FLAIR Summit to Unite Africa's Leading Women for Empowerment and Progress

• The FLAIR Summit will bring together leading women leaders from all over Africa
• Attendees will be influential business, policy, and governance leaders
• The occasion seeks to highlight women's accomplishments throughout the continent

The First Ladies of Africa Impact & Resilience (FLAIR) Summit will bring together powerful women leaders in business, policy, and government from around the continent to honor achievements of women and for a collective approach to women's empowerment and youth empowerment. To be held in June, the summit is being hosted with the support of the London Stock Exchange, the Financial Times, as well as a range of high-level public and private sector partners. Its mission is to propel economic growth and build cross-sector alliances that tackle Africa's most compelling priorities.

Founded by Dr. Yvonne Thompson—British entrepreneur and creator of the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network—FLAIR will provide a platform for Africa's First Ladies to initiate meaningful initiatives in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and leadership aimed at empowering women and youth.

The three-day summit commences on June 16 and will bring together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers for strategic discussion. The partners include Elevate Africa, a nongovernmental organization rebranding African narratives, and Compass Global, a consultancy that links African businesses to global markets.

Consistent with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the summit promotes intra-African trade and industrial cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Organizers see the event as a world stage for fostering quantifiable, cross-border development.

One of the key attractions will be the role of Africa's First Ladies, who will present country-initiated solutions and introduce collaborative action plans to spur inclusive growth. Their active participation reflects a move from ceremonial functions to substantive policy engagement and grassroots reform.

“FLAIR 2025 is more than just a summit—it’s a continental call to action,” said Yvonne. “African women are already leading across sectors. Now, we’re raising their voices on a global stage to help shape sustainable solutions for Africa’s future.”

Some of the key agenda items will be rethinking women's empowerment, industrial development, digital innovation, sustainability, and deepening public-private partnerships. Particular focus will be given to enhancing SMEs and deepening regional integration as drivers of economic renewal.

Participants will also tour organizations like the House of Lords, House of Commons, and the London Stock Exchange to enhance investments, trade, and diplomatic relations between Africa and global players.