By Karima Rhanem, Senior Managing Editor
In an exclusive interview with The New Africa Magazine. the Growth Women Summit (GWS25) President Hanane Aït Aïssa speaks about Innovation, Inclusion, and the Power of Women-Led Transformation
As Africa navigates a critical period of economic, social, and environmental transformation, the 2025 edition of the GWS25 is positioning women at the forefront of the continent’s renewal. Under the theme “A New World, New Challenges for Africa: Women as Drivers of Innovation, Equity, and Sustainability,” Hanane Aït Aïssa, President of GWS25, outlines a vision where women are not only included but central to crafting solutions for the continent’s future.
“This year’s theme reflects an undeniable reality: Africa is at a major turning point,” Aït Aïssa said in an exclusive interview with The New Africa Magazine. “Women — as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers — are at the heart of this transformation.” She explained how the post-pandemic context has underscored the importance of sustainability in education, healthcare, and economic systems — sectors where women’s leadership is urgently needed. “This compels us to rethink models of education, healthcare, and economic development — and ensure women are at the center of these new paradigms.”
Since its inception, the Growth Women Summit has evolved from a gathering into a dynamic platform for action. “It has become a platform for dialogue, exchange, and above all, action,” Aït Aïssa said. With initiatives like regional hackathons and the Ubuntu Awards, the summit has spurred community-driven innovation. In 2025, new strategic agreements will be signed with institutional partners to further support women’s empowerment — announcements that will be made during the summit itself.
Despite growing momentum, structural barriers continue to challenge women’s participation in innovation and entrepreneurship. “Several barriers persist: limited access to finance, restrictive cultural norms, lack of professional networks, and inequities in education and training,” she explained. In response, GWS25 facilitates targeted training and networking while spotlighting these challenges in public dialogue. “By recognizing and openly discussing these challenges during the summit, we aim to raise awareness and emphasize the urgency of incorporating gender equity as a key component of public policies and private initiatives alike.”
Aït Aïssa emphasized the summit’s unique ability to bridge grassroots voices with institutional leadership. “This intergenerational and cross-sectoral dialogue is essential to crafting realistic and actionable solutions,” she noted. “The fact that the Women Summit is held under the honorary presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem is a strong symbol of high-level commitment to advancing gender equality in Africa.”
In the lead-up to GWS25, regional hackathons are playing a critical role in identifying and uplifting young women changemakers. “These local events help raise awareness about leadership, promote creative problem-solving, and channel grassroots energy into scalable ideas,” said Aït Aïssa. They also help ensure that the summit remains grounded in local realities.
Key themes anticipated to emerge during the summit’s panels and workshops include access to funding, youth leadership, digital inclusion, climate justice, and mental health. “These themes are approached from both a policy and grassroots perspective, enabling the emergence of actionable, locally grounded recommendations.”
GWS25 is designed not only to inspire but also to deliver. “We will compile a digital white paper featuring key insights, recommendations, and best practices,” Aït Aïssa shared. “This will be paired with a concrete roadmap, co-created with partners, to guide future initiatives.” A Casablanca Declaration will also be presented, outlining structural barriers and offering concrete levers for change.
Since 2019, the Growth Women community has supported over 2,000 women entrepreneurs and financed more than 600 businesses across Morocco, often in partnership with government programs such as the INDH. “Following GWS25, we will expand the Growth Women platform to include new mentorship, training, and visibility programs,” Aït Aïssa confirmed, noting partnerships with APEFE, Veolia, and others.
She concluded the interview with a powerful reminder of the summit’s deeper mission, quoting His Majesty King Mohammed VI:
“Africa’s development depends on the full participation of its women. They are the backbone of our societies, the guarantors of stability, and the agents of progress.”
“Africa cannot rise to its full potential without women,” Aït Aïssa added. “They are already at the origin of countless — often invisible — solutions. It is time to give them the space and recognition they deserve: in governance, in innovation, in the economy, and across our territories.”
“The Women Summit is a call to collective action, driven by ambition and conviction, for a more just, inclusive, and forward-looking Africa. It is also a call to acknowledge, support, and invest in women as essential agents of transformation.”
