Unisa Roundtable Focuses on Empowering South African Women in Technology Leadership

Unisa Hosts Roundtable Discussion

The Inhlanyelo Hub NPC at the University of South Africa (Unisa), in partnership with the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, organized a roundtable discussion on February 17, 2026, at Unisa’s Sunnyside Campus. This event gathered female leaders in technology to promote innovation among South African women.

Welcome Address by Professor Raphael Mpofu

In the welcome address, Professor Raphael Mpofu, CEO of the Inhlanyelo Hub, articulated the hub’s objective to enhance African innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the crucial role of mentorship and support for participants, especially for women under the age of 40, to assist them in building sustainable businesses.

Introduction of Delegates by John Goshert

John Goshert, the Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy, introduced the delegates attending the ongoing TechWomen Conference in South Africa. He noted the program’s international influence, which provides mentorship and guidance to women from different countries in the United States.

Overview of TechWomen Initiative

The TechWomen initiative, overseen by the U.S. Department of State, seeks to enhance professional skills, encourage STEM careers among girls through role models, and strengthen the technology sector by connecting professionals with emerging female leaders across various regions.

Keynote Address by Jill Finlayson

Jill Finlayson, Managing Director of the CITRIS Innovation Hub at the University of California, Berkeley, delivered a keynote address discussing her institution’s approach to innovation. She stressed the necessity of critical thinking for effective engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) and the importance of establishing a clear innovation pipeline.

Finlayson also encouraged South African women to develop their skills in crafting professional proposals for funding and to create compelling narratives that demonstrate the economic impact of their projects.

Acknowledgment of Emerging Trends by Aisuluu Kozhomkulova

Aisuluu Kozhomkulova, TechWomen Committee Lead, urged participants to acknowledge and embrace emerging trends in AI, advocating for its integration across various sectors, particularly in education.

Concluding Session

The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment that addressed issues related to AI application, alternative funding options, and intellectual property challenges in Africa.

This collaborative event underscores ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering South African women within the technology sector and fostering significant conversations surrounding innovation and entrepreneurship.

(Source: Unisa)