Cape Town: The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the finalists for the prestigious AWIEF Awards for 2025. Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the awards celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to spotlight women who drive innovation, build impactful businesses, advance gender equality, and contribute to Africa’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
According to African Press Organization, the AWIEF Awards serve as a platform to honor women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping Africa’s future. Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO, stated that the 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.
In the Empowerment Award category, the finalists are Norah Kimathi from Kenya, Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou from Togo, and Chisom Victory Okorie from Nigeria. For the Energy Entrepreneur Award, the contenders include Mathildah Amollo from Kenya, Naima Mohamed from Somalia, and Mampho Sotshongaye from South Africa.
The Creative Industry Award will see Mahlet Afework from Ethiopia, Stella Ndekile from Nigeria, and Soraya da Piedade from Angola vying for the honor. In the Social Entrepreneur Award category, Farana Boodhram from South Africa, Naom Monari from Kenya, and Barbara Nabigambo from Uganda are the finalists.
The Agri Entrepreneur Award features Linda Davis from Kenya, Ruth Ede from Nigeria, Millicent Okumu from Kenya, Josephine Takundwa from Zimbabwe, Maryanne Gichanga from Kenya, Naledi Magowe from Botswana, and Vivian Arinaitwe from Uganda.
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 during the awards ceremony and gala dinner, taking place on 30 – 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa. This event offers a chance to join the celebration and connect with Africa’s inspiring women entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and business leaders.