The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the finalists for the 2025 AWIEF Awards.
The AWIEF Awards is aimed at honouring outstanding achievements by women entrepreneurs and business leaders 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, AWIEF Founder and CEO. “Our 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”
Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, these prestigious awards recognize women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
This year’s finalists, selected by an international panel of judges from a highly competitive pool of nominees, represent excellence across a range of sectors—including technology, agriculture, energy, creative industries, and social entrepreneurship.
Their journeys exemplify the ingenuity, perseverance, and leadership of African women who are shaping the continent’s future.
The AWIEF Awards continue to celebrate and champion women-led innovation and enterprise across Africa, recognizing women who are not only building successful businesses but also making significant social and economic contributions to their communities and the continent at large.
AWIEF Awards 2025 Finalists (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
