WeeklySA_AdminINCLUSION: The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum has opened nominations for its awards, recognising outstanding women driving innovation, business growth and social impact across the continent…
By WSAM Reporter
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has officially opened nominations for the 2026 AWIEF Awards, inviting entries from across the continent to honour outstanding women entrepreneurs and business leaders who are transforming Africa’s economy through innovation, leadership and enterprise.
The awards, established in 2017, have become one of Africa’s leading platforms for recognising women founders and executives whose businesses are creating jobs, driving innovation and contributing to sustainable economic development.
This year’s awards introduce refined categories aimed at reflecting the changing landscape of African entrepreneurship and innovation, while also recognising those championing gender equality in business. A notable addition for 2026 is the Male Ally Award, which acknowledges male leaders whose actions have made a significant contribution to advancing women’s economic empowerment, leadership and inclusion across Africa.
AWIEF said the new category recognises that achieving gender equality requires the commitment of both women and men in dismantling barriers that continue to limit opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The 2026 winners will be announced during a gala awards ceremony on 11 November 2026, which will conclude the two-day AWIEF 2026 Conference taking place on 10 and 11 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The awards recognise excellence across a wide range of sectors central to Africa’s development.
The Woman to Watch Award honours female leaders under the age of 35 or founders of businesses less than three years old who have already demonstrated strong commercial or social traction through revenue growth, partnerships, users or measurable impact.
The Tech Pioneer Award recognises women who have spent at least five years using technology, digital innovation or data-driven solutions to address African challenges ranging from inclusion and access to scalability and efficiency.
Women transforming agriculture and food systems are recognised through the Agri Award, while the Creative Visionary Award celebrates leaders making a lasting impact in industries such as fashion, media, music, film, architecture, design and digital content.
The Impact for Good Award honours women whose initiatives have demonstrated measurable environmental or social impact in areas including sustainability, climate action, renewable energy, education, healthcare and community development.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will once again recognise a visionary African woman whose leadership over at least 25 years has left a lasting legacy in entrepreneurship, public service or economic development. Unlike the other categories, this honour is selected directly by AWIEF and does not require nominations.
AWIEF said the awards continue to showcase African women who are not only building successful businesses but are also inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs while contributing meaningfully to inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Nominations are open to women entrepreneurs and business leaders operating in Africa, with individuals able to nominate themselves or others.
The deadline for submissions is August 3 at 11:59pm Central Africa Time (CAT).
The annual AWIEF Conference is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate executives and development partners from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for accelerating women’s participation in business, innovation and economic transformation.
