Write. / Hatem Mohamed
The 11th Annual Conference of the Businesswomen of Egypt 21 (BWE21) is set to launch on Thursday, April 23, 2026, under the title: “She Leads 360°: Cross-Cultural Leadership in a Connected World.”
Held in collaboration with the Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises Mondiales (FCEM), the conference reflects Egypt’s growing position as a regional and global hub for women’s economic empowerment and its commitment to advancing women into leadership roles across various sectors.
The conference will take place from April 23 to 26, 2026, across Cairo and Alexandria, bringing together more than 300 women leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs from over 45 countries worldwide. It serves as an international platform aimed at fostering cross-cultural collaboration and building sustainable economic partnerships.
High-Level Attendance Reflects the Event’s Global Significance
The conference will witness distinguished high-level participation, underscoring its regional and international importance. Attendees include a number of ministers and senior officials, among them:
• Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity
• Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade
• Dr. Ahmed Rostom, Minister of Planning and Economic Development
• Dr. Yomna El Sheridy, President of BWE21
• Dr. Marie Christine Oghly, President of FCEM
In addition to a distinguished line-up of public figures, international organization representatives, and speakers from across key economic and development sectors.
She Leads 360°… From Influence to Decision-Making Power
This year’s theme reflects a significant shift in the concept of women’s leadership, one that is no longer confined to traditional roles, but now a driving force in shaping economic policies, directing investments, and building cross-border business networks.
The conference will tackle a range of critical topics at the heart of today’s global economy, including:
• Women’s economic empowerment as a driver of inclusive growth
• Cross-cultural leadership and strategic alliance building
• Green economy and sustainable development
• Digital transformation and artificial intelligence
• Trade, investment, and global value chains
These themes will be explored through high-level plenary sessions, specialized panel discussions, and B2B meetings aimed at translating dialogue into tangible economic partnerships.
Egypt as a Global Hub for Women’s Economic Empowerment
Highlighting the strategic significance of the event, Dr. Yomna El Sheridy emphasized that hosting the conference sends a clear message that Egypt has become a supportive and enabling environment for women’s advancement into economic leadership positions. She noted that the conference serves as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and building cross-border alliances.
Dr. El Sheridy further noted that hosting the FCEM World Committee Meeting in Egypt for the first time reflects growing international confidence in Egypt’s experience and its role in supporting women entrepreneurship and advancing financial inclusion.
A Call for Impact-Driven Partnerships
Dr El Sheridy concluded by inviting institutions and companies to join as strategic partners in this global event, emphasizing that women’s empowerment is no longer optional, but an economic imperative that drives growth, innovation, and contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
