The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) supports women’s leadership and entrepreneurship through high-impact initiatives.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards, celebrating exceptional women driving innovation, building thriving businesses, and creating lasting impact across Africa.
Hosted annually by AWIEF, a leading pan-African women’s economic empowerment organisation, the awards recognise women who have shown remarkable leadership, creativity, and dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Since 2016, the AWIEF Awards have served as a platform to spotlight and elevate the voices of women shaping Africa’s future.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held on 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), South Africa, as part of the high-profile AWIEF2025 Conference.
Eight Award Categories Include:
- Young Entrepreneur Award
- Tech Entrepreneur Award
- Agri Entrepreneur Award
- Creative Industry Award
- Empowerment Award
- Energy Entrepreneur Award
- Social Entrepreneur Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Who Can Be Nominated?
Eligible nominees must:
- Be female entrepreneurs, founders, or business leaders based in Africa.
- Be 18 years or older at the time of nomination.
- Have demonstrated strong initiative, innovation, and leadership in their sector.
- Show measurable impact, whether through business growth, community engagement, or driving change.
- Contribute meaningfully to gender equality, socio-economic development, or sustainability.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals or on behalf of someone else.
2024 AWIEF Award Winners – Highlights
In 2024, the awards attracted a diverse pool of talented finalists from South Africa, Nigeria, and Tunisia, reflecting the incredible talent and leadership emerging from Africa’s women-led businesses.
Amidst a global gathering of over 500 delegates from over 50 African countries, these leaders showcased the innovation and impact driving Africa’s growth.
The 2024 winners were;
Young Entrepreneur Award: Mpho Hlongwane (South Africa)
Founder of MH Automotive Engineering, Mpho Hlongwane, is a trailblazer in South Africa’s automotive sector.
Her company is renowned for its commitment to job creation and skills development, particularly empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Mpho’s accolades include the Forty Under 40 SA award and recognition as a top woman in STEM by the Womandla Foundation.
Agri Entrepreneur Award: Ifeoma Okonkwo (Nigeria)
As the founder of Ifgreen Industries & Investment, Ifeoma Okonkwo has made significant strides in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Her company focuses on sustainable farming practices and value-added agricultural products, contributing to food security and economic growth in the region.
Creative Industry Award: Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana (South Africa)
Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana is the visionary behind Thabo Makhetha CC, a fashion label that fuses traditional Basotho blankets with contemporary designs.
Her innovative approach has garnered international acclaim, positioning her brand as a symbol of African heritage and modern fashion.
Empowerment Award: Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu (South Africa)
Founder of CLM Clothing & Textile, Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu, is dedicated to empowering women through fashion.
Her enterprise not only produces quality garments but also provides training and employment opportunities for women in South Africa’s textile industry.
Tech Entrepreneur Award: Ynes Hafi (Tunisia)
Ynes Hafi leads ARSELA Technologies, a company at the forefront of technological innovation in Tunisia.
Her work focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions that address local challenges, demonstrating the transformative power of technology in emerging markets.
Social Entrepreneur Award: Dr. Temitope Mayegun (Nigeria)
Dr. Temitope Mayegun is the CEO of Avila Naturalle, a company specializing in natural skincare products.
Her commitment to social entrepreneurship is evident in her efforts to promote health and wellness while creating economic opportunities for women in Nigeria.
Lifetime Leadership Award: Dr. Naledi Pandor (South Africa)
Dr. Naledi Pandor, former South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, was honoured for her outstanding leadership and contributions to diplomacy and education.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to public service and the advancement of African interests on the global stage.
Submit a Nomination
To nominate:
- Visit the nomination portal: https://apo-opa.co/3Ht64zt
- Click “Submit an entry.”
- Register and complete the nomination form
- Submit before 17 July 2025 at 11:59 PM CAT
For more details about the awards and the conference, visit www.awieforum.org.
About AWIEF
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is a pan-African non-profit organisation that promotes and supports women’s leadership and entrepreneurship through high-impact initiatives.
Since its founding, AWIEF has worked to close the gender gap by advancing inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.
