The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) hosted a spectacular celebration of African women’s excellence at the2025 AWIEF Awards, held on Friday evening in Cape Town South Africa.
The glittering gala honoured women entrepreneurs and leaders driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across the continent. Eight exceptional winners were announced, each representing the transformative power of women-led initiatives in Africa.
Since its inception in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have been a beacon of recognition and inspiration for women in business and leadership. Beyond celebrating success, the Awards aim to empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers, fostering a vibrant pan-African community of collaboration and impact.
This year’s winners and finalists came from across Africa, showcasing diverse industries including technology, agriculture, energy, creative arts, and social entrepreneurship — united by a shared vision of advancing Africa’s growth through innovation.
The Awards followed the two-day AWIEF2025 Conference, which attracted over 500 delegates from 50+ countries for engaging discussions, exhibition, masterclasses, and networking sessions. The event concluded with the highly anticipated awards gala dinner, marking a fitting finale to two days of knowledge sharing and inspiration.
2025 AWIEF Awards Winners
Young Entrepreneur Award
Norah Kimathi – Zerobionic, Kenya
Empowerment Award
Mampho Sotshongaye – Golden Rewards 1981, South Africa
Energy Entrepreneur Award
Nidal Tafah – MIRRIAH, Morocco
Creative Industry Award
Soraya da Piedade – Soraya da Piedade LDA, Angola
Social Entrepreneur Award
Farana Boodhram – MiDesk Global, South Africa
Agri Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by OCP Africa)
Linda Davis – Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya
Tech Entrepreneur Award
Maryanne Gichanga – AgriTech Analytics, Kenya
Lifetime Achievement Award
Audrey Joe-Ezigbo – CEO, Falcon Corporation, Nigeria
Voices of the Winners
For Soraya da Piedade, founder of Soraya da Piedade LDA and winner of the Creative Industry Award, the recognition marks a defining moment in her journey as a designer and entrepreneur.
“I’m deeply honoured and grateful to AWIEF for creating platforms like this, where we celebrate women’s creativity and leadership,” said Soraya. “This award reminds me that when we create from a place of passion and purpose, we not only build brands but also inspire others to dream bigger.”
From Kenya, Linda Davis, founder and CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy and winner of the Agri Entrepreneur Award, described the moment as “surreal.”
“It’s my first time winning an award like this, and I am beyond excited,” said Davis. “AWIEF has given women like me a powerful space to share our work, connect with others, and be recognized for driving change in our communities. This win belongs to every woman farmer and entrepreneur working to build a sustainable Africa.”
About the 2025 AWIEF Awards Finalists
This year’s finalists included inspiring women from across Africa — from tech innovators in Botswana and Uganda to social impact leaders in Somalia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe — highlighting the depth and diversity of women’s entrepreneurial excellence on the continent.
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Van der Merwe was watching a rugby test against the British Lions at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria. In the packed stadium, there was only one empty seat – next to Van der Merwe.
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\”So why didn\’t you give the ticket to one of your friends?\”
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