The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has officially announced the finalists for the 2025 AWIEF Awards, an annual celebration of women entrepreneurs and leaders whose innovation and resilience are shaping Africa’s future.
Founded to spotlight women at the forefront of business, technology, agriculture, energy, and social entrepreneurship, the AWIEF Awards shine a light on changemakers driving inclusive growth and advancing gender equality across the continent.
“The AWIEF Awards are a powerful platform to honour women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping the future of Africa,” said Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of AWIEF. “Our 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”
Diverse Talent Across Sectors
This year’s finalists were carefully selected by an international judging panel from a highly competitive pool of nominees. Representing countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Botswana, Togo, Angola, and Somalia, they span diverse industries such as technology, creative arts, energy, agriculture, and social enterprise.
AWIEF AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS (listed in alphabetical order)
Young Entrepreneur Award
Norah Kimathi – Kenya
Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou – Togo
Chisom Victory Okorie – Nigeria
Empowerment Award
Mathildah Amollo – Kenya
Naima Mohamed – Somalia
Mampho Sotshongaye – South Africa
Energy Entrepreneur Award
Chenez Henderson – South Africa
Rufaro Marufu – Zimbabwe
Nidal Tafah – Morocco
Creative Industry Award
Mahlet Afework – Ethiopia
Stella Ndekile – Nigeria
Soraya da Piedade – Angola
Social Entrepreneur Award
Farana Boodhram – South Africa
Naom Monari – Kenya
Barbara Nabigambo – Uganda
Agri Entrepreneur Award
Linda Davis – Kenya
Ruth Ede – Nigeria
Millicent Okumu – Kenya
Josephine Takundwa – Zimbabwe
Tech Entrepreneur Award
Vivian Arinaitwe – Uganda
Maryanne Gichanga – Kenya
Naledi Magowe – Botswana
Looking Ahead to AWIEF 2025
The winners will be revealed during the AWIEF awards ceremony and gala dinner, held alongside the AWIEF Conference, Exhibition and Awards on 30–31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.
The event promises to bring together inspiring women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and business leaders, creating a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
Register Now
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Africa’s most dynamic women leaders.
Register and book your ticket for AWIEF2025 at: https://apo-opa.co/3HY5cDF.
