Ideation Hub Africa Women in Development Summit 2025

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Overview of the WID Summit

The Women in Development (WID) Summit, hosted by Ideation Hub Africa (IHA), is a flagship event designed as a strategic networking and mentorship platform for women in the development sector across Africa. Launched in 2018, it has grown into a pivotal gathering for female leaders, social entrepreneurs, and practitioners working in nonprofits, social enterprises, civil society organizations, international development agencies, advocacy groups, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) divisions. The summit aims to amplify women’s voices, foster collaboration, and equip participants with tools to drive sustainable impact in Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

Ideation Hub Africa, a social impact incubator and accelerator based in Nigeria, organizes the WID Summit to empower women who are “visionaries of impact.” The event reflects IHA’s broader mission to provide early-stage social entrepreneurs and nonprofit professionals with education, incubation, and collaborative platforms to scale transformative ideas for Africa’s prosperity.

Historical Context: The 2024 Summit

The most recent WID Summit, its third edition, took place on July 20, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, as a hybrid event (in-person and virtual). Themed “Visionaries of Impact: Women Redefining Global Development,” it convened over 250–300 women leaders for a day of keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, policy roundtables, and networking. Key highlights included:

  • Keynote Speakers: Debola Deji-Kurunmi (IHA Executive Director) emphasized women’s transformative leadership, while Odunayo Sanya (MTN Foundation Executive Director) spoke on female visionaries driving sustainability.
  • Panels: Topics ranged from tech and entrepreneurship (e.g., Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi of W.TEC) to innovative social impact strategies (e.g., Abosede George-Ogan of WILAN).
  • Policy Roundtables: Seven sessions tackled critical issues like gender equity and economic empowerment, fostering actionable policy discussions.
  • Attendees: A mix of established leaders and emerging practitioners from Nigeria and beyond, reflecting a pan-African focus.

This hybrid format and July timing have become hallmarks of the summit, balancing accessibility with in-person engagement.

Projected Details for the 2025 Summit

Given its annual recurrence, the WID Summit 2025 is expected to follow a similar framework, likely occurring in mid-to-late July 2025 (e.g., July 19 or 26, based on past Saturday scheduling). Here’s what we can anticipate:

Purpose and Objectives

The 2025 summit will likely continue to:

  • Empower Women Leaders: Equip participants with skills in leadership, innovation, and collaboration to redefine global development.
  • Foster Mentorship: Connect emerging practitioners with seasoned mentors, building a supportive ecosystem.
  • Drive Collective Action: Encourage policy advocacy and practical solutions to Africa’s development challenges.
  • Celebrate Impact: Spotlight women’s contributions to social good, sustainability, and equity.

The theme might evolve from 2024’s “Visionaries of Impact” to reflect emerging trends—perhaps focusing on technology, climate resilience, or youth inclusion—but will retain its emphasis on women as change agents.

Format and Location

  • Hybrid Event: Expect both in-person attendance in Lagos, Nigeria, and virtual participation, broadening reach across Africa and globally.
  • Duration: A one-day summit, likely 8–10 hours, packed with high-impact sessions.
  • Venue: A prominent Lagos location (e.g., Muson Centre, used in 2018) for in-person attendees, with virtual access via a platform like Zoom or a custom IHA portal.

Program Structure

Drawing from 2024, the 2025 agenda will likely include:

  • Keynote Addresses: Inspirational talks by prominent women leaders, possibly Deji-Kurunmi again, alongside a new high-profile figure (e.g., a tech innovator or policymaker).
  • Panel Discussions: 2–3 sessions on topics like:
    • Tech-driven empowerment (building on 2024’s focus).
    • Climate action and sustainability, given global urgency.
    • Scaling social enterprises for economic impact.
  • Workshops: Practical training on fundraising, storytelling, or policy advocacy.
  • Policy Roundtables: 5–7 breakout sessions (virtual and onsite) to draft actionable strategies.
  • Networking: Structured opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and potential partners, possibly including a virtual “lounge.”
  • Cultural Element: Spoken word or performances, a recurring feature to inspire and energize.

Eligibility and Participation

  • Who Can Attend: Open to women (and potentially some men) in:
    • Nonprofits and NGOs.
    • Social enterprises and startups.
    • Development agencies and CSR roles.
    • Advocacy and civil society groups.
  • Target Audience: Executive directors, social innovators, and emerging leaders passionate about sustainable development.
  • Capacity: Likely 250–300 in-person attendees, with unlimited virtual participation, maintaining exclusivity for onsite engagement.
  • Cost: Registration fees may apply (e.g., 2024’s were not widely publicized but typically range from $50–$150 USD for similar events, with virtual access potentially free or discounted).

Application/Registration

  • Process: Registration will likely open in May or June 2025 via ideationhubafrica.org or shop.ideationhubafrica.org, as seen in prior years.
  • Deadline: Ongoing until capacity is reached, with early-bird incentives possible.
  • Current Status: As of March 12, 2025, registration isn’t open yet—expect an announcement in Q2 2025.

Thematic Focus for 2025

While the exact theme awaits confirmation, IHA’s focus on Africa’s pressing issues suggests potential priorities:

  • Digital Transformation: Building on 2024’s tech panel, with emphasis on AI, fintech, or digital inclusion for women.
  • Climate Resilience: Addressing Angola’s droughts or Nigeria’s flooding, aligning with global sustainability goals.
  • Economic Empowerment: Supporting women-led SMEs and post-oil diversification, key in Nigeria’s context.
  • Youth and Gender Equity: Engaging Africa’s youth bulge (60% under 25) and tackling persistent gender gaps.

These align with IHA’s ecosystem of 25,000+ change-makers and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 5: Gender Equality).

Current Status (March 12, 2025)

  • Planning Phase: IHA is likely finalizing the theme, speakers, and logistics, with an announcement expected in April–June 2025.
  • Post-2024 Reflection: The team may be analyzing feedback from July 2024 to refine the 2025 edition.
  • How to Stay Updated: Monitor ideationhubafrica.org, IHA’s social media (e.g., Threads, LinkedIn), or email info@ideationhubafrica.org for the official call.

Why It Matters

The WID Summit 2025 will continue to be a rallying point for African women driving social good. In Angola, Nigeria, and beyond, it addresses critical needs:

  • Angola Context: With economic diversification and climate challenges, Angolan participants could leverage the summit for solutions like sustainable agriculture or women’s cooperatives.
  • Broader Impact: By connecting 300+ leaders with a virtual audience, it amplifies ideas that ripple across communities, influencing policy and practice.

Past editions have featured luminaries like Osayi Alile (ACT Foundation) and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji (RISE Networks), suggesting 2025 will again draw top talent, inspiring attendees to scale their impact.

Next Steps

  • For Attendees: Start preparing a pitch or project idea to maximize networking opportunities. Watch for registration in May 2025.
  • For Updates: Check IHA’s website or social channels in Q2 2025.
  • For Deeper Insight: If you’d like, I can analyze X posts or web content closer to the date for real-time buzz (once available).

The WID Summit 2025 promises to be another transformative chapter in IHA’s mission. What specific aspect—speakers, themes, or Angola’s role—interests you most?

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