The 107th edition of the largest gathering of women leaders from across the world, which kicked off the two-part event with a digital conference in March, is now set for the VIP EXPERIENCE to take place in Lagos, Nigeria from 13-15 December 2023, and welcome an international delegation of leaders, speakers and honorees to the heart of West Africa.
Women Economic Forum (WEF) is a conference platform for women’s greater visibility, voice, recognition and networking for pursuing “business beyond borders”. It is the conference arm and mutual auspice of the All Ladies League (ALL) with 1000+ Chapters globally, Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) with country bilateral partnerships in 150 Countries and G100 with 10,000 country clubs led by global women leaders across 100 sectors, which are international non-profit organisations collectively with over 500,000 members in 150 countries, founded by Global Thought Leader, Philanthropist & Champion for Women, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai and headquartered in India. ALL Ladies League (ALL) is the world’s largest all-inclusive international women’s chamber and a global movement for the welfare, wealth, and well-being of ALL by empowering women’s leadership across borders.
For the first time in history, the Women Economic Forum is being held in West Africa to mark its 107th edition; led by Dr. Alex Okoroji, President of WEF West Africa who is a member of the eminent G100 and leads as the G100 Global Chair for Media Arts & Communication.
The three-day event is booked to take place at the 5-star Lagos Oriental Hotel, on December 13-15 after the G100 West Africa Meetings happening December 11-12, 2023 at the India House, Consulate General of India in Lagos.
Women Economic Forum West Africa (December 13-15)
THEME: "Amplifying Women's Influence, Impact and Income for Economic Growth"
The hybrid conference will feature 250+ Speakers in 18 VIP Plenary Sessions and Fireside chats over 3 days.
For more info about the upcoming WEF West Africa, visit the agenda page at www.wefwestafrica.org/agenda
Event Venue
- Grand Ballroom: Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island
What to Expect
Three (3) Days of cross-cultural engagement to create a global circle for conversations, connections, collaborations and celebration.
In celebration of women's contributions to driving society forward, WEF West Africa is set to create an enabling environment for over 250+ Speakers across 3 days online (in March) and 3 days in person (in December).
The WEF-West Africa 2023 edition will include in-person discussions and digital sessions, networking, and collaborations to promote leadership around the world, encouraging women to grow their businesses, build successful careers and amplify their influence, impact & income.
WEF-West Africa will also celebrate 100 Women on Wednesday, 13 December 2023 with a Medal of Honor at the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala in collaboration with WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council & G100 and award 107 leaders (Women, Men & Companies) at the WEF Award Gala on Friday, 15 December 2023.
The forum is expected to be graced by eminent personalities including:
Special Guest of Honor, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia - H.E Chief (Dr) Jewel Howard Taylor, Former First Lady of Kenya, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, HE Tessie Mudavadi, Wife of the Prime Cabinet Secretary including the Keynote Speaker for Day 1, Founder & Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust (India) - Dr. Neerja Birla, Founder & Global Chairperson of WEF - Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Special Adviser to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo - Dr. Chantal Yelu Mulop, Keynote Speaker for Day 2, Audrey Mothupi – CEO of SystemLogic Group (South Africa) as Keynote Speaker for Day 3 and many more eminent leaders in public sector & government to name a few.
The Women Economic Forum West Africa 2023 will kickstart on Day 1, Wednesday, 13 December 2023 with a focus on "Amplifying Women's Influence for a Resilient Future..." with keynote address and VIP plenary sessions featuring presentations and panel discussions on:
- Leadership & Management
- Education
- Health & Wellness
- Art, Media & Entertainment
- Fashion & Beauty
- Culture & Tourism
Day one will conclude with a VIP Gala - WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala, which will celebrate and honour 100 Women in collaboration with G100 and G-Woman Media Inc.
Presentations and discussions on Day 2 will focus on "Amplifying Women's Impact for an Egalitarian Future...". Plenary Sessions include...
- Politics & Public Administration
- Diplomacy, Security & Defence
- SDG, Philanthropy & Social Welfare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths)
- Ecocivilisation, Environment & Climate
- Law & Social Justice
As well as a networking booth to mark day two of the Women Economic Forum, West Africa.
The final day of the conference will focus on "Amplifying Women's Income for a Sustainable Future..." which will feature presentations and panel discussions on
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Banking & Finance
- Agriculture & Farming
- Real Estate and Investment
- Energy, Oil and Gas
- Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Web3 and Metaverse.
