The 11th annual conference of the Businesswomen of Egypt 21 (BWE21) association has officially commenced, bringing together delegates from 45 countries to address the future of female leadership in an increasingly connected global economy.
Held at the Arab League Headquarters under the patronage of the Egyptian Cabinet of Ministers, the four-day event, titled “She Leads 360°: Cross-Cultural Leadership in a Connected World,” runs from 23 to 26 April 2026. The summit is hosted in collaboration with Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises Mondiales (FCEM) and spans both Cairo and Alexandria.
The event, which features a high-level attendance of ministers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, underscores Egypt’s strengthening position as an international hub for women’s economic advancement.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouli, Eng. Margaret Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, emphasised that female economic empowerment is an “imperative necessity” for inclusive national growth.
“Empowering women economically, and ensuring equal opportunities for their participation in the labour market, constitutes a direct investment in the stability and prosperity of nations,” Sarofim stated. She further highlighted that women remain the “architects of awareness and culture,” noting that their impact is amplified when they achieve financial independence.
Dr Yomna El Sheridy, President of BWE21, noted that hosting the FCEM World Committee Meeting in Egypt for the first time signals international confidence in the country’s supportive environment for female entrepreneurs.
“The conference serves as a strategic platform for building cross-border alliances, exchanging expertise, and advancing the role of women in leading the global sustainable development agenda,” Dr El Sheridy said. She added that the summit aims to foster greater integration between regional and global markets, opening new avenues for cooperation and investment.
The conference agenda covers a broad spectrum of critical themes, including innovation, the creative economy, cross-border leadership, and the role of sustainability and renewable energy in building resilient economies.
The event has drawn significant support from the Egyptian government, with contributions from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Trade and Industry, Civil Aviation, Tourism and Antiquities, Culture, Environment, and Social Solidarity.
Major international and local institutions are also backing the initiative, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), ExxonMobil, the Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank), Banque du Caire, Banque Misr, Capgemini, and ESLSCA University.
