BRICS WBA South Africa and BRICS CCI Women Empowerment Vertical open national selection for the 4th Edition of the Global Women Leadership Programme (GWLP 2027)

Applications close: 18 October 2026 extended to 20 October 2026

Five women. One country. A global journey.

BRICS Women’s Business Alliance SA NPC in strategic partnership with the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry Women Empowerment Vertical (BRICS CCI WE), is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2027 Global Women Leadership Programme (GWLP). Now entering its fourth edition, the programme provides an international platform for women entrepreneurs, professionals and emerging leaders to strengthen their leadership capabilities, develop global networks and explore opportunities for business growth across BRICS+ economies and partner countries.

Through this partnership, five complimentary programme places have been made available for South African women entrepreneurs, who will be selected through a competitive national application process administered by the Board of the NPC.

A Global Platform for Women’s Leadership and Business Growth

The Global Women Leadership Programme is a flagship international learning and mentorship initiative of BRICS CCI Women Empowerment Vertical.

It brings together women from diverse professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds, connecting participants with accomplished mentors, industry leaders and international business networks. The programme seeks to develop women leaders who are equipped not only to succeed within their respective industries but also to identify opportunities for cross-border collaboration, innovation, investment and enterprise growth.

For South African entrepreneurs seeking to expand their commercial horizons, GWLP 2027 presents an opportunity to develop the knowledge, relationships and confidence required to engage beyond domestic markets.

What Will Participants Gain?

The programme combines structured learning, mentorship, international exposure and business networking. Participants will benefit from:

• One-on-one global mentorship: Opportunities to engage accomplished experts and leaders from BRICS+ and partner countries.
• BRICS+ market exposure: Greater understanding of cross-border entrepreneurship, international business and market expansion.
• Leadership and business development: Learning focused on leadership, negotiation, entrepreneurship and personal growth.
• International networks: Opportunities to establish relationships with women entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders across participating countries.
• Ideas Pitch Fest: A platform to showcase entrepreneurial ideas and business ventures to industry leaders and potential investors.
• Global recognition: A certificate of completion, with the top three global participants potentially travelling to India for the programme’s Convocation and business-to-business or investor engagements.

Five Complimentary Places for South Africa

• BRICS WBA SA NPC will serve as the Strategic Partner and National Nominating Institution for the South African selection process.
• Five outstanding candidates will be selected based on their leadership potential, entrepreneurial achievements, business impact, innovation, scalability and commitment to international business development.
• The selection process will include an independent application review and interviews to ensure that candidates are assessed fairly and on merit.
• Successful applicants will be nominated to represent South Africa within the GWLP 2027 global cohort, joining women leaders and entrepreneurs from BRICS+ nations and partner countries.

Who Should Apply?

Applications are open to women who meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. South African citizens or permanent residents who identify as women.
2. Founders, co-founders or owners of registered businesses or enterprises.
3. Applicants with demonstrable business activity, impact, innovation and growth potential.
4. Entrepreneurs interested in trade, investment, internationalisation or BRICS+ market expansion.
5. Applicants with English proficiency and the digital capability required for hybrid participation.
6. Individuals committed to scheduled learning, mentorship, assignments and programme activities.
7. Applicants willing to participate in international travel should opportunities arise.
8. Women committed to advancing women’s economic participation and cross-border collaboration.

Selection is competitive and merit-based. Previous participation in BRICS WBA South Africa activities may be advantageous but is not required. Membership, board membership, working-group positions or other institutional affiliations do not guarantee selection.

आवेदन कैसे करें

Interested applicants must submit the following documents:

• Company profile.
• Personal biography.
• One-page business pitch.
• Two professional or business references.

Applications must be emailed to: secretary@bricswomen-southafrica.com

Email subject: GWLP 2027 Application | Full Name | Company Name

Closing date: Sunday, 18 October 2026 extended t0 20 October 2026

All application documents must be submitted before the closing date.

National Selection Timeline

The five selected candidates will be nominated for participation in the fourth edition of the Global Women Leadership Programme in 2027.

Leadership Speaks

Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI Women Empowerment Vertical, reflects on the importance of global mentorship and collaboration: “Leadership becomes truly powerful when women are given the networks, mentorship and global exposure to see beyond borders. GWLP is about building that community, where women learn from one another, grow together and turn connections into possibilities.”

HRH Lebogang Zulu, Board & National Chairperson of BRICS WBA South Africa, emphasises the collective power of women supporting one another: “No woman’s brilliance diminishes another’s. Our greatest opportunity lies in recognising the unique strengths each of us brings, connecting those strengths with purpose, and creating space for one another to rise. When women choose collaboration over competition, we transform individual excellence into collective economic power, opening markets, building enterprises and creating opportunities far greater than any one of us could achieve alone.”

Connecting South African Women to Global Opportunities

Connect! Collaborate! Contract!