The evening will be crowned with the WEF Awards Gala; during which 107 women, men (He-for-She champions) and organisations will be awarded at the WEF Award Gala on Friday, 15th December 2023.
The conference seeks to create synergies in all sectors, contributing to strengthening lines of action - such as making environments conducive for economic and social impact, increasing the health, welfare, and visibility of women leaders, and enabling dialogue to inspire innovative practices, that will ultimately have a positive effect on women's impact, income and contributions to society.
Previous 100+ editions of the Women Economic Forum have been held in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Slovenia, Egypt, Peru, Colombia, Portugal, Spain, Ecuador, Singapore, Malaysia, Netherlands, Mexico, and Argentina amongst other countries. The forum has previously been addressed and attended by thought leaders worldwide including Heads of State, Nobel Laureates, Royalties, Ministers, Mayors, Ambassadors, Business leaders, Celebrities, and many more.
You can learn more about the 100+ past editions at www.wef.org.in
The Women Economic Forum West Africa is led by
- Dr. Alex Okoroji- President of WEF West Africa
And supported by the organising committee
- Clara Rufai (Director of Program)
- Natalie Fort (Director of Media)
- Cresta Durojaiye (Director of Operations)
- Adeola Kingsley James (Director of Production)
- Judith Nkwopara (Director of Welfare)
- Shweta Srivastava (Director of Logistics)
- Dr Carolyna Hutchings (Director of Awards)
- Dr Nabila Fash (Director of Partnerships)
With the sub-working committee
- Sharon Idahosa (Publicity Coordinator)
- Imani Dokubo (Volunteers Coordinator)
- Yvonne Okenwa (Logistics Coordinator)
- Dr. Nnenna John Njoku-B (Coordinator, Contacts & Mobilisation)
- Dr. Naomi Osemedua (Founder & President, Africa Thru My Eyes).
Including support from the Advisory Board led by
- Dr Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder & Global Chairperson of Women Economic Forum (WEF)
- H.E Violeta Bulc - Former Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia & EU Commissioner for Transport
- Dr. Bodil Valero - Former Member EU Parliament & Co-Founder AEPI
- Dr. Mar Introini - Political Analyst & Founder, The Sustainability Reader
- Dr. Linda Pereira - Founder & President L&I Communications Group
- Dr. Chris Odey - Founder, African Leading Women Conference
- Mr. Victor Nwokocha - CEO, Keystone Media & Entertainment
- Mr. John Njamah - Founder, Colorbar Media 707
- Dr. Beena Unninkrishnan - CEO, Iris Green Films
- Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi - Chief Executive Officer, The YD Company
- Ms. Ebun Feludu - Chairperson, ALL Nigeria
- Ms. Frankie Picasso - Founder, The Good Media Network, Canada
- Ms. Morenike Taire - Editor, Vanguard Woman
Further included are WEF Ambassadors like;
- Barrister Efe Anaughe (Founder, Warien Rose Foundation)
- Catherine Omondi (Group CEO, Flendale Group, Africa & Middle East)
- Affiong Ene Obong (Publisher, Yellow People Magazine)
- Lydia Awowade (Creative Director, Ga Bioke)
- Barbara Young-Utairuk (Diplomat, Embassy Portugal)
- Sarah Ibironke Omijie (Founder SarahGold Events)
The 107th edition of the Women Economic Forum is powered by The BRAG Media Company and supported by WICCI Nigeria-India Business Council and G100 (and its 100 sector wings), which is expected to gather leading personalities from varied sectors in Africa and across the world.
The conference is necessary to foster cross-cultural understanding, engagement, and enrichment, as well as inspire global collaboration and provide an enabling environment for solutions.
About the City - Lagos
Lagos has been chosen because it is the largest metropolitan city in West Africa and a melting pot of different cultures & tribes. It is also the commercial nerve centre in Nigeria and known for its vibrant hospitality, art, culture, entertainment, technology, innovation and much more.
Our Vibe & Tribe
WEF West Africa will co-create inspiring moments in three (3) beautiful days of Connection, Conversation, Collaboration and Celebration, as we support women to achieve their collective mission, celebrate the legacy of women's impact and honour the women leaders and men allies who continue to create an enabling environment for women across the world (and within the region).
WEF Awards
88 WEF Awards will be presented in celebration of inspiring women and men worldwide across all walks of life, including business, entrepreneurship, politics, healthcare, public life, government, community service, arts, culture, sciences, technology, spirituality, innovation, writing, research, and others.
