Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Finalists for 2026 AWIEF Awards

Cape town: The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the finalists for its 2026 AWIEF Awards. According to African Press Organization, the prestigious annual AWIEF Awards, launched in 2017, is an initiative designed to recognize, honor, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa. These awards acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the continent's economic growth and social development. The finalists for this year represent a wide range of sectors and African markets, showcasing the talent, innovation, and impact emerging across the continent. The 2026 Awards categories have been adapted to reflect the evolving entrepreneurial and innovation landscape in Africa. They include categories for emerging leaders, technology pioneers, agricultural innovators, creative visionaries, and women driving measurable impact. This year, a new category, the Male Ally Award, has been introduced to acknowledge a male leader or decision-maker who has contribu ted meaningfully to advancing women's economic empowerment in Africa. The finalists for the 2026 AWIEF Awards are listed in alphabetical order under various categories such as the Woman to Watch Award, Impact for Good Award, Creative Visionary Award, and Tech Pioneer Award. Notable nominees include Omotoke Ajidagba from Nigeria, Faith Nafula from Kenya, and Rowena Turinawe from Uganda for the Woman to Watch Award. The Impact for Good Award nominees include Ola Brown from Nigeria and Echo Nomsa VanderWal from Eswatini. The Creative Visionary Award features Rasha Aita from Egypt and Renuka Methil from South Africa, among others. The Tech Pioneer Award includes Varuna Devi Bangaleea from Mauritius and Ndeye Fatou Mboup from Senegal. The Male Ally Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on 11 November 2026. The AWIEF Awards winners will be revealed at this prestigious event, serving as the grand finale of the AWIEF 2026 Conference. This conference will occur from 10 to 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa, and will gather women entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. The Awards Gala will celebrate this year's finalists and winners while recognizing the women and allies shaping a more inclusive and prosperous economic future for Africa.