industries, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, creativity, and leadership, yet many still face challenges in accessing the networks, markets, funding, and strategic partnerships needed to scale their businesses and realise their full potential.

The Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference was created to help bridge these gaps. More than a conference, it is a platform designed to connect ambitious women with the knowledge, resources, and relationships that can accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities. Through meaningful conversations, practical insights, and access to influential decision-makers, we aim to equip women entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly competitive business landscape.

Our partnership with Standard Bank reflects a shared commitment to supporting women-owned businesses and fostering sustainable economic participation. Together, we are creating pathways that enable women to lead, innovate, and build enterprises that contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future. A key highlight of

this year’s programme is the EmpowHER Pitching Den, where 10 pre-selected entrepreneurs will present their promising business models to a distinguished panel of thought leaders and business experts.

Through a three-minute elevator pitch followed by an interactive five-minute question-and-answer session, participants will receive valuable feedback and strategic guidance on how to strengthen their businesses, access new opportunities, and grow into market leaders.

The stakes are higher than ever. Three regional winners will each receive R50,000 and advance to pitch at the National Top Women Conference, taking place on 8 and 9 September at the Sandton Convention Centre.

From there, one exceptional entrepreneur will be crowned the Top Women EmpowHER Champion 2026 at the Top Women Awards on 3 December, receiving the prestigious Top Women Trophy and an additional R100,000 cash prize.

Equally important are the opportunities created beyond the stage. Our one-hour Fast Track networking sessions have been carefully designed to facilitate meaningful introductions, encourage collaboration,

and create real business opportunities. Combined with immersive stage experiences, sponsor activations, and interactive content studios, the conference offers a premium environment where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and inspiration is transformed into tangible impact.

I encourage you to engage fully throughout the day, share your experiences, challenge your thinking, expand your network, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. The connections you make and the insights you gain today could play a defining role in the next chapter of your entrepreneurial journey.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we are advancing a future where women-led businesses are recognised, supported, and celebrated for the vital role they play in driving economic growth, innovation, and social progress across South Africa.

I wish you an enriching, impactful, and successful conference experience.

Warm regards,

Ralf Fletcher CEO, Topco Media

Get ready for a day of inspiring conversations, insightful sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.

08h00 – 09h15 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS

09h15 - 09h25 Moderators Opening Remarks: Mokoena Moloto, Founder, Brave Voices

09h25 - 09h30 Organisers Welcome: Odelia Fester, Project Manager, Top Women

09h30 - 09h50 Standard Bank Keynote Address: Leigh-Anne De Witt, Standard Bank

09h50 - 10h20 Keynote Address: Alderman Theresa Uys, Mayoral Committee Member, The City Of Cape Town

10h20 - 10h40 Fireside Chat: Verity Price, World Champion Of Public Speaking, Global Keynote Speaker, And Executive Communication Coach

10h40 - 11h10 Fireside Chat: Tarynne Keown Rajh, Founder, The Shopaholic

11h10 - 11h40 REFRESHMENTS + NETWORKING

11h40 – 12h30 Fast-Track Networking Session – “Turning conversations into connections”

12h30 – 13h30 LUNCH

13h30 – 15h45 The 2026 Pitching Den

15h45 – 16h00 Moderators Closing Remarks: Mokoena Moloto, Founder, Brave Voices

Good luck to all of our finalists!

LISTEN NOW

BEYOND THE BOARDROOM

REDEFINING THE STANDARD OF SUCCESS

Master the art of leadership and digital innovation with Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, as he interviews and gains exclusive access to high-impact conversations with influential business leaders, politicians, and innovators redefining the future of business.

Meet the leaders, innovators, and changemakers bringing valuable insight, expertise, and encouragement to the next generation of women-led businesses and bold entrepreneurial ideas.

Thank you for championing bold ideas.

Elevate your Cape Town event with our bespoke Halaal catering. The Plated Pallette creates delicious masterpieces that impress every guest. From savory starters to decadent sweets, we make moments unforgettable.

Have a look at our visionary entrepreneurs selected to take centre stage this year. Each finalist represents innovation, resilience, and the future of women-led business in South Africa as they pitch their ideas live to a panel of industry leaders and changemakers.

YOUR VISION CUSTOM MADE

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From editable templates and bespoke cards to cake toppers and handcrafted creations, each piece is thoughtfully designed to add a personal touch to your most special moments. Scan the code below to explore more of what we do

A huge thank you to the incredible sponsors and partners who helped make the Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Conference in Cape Town such a success.

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Scan the QR code to stay connected with the Standard Bank Top Women community, keep up with the latest updates, and be part of a growing network of inspiring women shaping the future.

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Each speaker brings unique insights, practical experience, and fresh perspectives designed to spark meaningful conversations and empower attendees to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION COACH

FOUNDER, THE

you for championing bold ideas.

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As the EmpowHER Conference in Cape Town comes to a close, we celebrate a day of powerful conversations, inspiring women, meaningful connections, and bold business ideas shaping the future. Next, we head to KwaZulu-Natal for another impactful gathering of entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers ready to connect, learn, grow together, and of course, compete in the grand finale at the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Awards.

cape town

25 JUNE 2026

kwazulu-natal

28 JULY 2026

gauteng

21 AUGUST 2026

info@topco.co.za

186 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, 0860009590