She Afrique, a pan-African movement dedicated to elevating the power, elegance, and unstoppable spirit of African women, convened a landmark G20 Sideline Dynamics Summit focused on “Harnessing Sustainable Women‑Led Growth in Africa Through the Digital Economy..” The event brought together influential leaders, policymakers, creatives, and digital innovators to spotlight the essential role of technology in empowering African women.
The summit opened with remarks by Nikki Okedele, who celebrated the importance of meaningful and sustainable approaches to women’s empowerment. She noted the power of women in leadership and emphasized the responsibility of lifting others up rather than “folding the ladder,” a sentiment echoed throughout the event.
Opening Remark by Her Excellency, Kadiva Diana Hamutumwa, Regional Governor of the Ohamgwena Region in Namibia. She commends SheAfrique for organizing a dialogue on digital inclusion for women. She emphasizes that Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy cannot reach its full potential unless women are fully included. She highlights three core pillars needed for women’s participation: ‘access’ to digital infrastructure, ‘capacity’ through digital skills, and ‘capital’ for financing women-led enterprises. She states that Namibia continues to advance these areas through national programs like broadband expansion, digital literacy initiatives, and the National Youth Development Fund.
She provides examples from sectors such as agriculture’, ‘education’, and ‘health’, showing how digital tools increase productivity, expand opportunities, and improve well-being for women especially in rural areas. She stresses that digital inclusion empowers women to become innovators, leaders, and drivers of sustainable economic growth.
She concludes by calling for continued collaboration among governments, private sector actors, and civil society to ensure women are not just participants but key leaders in Africa’s digital transformation.
Keynote Address by Her Excellency Chantal Fanny, Deputy Senate President of Côte d’Ivoire
Her Excellency Chantal Fanny, a distinguished political leader and advocate for women’s institutional participation, delivered the keynote address. She emphasized that Africa’s digital revolution presents a historic opportunity to unlock the potential of millions of African women whose creativity and resilience already shape national economies.
“Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and behind this youth are millions of women whose leadership drives our economies. The digital revolution gives us the opportunity to unlock their full potential,” she stated. 
Her Excellency outlined three critical pillars for accelerating women-led innovation:
- Education, beginning with digital literacy for girls
- Financing, including mobile-based and fintech solutions
- Regional ecosystems enabling innovation across borders
She also announced the launch of the Observatory for Women Inclusion in Institutions, a Pan-African mechanism to generate data, shape policy, and support transformational female leadership.
Fireside Chat: Digital Equity, Storytelling & Women’s Economic Power
Moderated by Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Director of Commercial & Communications at New Central TV, the Fireside Chat featured:
•Linda Adesuwa Osifo, award-winning Nollywood actress and creative entrepreneur
•Nancy Mulemwa Siisii, founder of Concrete Pastures and global podcast host
The conversation explored how digital tools, content platforms, and storytelling are reshaping opportunities for African women.
Key Insights
- Digital Platforms as Bridges to Visibility & Empowerment
Linda Osifo highlighted how digital platforms have bypassed traditional barriers, enabling African creatives, especially women to share their stories globally.
“Without digital, this would never have happened. Digital platforms bring unity, wisdom, and connection. Content is life, and anyone can create it,” she said. 
She emphasized the need for:
- Access to reliable internet
- Digital literacy and mentorship
- Safety online, especially for women
- Sustainable funding and women-focused collaboration
2. Podcasting as a Global Amplifier for African Women’s Voices
Nancy Siisii shared how her podcast began as a personal storytelling tool but grew to uplift voices across continents.
“Through storytelling, we inspire hope. Podcasting has allowed women to be heard in places they may otherwise never reach,” she explained. 
She championed AI adoption for female entrepreneurs, highlighting benefits such as:
- Audience analytics
- Automated marketing
- Task management
- Pitch development for funding
3. Content Monetization as Economic Opportunity
Both speakers underscored that platforms like YouTube, streaming services, social media, and podcasts generate real income when paired with ownership, authenticity, and consistency.
Pledges Toward Women-Led Digital Growth
To close the session, speakers made actionable commitments:
- Linda Osifo pledged to expand her Lindel Osifo Creative Academy, offering free access to digital and creative training for young African women.
- Nancy Siisii pledged to amplify more women’s stories globally by offering visibility through her podcasting platform.
Launch of the She Afrique Digital Compact
The summit also marked the unveiling of the She Afrique Digital Compact, a continental initiative designed to:
•Train women in essential digital skills
•Mobilize funding for women-led digital enterprises
•Expand women’s visibility in media, governance, and tech
•Strengthen cross-border digital collaboration
Participants expressed confidence that measurable success in training numbers, funding mobilized, and increased digital participation will demonstrate the Compact’s transformative impact
