Cape Town: The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has announced the finalists for the prestigious AWIEF Awards for 2025. Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to shine a spotlight on women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa's inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
According to African Press Organization, the AWIEF Awards are a platform to honour women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping the future of Africa, said Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO. The 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.
The finalists in various categories include Norah Kimathi from Kenya, Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou from Togo, and Chisom Victory Okorie from Nigeria for the Empowerment Award. Mathildah Amollo from Kenya, Naima Mohamed from Somalia, and Mampho Sotshongaye from South Africa have been recognized for the Energy Entrepreneur Award. In the Creative Industry Award category, Mahlet Afework from Ethiopia, Stella Ndekile from Nigeria, and Soraya da Piedade from Angola have made it to the finals.
For the Social Entrepreneur Award, the finalists are Farana Boodhram from South Africa, Naom Monari from Kenya, and Barbara Nabigambo from Uganda. The Agri Entrepreneur Award finalists include Linda Davis from Kenya, Ruth Ede from Nigeria, Millicent Okumu from Kenya, Josephine Takundwa from Zimbabwe, Vivian Arinaitwe from Uganda, Maryanne Gichanga from Kenya, and Naledi Magowe from Botswana.
The AWIEF Awards continue to champion women-led innovation and enterprise across Africa, celebrating women who are creating successful businesses and making a positive social and economic impact in their communities and beyond.
The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2025 will be announced at an awards ceremony and gala dinner, which will take place during the AWIEF Conference, Exhibition, and Awards on 30 - 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), South Africa. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Africa's most inspiring women entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and business leaders.