South Africa‘s technology future needs more than ambitious ideas. It needs women who can turn those ideas into businesses, build solutions for real-world challenges and create opportunities for others to participate in the digital economy.

That conversation takes centre stage at the 2026 Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards, returning on 24 November under the theme Tech Believers.

This year’s focus goes beyond celebrating women who have made their mark in technology. It challenges the industry to consider what happens when belief is backed by resources, access, mentorship and meaningful opportunities.

From Talking About Innovation to Building It

For young South Africans looking to enter the technology industry, entrepreneurship can feel like an uphill battle. Access to funding, industry networks, experienced mentors and the right business opportunities often determines whether a promising idea becomes a sustainable enterprise.

The Innovator Trust wants to address some of these barriers by putting women-led small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) at the centre of the conversation.

CEO Tashline Jooste says insights from previous Women in Tech discussions have informed this year’s initiatives, with a stronger emphasis on creating pathways that help women-owned businesses grow on their own terms.

The breakfast programme will bring this thinking to life through Innovator Trust-supported entrepreneurs showcasing technology solutions developed around community needs.

Among the featured business leaders are Nonhlanhla Moloko, CEO of SAMO Engineering; Siphokazi Simandla, Managing Director of Bolunga Systems; and Zoe Molapisi, Founder and Group CEO of Fresh Minds.

Their participation highlights an important shift in how innovation is understood. Technology doesn’t always have to begin in a global innovation hub. Sometimes, the most meaningful solutions emerge from people who understand the challenges within their own communities.

Three Women, Three Powerful Legacies

One of the headline sessions, Audacity to Believe, brings together three influential South African women whose careers have challenged traditional ideas of leadership and possibility.

Prof Thuli Madonsela, Nonkululeko Gobodo and Irene Charnley will explore leadership, enterprise, social impact and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations.

Their experiences span public service, professional services and telecommunications.

Madonsela, a former Public Protector of South Africa, was among the technical experts who helped draft the country’s Constitution. Gobodo made history as South Africa‘s first Black woman chartered accountant before building a successful accounting and advisory business.

Charnley, meanwhile, helped co-found Smile Telecoms, which became the first operator in Africa to successfully roll out and operationalise a broadband network using 800 MHz spectrum.

Their stories offer an important reminder: breaking barriers is significant, but creating pathways for others to follow is where lasting impact begins.

Mentorship That Could Change the Game

Perhaps one of the most practical additions to this year’s programme is the introduction of Executive Speed Mentorship.

Rather than limiting networking to exchanging business cards and making introductions, the session creates opportunities for women-owned SMMEs to engage directly with C-suite executives, senior leaders and industry stakeholders.

Participants will be able to bring actual business challenges to the table, seek practical advice and potentially establish relationships that extend beyond the event.

For emerging entrepreneurs, access to someone who understands corporate procurement, business expansion, investment or industry decision-making can be just as valuable as access to capital.

This is particularly relevant in South Africa, where developing sustainable businesses requires more than entrepreneurial ambition. It requires access to networks that can open doors.

A Bigger Conversation About South Africa’s Digital Future

Conversation strategist Nozipho Tshabalala returns as panel moderator, while experienced MC and communications professional Kim Jansen will host the main stage.

Taking place in a hybrid format, the 2026 Women in Tech Awards also opens the conversation to audiences beyond the event venue through virtual participation.

The message behind Tech Believers is ultimately bigger than technology. It is about recognising the people who have the courage to challenge existing systems, build something different and bring others along.

For South Africa‘s next generation of entrepreneurs, developers, creatives and business leaders, the opportunity is to move beyond simply believing in a more inclusive technology industry.

It is to become the people who build it.