Innovator Trust Unveils Dynamic New Speakers for 2025 WIT SMME Awards

THE INNOVATOR TRUST TURNS UP THE HEAT WITH DYNAMIC NEWLY ANNOUNCED SPEAKERS FOR WIT SMME AWARDS

Women Shaping SA’s Digital Future Take Center Stage

The excitement surrounding the Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) SMME Awards 2025 has reached new heights as the organisation reveals an expanded roster of powerhouse speakers for this year’s ceremony, taking place this Thursday in Johannesburg. Under the theme “Shaping her Growth. Code It. Shape It. Scale It.”, these influential voices are set to deliver unmatched insight, inspiration, and forward-thinking discourse.

Building on the strong momentum already established, the newly announced speakers bring a compelling mix of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, digital innovation, and industry expertise. Representing some of South Africa’s most impactful sectors—including fintech, media, renewable energy, business strategy, and telecommunications—this lineup reinforces the WIT Awards’ mission to elevate women who drive transformation across the nation’s tech ecosystem.

A Powerful Lineup of New Speakers

The Innovator Trust proudly welcomes the following trailblazers who will join the day’s keynote sessions and panel discussions:

Aphiwe Tafeni – Founder and CEO, Olem Business Boutique
Chipo Mushwana – Executive of Emerging Innovation & Payments, Nedbank Group
Dr Roze Phillips – African Futurist, Business Strategy Advisor & Founder, Abundance at Work
Janine Wood – Founder and Managing Director, Ignite Media
Lebo Lion – Marketing Strategist, Tech Entrepreneur, Lyon
Linda Mabena-Olagunju – Founder and CEO, DLO Energy Resources Group (Pty) Ltd
Mpho Motsemme – Media Liaison, SARS
Nicqui Galaktiou – Director, Nicqui Galaktiou Inc
Sisanda Mbodlela – Managing Director, SM Solutions PE Trading
Tsatsi Mthimunye – Managing Executive – Central Region, Vodacom
Zumurrud Rinquest – Managing Director, Curious & Creative
Baxbara Moagi – MC for the Day (Media Personality, Content Creator & Brand Strategist)

These influential women join an already impressive lineup of strategists, founders, policymakers, creative thinkers, and digital pioneers who are shaping South Africa’s dynamic technology future.

Championing a Digitally Empowered Future

This year’s WIT Awards programming explores the most relevant and transformative themes shaping the continent’s tech and innovation landscape. From AI-driven creative industries to the future of African digital leadership, the conversations promise powerful insights for entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals.

The message driving the 2025 WIT Awards is clear: Africa’s digital future is being built by women—fuelled by innovation, intelligence, creativity, and inclusive leadership. The newly expanded speaker lineup reflects this commitment to spotlighting excellence and empowering the next generation of women in tech.

Virtual Registration Still Open

Entrepreneurs, tech professionals, creatives, and industry leaders are invited to be part of this impactful experience.

Secure your virtual seat now and join thousands for a day of learning, growth, and transformation.