THE story of entrepreneur, communications strategist and wellness advocate Nadja Smoor is one of resilience, reinvention and purpose.
For more than two decades, she has built businesses, championed women, fostered innovation and created platforms that bring people together.
VISION
To create a transformative platform where women in business, through technology and wellness, can connect, learn and lead, representing the authentic woman shaping the economic future of the kingdom.
That vision is now taking centre stage through the upcoming event, a landmark gathering that seeks to move beyond conversation and into action.
MISSION
To drive meaningful change at every level, ensuring women are seen, heard, valued and celebrated, not merely participating, but motivated to lead with impact across Eswatini’s evolving economic landscape.
Set for July 23, the event will bring together innovators, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and emerging professionals for an experiential day focused on shaping the future of women.
At a time when the world is rapidly changing through digital transformation, artificial intelligence and evolving workplace dynamics, the need for inclusive growth has never been more urgent.
The IHI event aims to address that challenge by creating a space where ideas, opportunities and collaborations can flourish.
The event comes at a critical moment for the region, as businesses and communities seek innovative ways to drive sustainable economic growth while ensuring that women remain active participants in shaping the future.
Speaking ahead of the event, Nadja said the initiative was born from 19 years of ongoing collaborations, networking and business discussions, with the aim of creating a meaningful platform for women to connect, learn and grow.
Participants can expect a day of business, technology and wellness sessions that speak to the mind, body and soul.
“Women are already leading change in their homes, businesses and communities. What they are missing is access to opportunities that inspire them to hustle and innovate, collaborate and network, the list goes on. The IHI event is designed to help bridge those gaps.”
CORE PRINCIPLES
The event is based on five core principles:
• Inspire: To share and turn common struggles into strength, and ambition into achievement.
• Ignite: To create awareness and inspire women to pursue careers in business and technology through practical engagement and networking opportunities, while maintaining wellness.
• Innovate: To address and educate participants about critical issues in business, technology and wellness, especially for women seeking different and new opportunities.
• Inclusive: To empower all women with confidence by showcasing the vital role they play through resilience in the business and cyber ecosystem in Eswatini.
• Impact: To provide a platform for Emaswati to step boldly into this technology revolution as changemakers shaping economies, communities and the next generation.
EVENT OVERVIEW
The InnovateHER Indaba will be a comprehensive one-day experiential event, running from 8:30am to 5pm on July 23. It will feature a variety of activities aligned with the conference’s objectives.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, reminds us that empowerment multiplies when it is shared. When we give our time, knowledge and opportunities to uplift women, we do not lose, we expand possibility. Every act of generosity, whether through mentorship, inclusion or access, sparks a ripple of transformation that strengthens our collective future.
The speakers comprise a network of professionals, educators and advocates dedicated to enhancing women’s roles in business and technology through wellness.
“When I first entered the business world decades ago, Eswatini was known as Africa’s hidden gem; serene, scenic, multicultural and soulful. Today, it is emerging into a new era, one of digital transformation, driving economic growth, job creation and public innovation. There is a palpable sense of urgency, a collective heartbeat pushing us to build a future that works for everyone.
“I have had the privilege of sitting down with the sheroes and captains of industry, discussing how we can unlock our nation’s full potential, attract global investment and accelerate inclusive growth. Across every conversation, one truth stands out: transformation is not just a word, it is a discipline. A call for structured, consistent, values-driven change that enables us to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
“I am proud to be spearheading this movement. Proud to collaborate with innovators, decisive leaders and dreamers who are reimagining Eswatini’s role in the digital economy. Together, we are driving meaningful change.”
EXPERIENTIAL SESSIONS
Participants will have hands-on experiences tailored to equip them with awareness of new skills essential in technology.
Sessions will be facilitated by industry professionals through business discussions, panel discussions, technology sessions and wellness engagements.
VIP SPEAKERS AND WORKSHOP LEADERS
The event will feature in-person and virtual speakers, engaging local and international experts and innovators to enhance the quality of presentations and workshop sessions.
The programme will centre on the real voices of women who are stepping up and leading change in business, technology and wellness.
The programme will feature an impressive line-up of distinguished speakers and industry leaders who are helping shape the kingdom’s economic, wellness and technological future.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Delivering the keynote launch address will be the Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya.
Other highlights include the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi, and others participating in a panel discussion.
Together, these speakers represent a powerful combination of government leadership, corporate business excellence, financial inclusion and expertise.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Topics expected to influence discussions include innovation and entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, leadership development, skills enhancement, wellness in the workplace, access to markets, and creating pathways for sustainable economic empowerment.
For many participants, the event will be more than a conference. It will be an opportunity to become part of a growing movement committed to ensuring that women are not merely adapting to the future, but actively shaping it.
This vision aligns closely with Nadja’s long-held belief that every challenge carries the seed of reinvention. Through her work at iPink and the development of the IHI platform, she continues to advocate for a future where women are equipped with the skills, confidence and networks needed to unlock their full potential.
As anticipation builds ahead of July 23, one message is becoming increasingly clear: the conversation about women’s leadership, innovation and economic participation in the country is entering a new chapter.
The IHI event is not simply an event. It is a call to action.
INNOVATEHER INDABA (IHI): FROM INSPIRATION TO ACTION
Event Details
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Event: IHI Event 2026
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Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026
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Theme: Ignite Women in Business Through Technology and Wellness
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Keynote Speaker: Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya
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Featured Speakers:
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Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo
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Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi
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Venue: Royal Swazi Convention Centre
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Registration: iPink website, linked to the ticketing website
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Ticket Packages: Student, General and Executive packages (limited capacity)
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Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, policymakers, investors, students, innovators and aspiring leaders
The future belongs to those willing to shape it. On Thursday, July 23, 2026, Eswatini’s innovative minds will come together to do exactly that.
