The 2024 AWIEF Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of African women entrepreneurs on Friday night at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The glamorous awards ceremony honored six outstanding winners, selected from a distinguished group of 18 finalists, while also honouring Dr. Naledi Pandor, Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, with the Lifetime Leadership Award.
Celebrating Excellence in African Entrepreneurship
This year’s finalists and winners showcased the remarkable talent and ingenuity of African women entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities, driving economic growth, and transforming communities across the continent. Representing South Africa, Tunisia, and Nigeria, the finalists span diverse industries, highlighting the breadth of innovation and leadership among women across Africa.
The AWIEF Awards 2024 ceremony was the culmination of the AWIEF2024 Conference, a two-day event that brought together over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries. This dynamic conference served as a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and celebrating the transformative achievements of women entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor for her Legacy of Leadership and Impact. Dr. Pandor’s illustrious career spans decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s domestic and international policies. As Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019–2024), she championed South Africa’s global influence, advancing diplomacy, peace-building, and international cooperation. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire generations across Africa and beyond.
The Winners of AWIEF Awards 2024
The following women were celebrated for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective categories:
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Mpho Hlongwane – MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)
AGRI ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Ifeoma Okonkwo – Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)
CREATIVE INDUSTRY AWARD
Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana – Thabo Makhetha CC (South Africa)
EMPOWERMENT AWARD
Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu – CLM Clothing & Textile (South Africa)
TECH ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Ynes Hafi – ARSELA (Tunisia)
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Temitope Mayegun – Avilla Naturelle (Nigeria)
A Platform for Women’s Empowerment
The AWIEF Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the achievements of African women entrepreneurs, celebrating their innovative spirit and their significant contributions to sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
For more information on the AWIEF Awards and Conference, as well as details about the finalists and winners, visit www.AWIEForum.org.
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Fun South African Fact: South Africa is home to the world’s longest wine route: Route 62. It spans an impressive 850 kilometres and the excellent wineries along the way are a must-visit for lovers of fine wine! You can even enjoy the winelands on a day trip from Cape Town. Travel 40-min to an hour outside of the city centre to enjoy decadent wine tastings and even wander through some of the beautiful wine farms and estates! Suburbs like Durbanville and Constantia are even closer to the city centre and are also home to many exceptional wineries.