SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2026 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

WLHE SUMMIT
2026

Reimagining Higher Education: Women Leading Innovation, Equity & Impact

"Transformative leadership in higher education must be intentional, inclusive, and sustained. Women leaders are not just breaking ceilings; they are reshaping the very foundation of institutions."

— 2025 Summit Attendee

When

September 16-18, 2026

3 days of transformative content

Where

Cape Town, South Africa

Venue details coming soon

Who

300+ Women Leaders

From across Africa & beyond

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Africa's Premier Platform for Women Leaders in Higher Education

The WLHE Summit is a strategic leadership meeting designed for Vice-Chancellors, Deans, senior executives, researchers, and emerging leaders committed to driving innovation, equity, and sustainable impact across African higher education systems.

Innovation & AI

Leading ethical and strategic use of AI in teaching, research, and governance

Equity & Belonging

Building inclusive institutional cultures and breaking systemic barriers

Health & Wellness

Sustainable leadership practices that prioritize wellbeing and long-term impact

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A Transformative 3-Day Experience

Building on 2025's success with expanded programming, deeper workshops, and stronger networking opportunities

01

Keynotes & Plenaries

Hear from Vice-Chancellors, AI specialists, policy leaders, and innovators shaping the future of higher education

02

Practical Workshops

Grant writing masterclasses, AI integration strategies, wellness practices, and leadership development sessions

03

Panel Discussions

Facilitated conversations on funding access, career pathways, equity transformation, and systemic change

04

Networking & Collaboration

Intentional connection spaces, roundtables, formal dinner, and opportunities to build lasting partnerships

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Learn From Visionary Leaders

Meet some of the inspiring women leading transformation in higher education. More speakers to be announced.

Professor Beatrice Opeolu

Prof. Beatrice Opeolu

Convener, WLHE Summit

Founder & Director, BEE Solutions

Professor Daniela Pampanin

Prof. Daniela Pampanin

Professor of Ecotoxicology

University of Stavanger

Want to speak at WLHE 2026?

Submit Your Proposal

Voices from the 2025 Summit

See what attendees experienced at our inaugural summit

Watch 2025 Recap Video
View 2025 Photo Gallery
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Partner With WLHE Summit 2026

Join a movement shaping the future of African higher education. Position your organization alongside visionary women leaders driving systemic transformation.

Brand visibility across all summit touchpoints
Thought leadership opportunities & speaking slots
Access to 300+ decision-makers and emerging leaders
Alignment with impact-driven women empowerment initiatives
Explore Partnership Opportunities

Ready to Transform Higher Education?

Secure your place at Africa's premier women leadership summit. Early bird rates available now.

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Join 300+ women leaders from across Africa. Spots are limited—claim yours before August 31, 2026.