EmpowaEntrepreneurs 2025 Targets Africa’s High-Growth Founders and Investors

South Africa is set to host one of the continent’s most anticipated gatherings for entrepreneurs and investors — the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Funding Summit, taking place on Friday, 30 May 2025 at The Forum, The Campus in Bryanston, Johannesburg. This year’s edition introduces a major new feature: the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Pitching Festival, a high-stakes live pitching event happening on Monday, 2 June 2025 (venue TBC).

Backed by strategic funders and designed to connect high-growth African startups with active capital, the summit is a call to action for visionary founders and innovative entrepreneurs ready to scale.

A Launchpad for Capital, Networks and Growth

Billed as a “once-in-a-generation platform” for early and expansion-stage entrepreneurs, the EmpowaEntrepreneurs Summit directly connects curated startups with a powerful mix of investors — including:

• Venture Capital firms

• Angel Investors

• Development Finance Institutions

• Enterprise & Supplier Development Funds

• Women-Focused Funds

• Equity and Loan Financiers

• Impact Investors

In 2024, the summit connected over 850 entrepreneurs with R500 billion in potential investment, supported by 250+ funders and ecosystem experts. For 2025, the organisers are looking to scale that impact.

“This is more than an event — it’s a catalytic opportunity to drive systemic, scalable impact across the continent,” said Carshiefa Sissing, spokesperson for EmpowaWorx, the integrated marketing agency behind the initiative.

What’s New: The EmpowaEntrepreneurs Pitching Festival

New for 2025, the Pitching Festival gives pre-qualified businesses the chance to pitch live to a panel of active funders and strategic partners. The format is high-energy, high-stakes, and laser-focused on unlocking capital, visibility, and rapid growth.

Please note: Only paid and registered summit attendees are eligible to apply. Applications are rigorously vetted by EmpowaWorx and its funding partners, based on strategic fit, sector alignment, and investment readiness. Selection is not guaranteed and is highly competitive.

A Call to the Ecosystem: Funders, Founders, and Supporters

Entrepreneurial support organisations and corporates are encouraged to share this opportunity with their networks, or purchase tickets on behalf of entrepreneurs they support.

The summit aligns closely with ESG, DEI, ESD, and transformation goals, making it a strategic platform for partners looking to support high-impact entrepreneurship across South Africa and the continent.

“We invite you to join us — not just as participants, but as co-builders of the future,” added Sissing.

 Registration

Secure your place at www.empowaentrepreneurs.co.za
Seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.