16–18 September 2026 | UCT GSB Protea by Marriott, Waterfront, Cape Town
Higher education stands at a defining crossroads. Across the globe, institutions are challenged to do more with fewer resources while simultaneously navigating rapid technological shifts, systemic inequities, and severe burnout across academic and professional spaces.
The Women Leaders in Higher Education (WLHE) Summit 2026 moves decisively from reflection to action. Convening under the overarching theme "Reimagining Higher Education: Women Leading Innovation, Equity & Impact," this three-day executive gathering brings together Vice-Chancellors, Deans, senior scholars, research funders, and emerging leaders to build future-ready, inclusive higher education systems.
Whether you are preparing your itinerary or finalizing institutional approvals, use this guide to navigate the core pillars, daily agendas, and key highlights of WLHE 2026.
Summit Structure at a Glance
The summit is structured into three dedicated daily focus areas designed to address the most urgent challenges facing higher education in Africa and globally:
- Day 1 (16 Sept) — Equity, Belonging & Systemic Change: Addressing gendered barriers, inclusive institutional cultures, policy reforms, and equitable leadership pipelines.
- Day 2 (17 Sept) — Innovation & AI for Transformation: Exploring the strategic deployment of AI, digital tools, and research commercialization—culminating in the formal Summit Dinner.
- Day 3 (18 Sept) — Health, Wellness & Sustainable Leadership: Tackling emotional labor, executive resilience, and institutional health, closing with the adoption of the WLHE Wellness Declaration.
Daily Schedule Breakdown
Day 1: Equity, Belonging, Systemic Change & Impact (Wed, 16 Sept)
- 07:30 – 08:30: Registration & Morning Refreshments
- 08:30 – 09:40: Opening Ceremony & Keynote 1 by Prof. Stephanie Burton (*The Future University: Preparation for a New Era of Learning, Leadership and Societal Impact*)
- 10:00 – 11:15: Executive Panel 1: *Reimagining Higher Education Systems for Equity and Global Relevance* featuring H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor, Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng, and Prof. Thenjiwe Meyiwa
- 11:20 – 12:35: Panel 2: *Mentorship, Sponsorship and Inclusive Leadership Pipelines*
- 13:30 – 14:10: Keynote 2 by Prof. Ntebogeng Mokgalaka-Fleischmann (*Women Leading Institutional Transformation Through Vision, Courage and Influence*)
- 14:10 – 15:00: Open Floor Audience Engagement: *Policy Reforms & Institutional Equity Scorecards*