By honouring excellence across all strata, we encourage and empower greater leadership, enterprise and collective consciousness toward creating a better world for all.
WEF Awards are presented in the following categories:
Legendary Women of the Decade / Legendary Leaders of the Decade
This is our highest award conferred on the most distinguished women and men leaders in different spheres worldwide notably in public life and leadership with a lifetime of legendary impact and influence over the years.
Women of the Decade/ Leaders of the Decade
This award is for women and men who are pioneers and leaders in their respective entrepreneurial and professional endeavours, with a distinctive voice and vision that are inspiring and innovating a new narrative of leadership in all walks of life. It is for those whose expertise and spirit can inspire and inform the next wave of a more awakened and empowered leadership.
Exceptional Women of Excellence/ Exceptional Leaders of Excellence
This award is for women and men exemplifying extraordinary achievements and excellence in their respective professional endeavours. With inspiring innovations and milestones, creating new pathways and frontiers in all walks of life. It is for those who are committed to excellence.
Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All/ Iconic Leaders Creating a Better World for All
This award is for leaders who with their entrepreneurial spirit and creative actions and attitudes are bringing the much-needed soft power to impact cultures and countries for better exchange. It is for those who are making a difference and participating in co-creation.
Young Innovators Creating a Better World for All
This award honours young innovators inspiring research, design, inventions and innovations stemming from scientific temperament and entrepreneurial spirit. It celebrates personal leadership that helps address the societal challenges of our times with sustainable solutions and innovations. The age profile is around 14-25 years.
Iconic Companies Creating a Better World for All
This award recognises the commitment of companies across all sectors toward enhancing women's welfare and development, creating a more inclusive work culture within and enriching communities around them, with a focus on gender equity and empowerment.
This is open to all organisations worldwide, honoring companies that are making a difference with their enlightened business ethos and innovative practices, moving both the economy and society forward.
Global Support and Thought Leadership
Across all WEF editions, we have had the good fortune of being addressed by thought leaders from the world including Heads of State, Nobel Laureates, Royalty, Ministers, Mayors, Businesswomen, University Presidents and Professors, Judges, Industrialists, Ambassadors & Diplomats, TV, Film and Sports personalities, and of course inspiring businesswomen, entrepreneurs and community leaders from all walks of life.
Registration for Delegates & Speakers
All WEF-West Africa conference sessions are FREE to attend with Coffee breaks & light snacks (however, registration is needed).
WEF West Africa event kicks off with...
- G100 Cocktail Reception (Meet & Greet) on Tuesday, December 12 at 6 pm WAT
- WEF West Africa Conference (3 Days) - VIP Plenary Sessions (9 am-5 pm daily)
- VIP Gala 1 - WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala on Wednesday, December 13 (6 pm - 9 pm WAT)
- VIP Gala 2 - WEF Award Gala on Friday, December 15 (6 pm - 9 pm WAT)
Dress Code
- G100 VIP Reception (August 9) - Semi Formal (with a touch of Gold)
- WEF Conference (August 10-12) - Formal/Semi Formal
- VIP Gala 1 - Grand Luncheon (Honoree Ceremony) - Glam
- VIP Gala 2 - WEF Award Dinner - Black Tie/Glam
Registration (VIP Gala)
Reserve your seat as a VIP Individual at the Gala which includes your VIP Tag plus access to the WICCI Entrepreneurs Gala & Honorees Ceremony (December 13) and WEF Awards Gala (December 15), Gold Menu, Digital VIP Lounge, Special Performances + Entertainment and VIP Gift Bags (Souvenirs) etc.
VIP Gala includes options for VIP Groups of 5 and Platinum Table of 10.
Please click--> www.wefwestafrica.org/vip-gala
Find out details about registration & booking at www.wefwestafrica.org/attend
For Hotel Bookings & Reservations
Please see special discounted rates and options on our website.
Please visit the official WEF West Africa to book your accommodation or email bookings@wefwestafrica.org
To attend or participate at the Women Economic Forum West Africa, visit www.wefwestafrica.org to register or email info@wefwestafrica.org
For sponsorship, partnership, or collaboration, email sponsor@wefwestafrica.org.
If you have any questions, please email the team at info@wefwestafrica.org. We are consistently updating the website with speaker & awardee profiles. You can also access all digital sessions (March 8-10), In-Person Conference Agenda, hotel info & reservation links, as well as important updates.