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The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has unveiled its list of finalists for the 2025 AWIEF Awards, recognising African women entrepreneurs and business leaders whose work is advancing innovation, equality, and sustainable growth across the continent.
Presented annually during the AWIEF Conference, the awards acknowledge women who are creating impact—from disruptive startups to socially minded ventures—and who contribute to inclusive economic development and the empowerment of communities.
“We created the AWIEF Awards to honour women whose leadership, innovation and perseverance are helping to redefine Africa’s future. This year’s finalists truly represent that vision,” said AWIEF Founder and CEO Irene Ochem.
An international judging panel selected this year’s finalists from many strong nominations across varied sectors—including technology, agriculture, energy, the creative industries, and social entrepreneurship.
The finalists’ stories reflect resilience, inventiveness, and a dedication to driving change in every region of Africa.
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)
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Bank of Kigali have joined forces to provide a €100 million financing package for agroecological projects in Rwanda.
Cape Town-based venture capital firm HAVAÍC has completed the second closing of its African Innovation Fund 3, raising $25 million towards its $50 million target.
Remedial Health, a leading health tech startup based in Nigeria, has raised $12 million in a Series A funding round.
