Nominations Open for AWIEF Awards 2026 Honouring and Celebrating Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

As I sat amidst the bustling streets of Cape Town, South Africa, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city, my thoughts wandered to the women who drive Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Women like Njideka Harry, founder of the Lagos-based startup, Farmart, who has revolutionised the way Nigerians buy and sell agricultural products. Women like Aisha Pandor, co-founder of the Cape Town-based EdTech startup, By Heart, who has empowered thousands of African girls through her innovative education platform. These women, and countless others like them, are the very essence of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards - a celebration of the remarkable achievements of female founders and business leaders across the continent.

The AWIEF Awards, established in 2017, have grown to become a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs in Africa, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and impact. This year, the Awards have introduced new categories to reflect emerging trends, innovation, and impact, while also honouring the vital role of men in advancing women's economic empowerment and leadership through the Male Ally Award.

The AWIEF Awards celebrate women who are building successful businesses, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to Africa's economic growth. These women are not just entrepreneurs; they are visionaries who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Africa. The Woman to Watch Award, for instance, recognises a female leader under 35, or founder/leader of a venture under three years old, who is already demonstrating strong early traction through revenue, pilots, partnerships, users, or beneficiaries. The Tech Pioneer Award spotlights a female founder or senior leader with at least five years' experience in technology or innovation, who is using tech, digital tools, data, or deep-tech solutions to tackle a clearly defined African challenge.

The Agri Award, another notable category, honours outstanding women in agriculture, celebrating female founders and leaders with 5+ years in agriculture, agri-processing, agri-tech, food systems, or value chains, who are transforming Africa's food systems and value chains while advancing productivity, sustainability, food security, or farmer livelihoods. The Creative Visionary Award recognises a female entrepreneur, creator, or leader with at least five years' experience in the creative industries who is significantly contributing to Africa's cultural and creative economies.

The Male Ally Award is a significant addition to this year's AWIEF Awards, recognising male leaders whose actions and influence have contributed meaningfully to advancing women's economic empowerment and leadership. This award is evidence of the power of men becoming champions of women's economic empowerment in Africa. By acknowledging and celebrating these male allies, the AWIEF Awards send a powerful message that men and women must work together to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

The AWIEF Awards 2026 will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony and gala dinner on 11 November 2026, as the grand finale of the AWIEF 2026 Conference, taking place on 10 and 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). This event will bring together some of Africa's most innovative and inspiring women entrepreneurs, as well as their male allies, to celebrate their achievements and share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.

As I reflect on the AWIEF Awards, I am reminded of the power of women entrepreneurs to transform Africa's economies, societies, and cultures. These women are not just innovators; they are agents of change, and their achievements are evidence of the boundless potential of the African continent. The AWIEF Awards are a celebration of this potential, and I have no doubt that this year's winners will inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful impact in Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• The AWIEF Awards were established in 2017.
• The Awards have introduced new categories to reflect emerging trends, innovation, and impact.
• The Male Ally Award recognises male leaders whose actions and influence have contributed meaningfully to advancing women's economic empowerment and leadership.
• The AWIEF Awards 2026 will be announced on 11 November 2026.