From Capability to Commerce We are Connecting Women Entrepreneurs to Markets, Capital and Opportunity
12 – 13 November 2026 · South Africa
Where Capability Meets Commerce
A Commercial Platform, Not a Conference
The WCW Business Community and the Exchange is the commercial activation platform of the Women Creating Wealth Programme; the connective bridge between the capabilities entrepreneurs have built since 2016 and the opportunities that enable growth.
We have established a Business Community across all 7 countries where entrepreneurs can remain connected and do business across borders through our online Mentorship platform, online Marketplace, whatsapp groups, Connect, Inspire & Inform sessions and more. Now we want to bring people together in person to have real deal making take place
Built on a Decade of Impact
The Graça Machel Trust's Women Creating Wealth Programme has supported thousands of women entrepreneurs across seven countries through capability development, coaching, mentorship and business support.
The Business Exchange marks the next evolution moving from learning how to build a business to accessing the markets, finance and partnerships that enable growth.
- South Africa · Malawi · Zambia
- Kenya · Uganda · Tanzania · Senegal
- Open to entrepreneurs across the continent
Four Pillars of the Exchange
🏆 Celebrate Achievement
Recognising women entrepreneurs and the partners, coaches and mentors who have contributed to their growth.
🤝 Strengthen Networks
Deepening relationships across the regional Business Community through peer learning, collaboration and sector leadership.
💼 Connect to Markets
Facilitating procurement, investment conversations, franchising opportunities and strategic partnerships that accelerate enterprise growth.
📊 Generate Evidence
Capturing insights to inform programme design, strengthen partnerships and contribute to GMT's advocacy agenda across Africa.
What You Will Experience - REAL BUSINESS - REAL IMPACT
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Business Exchange Floor
The commercial heart of the Exchange, organised around five sector groupings — Financial Services, Agribusiness, Trade & Services, Manufacturing, and Infrastructure & Energy — open throughout both days.
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Curated Dealmaking Lounges
Dedicated Procurement, Investor & Private Equity, and Franchising Lounges providing focused engagement between entrepreneurs and strategic partners.
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Solutions Hub & Advisory Corner
A collaborative space where entrepreneurs and business development service providers address real growth challenges. One-on-one advisory support from master mentors, technical coaches and business experts.
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WCW Fashion & Beauty Showcase
A business platform connecting fashion, textile and beauty entrepreneurs with buyers, retailers, distributors and investors — concluding the Exchange with a celebration of African creativity and enterprise.
This Exchange Is Built for You
The Question is: ARE YOU JOINING
Growth-Stage Entrepreneurs
Women actively growing their businesses across the seven WCW countries and beyond, ready to engage with new markets and commercial opportunities.
Buyers & Corporates
Organisations seeking access to a vetted, cross-border pipeline of women-owned suppliers across seven core countries and beyond.
Investors & Financial Institutions
Partners looking for a curated pipeline of growth-oriented enterprises supported through a decade of entrepreneurship development.
Governments & Ecosystem Partners
Development partners, policymakers and business support organisations committed to strengthening entrepreneurship and regional trade across Africa.
Organised Around Africa's Growth Sectors
The Business Exchange Floor is structured around five sector groupings, each led by experienced entrepreneurs ready to lead their own sector's commercial conversations.
Entrepreneurs from Fashion, Textiles & Beauty, ICT/Digital, Tourism & Hospitality and other sectors are also welcome to apply through the Expression of Interest process.
Investing in Your Business Growth
What Participation Costs
The Graça Machel Trust and its partners invest significantly in convening the Exchange. Participating entrepreneurs are expected to cover their own participation costs, a reflection of the programme's evolution towards a sustainable Business Community.
Costs are indicative and may vary depending on travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, length of stay and exchange rates.
Spaces are limited
Approximately 30–40 entrepreneurs will be selected per country.
What You Stand to Gain
New Markets & Buyers
Direct access to procurement opportunities, buyers and corporates seeking women-owned suppliers across seven countries and beyond.
Finance & Investment
Conversations with investors, private equity and financial institutions actively seeking growth-oriented enterprises to support.
Pan-African Partnerships
Strategic partnerships with entrepreneurs, franchise partners and ecosystem organisations from across the continent.
Recognition & Visibility
Showcase your business to potential customers, partners and investors — and be recognised for your entrepreneurial achievement at the Entrepreneur Recognition Awards.
Expert Business Advice
One-on-one support from master mentors, technical coaches and business experts through the Business Advisory & Technical Assistance Corner.
A Growing Community
Become part of a thriving pan-African Business Community of ambitious women entrepreneurs committed to long-term commercial growth.
Are You Ready to Move from Capability to Commerce?
Review the Selection Criteria
Ensure your business demonstrates readiness, growth potential and commitment to full participation — including the financial investment required.
Complete Your Expression of Interest
Submit your EOI through your country team. Provide your business profile, the opportunities you are seeking and your commitment to preparing and following up.
Await Country Team Confirmation
Approximately 30–40 entrepreneurs will be selected per country. Successful applicants will receive preparation guidance and logistics information.
Prepare and Arrive Ready to Do Business
Complete preparation sessions, finalise your business profile and arrive in South Africa on 11th November 2026 ready to connect, deal and grow.
WCW Business Exchange 2026 - ARE YOU JOINING?