CAIRO – Egypt has cemented its growing status as a pivotal hub for female economic empowerment as the 11th Annual Conference of the Businesswomen of Egypt 21 (BWE21) commences today, 23 April 2026.
The four-day summit, titled “She Leads 360°: Cross-Cultural Leadership in a Connected World,” brings together more than 300 influential leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers from over 45 nations. Held in collaboration with the Femmes Chefs d’Entreprises Mondiales (FCEM), the event is set to run until 26 April across Cairo and Alexandria, serving as a primary platform for fostering international business partnerships.
A high-level gathering
The conference has drawn a significant roster of domestic and international dignitaries, underscoring the event’s global strategic importance. Among those in attendance are, 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, and Dr Marie Christine Oghly, President of FCEM
Redefining leadership
The “She Leads 360°” theme signals a fundamental shift in the discourse surrounding women’s leadership. The agenda moves beyond traditional paradigms, focusing instead on how women are actively shaping economic policies, steering major investments, and spearheading cross-border commercial networks.
Key sessions throughout the week will address:
- Inclusive Growth: Leveraging women’s economic participation as a primary driver for prosperity.
- Strategic Alliances: Building sustainable, cross-cultural leadership frameworks.
- The Future Economy: Exploring the roles of the green economy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence in global value chains.
Egypt’s global role
For Dr Yomna El Sheridy, hosting the FCEM World Committee Meeting in Egypt for the first time is a testament to the nation’s maturing ecosystem for female entrepreneurs.
“This conference sends a clear message that Egypt has become a supportive and enabling environment for women’s advancement into economic leadership positions,” Dr El Sheridy stated. She added that the summit is designed specifically to translate high-level dialogue into tangible, impact-driven economic partnerships.
As the event unfolds, the organisers have issued a broader call to international institutions and corporations, framing women’s economic empowerment not merely as a social goal, but as an essential economic imperative required to drive global innovation and sustainable growth.