Abidjan: International Women’s Leadership Forum (FILF) – 6th Edition

The International Women’s Leadership Forum (FILF) will take place on September 12, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès, Sofitel Hotel Ivoire, in Abidjan. This 6th edition of the flagship event is dedicated to celebrating and enhancing women’s leadership, offering a platform for innovation, networking, and the recognition of women entrepreneurs.

Highlights of the 6th Edition:

Exhibition and Sales Fair The FILF will feature an exhibition of over 100 women-led SMEs covering various sectors such as production, processing, distribution of local products, as well as innovative and technological solutions in the agricultural field. Participants will run the sales fair and business networking, providing a unique opportunity to discover innovative products and services.

Entrepreneur Awards Eight women-led businesses in the tech and green industries, from the AWF program of the SEPHIS Foundation, will compete for the following awards:

• First Prize: 1 immersion internship in Silicon Valley, USA + 15 million FCFA
• Second Prize: 1 grant of 5,000,000 FCFA
• Third Prize: 1 grant of 2,000,000 FCFA
• Fourth and Fifth Prizes: 1 grant of 1,000,000 FCFA each

Panels and Discussions The FILF will offer in-depth panel discussions on essential topics:

Panel 1: Infrastructure, Financing, and Market Access

• Theme: What public-private partnerships are needed to operationalize the AfCFTA?
• Focus: Analysis of challenges related to infrastructure, financing, and market access in the agritech sector. Exploration of opportunities provided by public-private partnerships to maximize the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiatives for women entrepreneurs.

Panel 2: Impact Philanthropy: Education, Economy, and Agro-Transformation

• Theme: The impact of philanthropy on education, the economy, and agro-transformation.
• Focus: Assessment of best practices and funding models that support innovation in agritech, with an emphasis on initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacities of women entrepreneurs.

Panel 3: The Role of Entrepreneurs in Innovation

• Theme: Those who effectively influence value chains.
• Focus: Examination of the contributions of women entrepreneurs to innovation within agricultural value chains, with a look at concrete cases where innovation has improved production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products.

Panel 4: Health and Social Security

• Theme: Surviving in the informal sector; migrating to formal serenity.
• Focus: Analysis of challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the informal agritech sector. Discussion on strategies for a successful transition to formalization, offering benefits in terms of social security and improved working conditions. Exploration of the impact on the health and healthcare of entrepreneurs.

Why Attend?

• Inspiration and Recognition: Meet influential leaders and discover inspiring successes.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals, mentors, and potential partners.
• Professional Development: Participate in enriching discussions and workshops to enhance your leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

The FILF is the must-attend event for any woman looking to advance her career, expand her network, and engage in crucial discussions on women’s leadership. For more information and to register, visit the official SEPHIS Foundation website: SEPHIS Foundation.