VALUE4HER has named 17 finalists for the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards 2026, drawing entrepreneurs from 14 African countries who will be recognized at the continent’s premier annual platform for agri-food systems, as the awards programme moves the finalists a step closer to global recognition on Africa’s food security stage.
The finalists were unveiled by AGRA_Value4Her, with the honorees selected for demonstrating business excellence, leadership and innovation across agri-food value chains.
The initiative is run in partnership with AGRA, the Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, positioning WAYA2026 as one of the more heavily backed recognition platforms for women-led agribusiness on the continent.
The Finalists
The finalists and their ventures span the breadth of Africa’s agricultural landscape:
Amira Affaf Bellil of Sari Propolina in Algeria, Aminata Ouattara of DAN Agro in Burkina Faso, Aniela Niyondiko of Aheza Iwacu in Burundi, Cherotich Rutto of Tawi Fresh in Kenya, Doreen Nsasiirwe of Westlink Delicacy in Uganda, Ifeoma Okonkwo of Ifgreen Industries in Nigeria, Irene Etyang of Mamlo Foods in Kenya, Marina Kamanzi of Kagezi Seeds in Rwanda and Millicent Okumu of Agriflex in Kenya.
The list continues with Peserverance Muzeya of Alzanael Ltd in Zimbabwe, Rachel Virivuswagha of Urembo Kena in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Thokozani Chimasula of Taz-Maz Ventures in Malawi, Sabiha Rashid of ‘Rosho in Tanzania, Sakalé Traoré of Mamali Moringa in Mali, Seybanou Diallo of Agro Koom in Senegal, Shirley Da Graça of Luteari in Mozambique and Zainab Gwadabe of Seed Pro Africa in Nigeria.
The Road to Kigali
Finalists will be honored in Kigali, Rwanda, from August 31 to September 4, 2026, during the Africa Food Systems Forum, the largest annual event focused on transforming food systems in Africa and promoting agribusiness investment and policy dialogue.
The recognition arrives at a moment of intensifying focus on women’s role in African agriculture, a sector where women make up a substantial share of the labor force yet continue to face disproportionate barriers to capital, land ownership, market access and formal business registration.
Programs like WAYA aim to highlight women entrepreneurs with successful businesses in food processing, agri-inputs, and value-added agricultural products, which are crucial for Africa’s food security and reducing reliance on imports.
The WAYA2026 finalist list serves as a signal to investors and partners in Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem.
Backed by AGRA, the Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation, the award provides not just recognition but also enhances visibility, fosters partnerships, and offers access to valuable networks at events like the Africa Food Systems Forum.
