The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the finalists for its 2026 Awards, recognising women entrepreneurs and business leaders whose work is contributing to Africa’s economic and social development. The finalists span several industries and markets, reflecting the growing influence of women-led businesses across the continent.
The awards are expected to bring greater attention to businesses that are creating jobs, developing new solutions and addressing challenges in their communities. They also provide a platform for entrepreneurs to gain visibility among investors, business leaders, policymakers and other key players in the African business ecosystem.
Launched in 2017, the annual AWIEF Awards recognise and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners for their achievements and contribution to inclusive economic growth and social development. The initiative has continued to highlight the role women play in building businesses and creating opportunities across different sectors.
For 2026, the awards categories have been refined to reflect the changing entrepreneurial and innovation landscape in Africa. They recognise emerging leaders, technology pioneers, agricultural innovators, creative leaders and women delivering measurable impact.
The finalists were selected through a highly competitive nominations process. They come from different African markets and represent businesses working in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, technology, energy, financial services and the creative economy.
Recognising Businesses and Leaders Creating Impact
The recognition is important because visibility can help women-led businesses access new opportunities. Awards of this nature can strengthen the profile of entrepreneurs and help connect them with potential investors, partners and customers.
The 2026 programme also introduces the Male Ally Award. It will recognise a male leader, founder, executive, policymaker or senior decision-maker who has contributed meaningfully to advancing women’s economic empowerment.
The category places attention on the wider business environment needed for women to succeed. It recognises leaders who are helping create sustained and systemic change for women across Africa.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will honour a visionary female leader whose decades of leadership, entrepreneurship or public service have contributed to Africa’s economic, social or institutional development. It will also recognise a leader who has helped create a path for future generations of women.
The recipients of both awards will be announced during the AWIEF Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.
The winners of the 2026 AWIEF Awards will be announced on 11 November 2026. The ceremony and gala dinner will serve as the grand finale of the AWIEF 2026 Conference.
The conference will take place from 10 to 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. It will bring together women entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders from Africa and beyond.
The gathering will provide an opportunity for networking, partnerships and knowledge sharing. It will also create a platform for discussions around entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
The awards gala will close the conference by celebrating the finalists and winners. More broadly, it will recognise the women and allies helping to shape a more inclusive and prosperous economic future for Africa.
2026 AWIEF Awards Finalists
WOMAN TO WATCH AWARD
- Omotoke Ajidagba – Co-founder & COO, 10mg Health, Nigeria
- Faith Nafula – Founder & CEO, Solar Spark Energy, Kenya
- Rowena Turinawe – Founding CEO, Ruka Pay, Uganda
AGRI AWARD
- Violet Awo Amoabeng – Founder & CEO, Skin Gourmet, Ghana
- Stella Doreen Namulondo – Co-founder & COO, Essymart Africa Business Link, Uganda
- Joyce Rugano – CEO, Ecorich Solutions, Kenya
IMPACT FOR GOOD AWARD
- Ola Brown – General Partner, HealthCap Africa, Nigeria
- Nada Ghammem – Co-Founder & CEO, Bionic Soul, Tunisia
- Echo Nomsa VanderWal – Executive Director, The Luke Commission, Eswatini
CREATIVE VISIONARY AWARD
- Rasha Aita – Managing Director, SMACRS LLC, Egypt
- Renuka Methil – Managing Editor, Forbes Africa, South Africa
- Hadeer Shalaby – Co-Founder & CEO, Freeziana, Egypt
TECH PIONEER AWARD
- Varuna Devi Bangaleea – Group CEO, nVisionIT, Mauritius
- Ndeye Fatou Mboup – CEO, The Smart Granary, Senegal
- Quinter Ochieng – Founder & CEO, Chargebyte Africa, Kenya
MALE ALLY AWARD
The 2026 recipient will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The 2026 recipient will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.
