Cape Town — The 2025 edition of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) came to a vibrant close on October 31, as eight exceptional women from across the continent were celebrated for their groundbreaking work in technology, energy, agriculture, creativity, and social impact.
The awards gala, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), marked the grand finale of the two-day AWIEF2025 Conference, which gathered over 500 delegates representing more than 50 countries.
From emerging innovators to industry veterans, the winners reflected the growing influence of women in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial and economic transformation.
Among those honoured was Norah Kimathi, founder of Zerobionic in Kenya, who received the Young Entrepreneur Award, while Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, CEO of Falcon Corporation in Nigeria, was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of leadership and contribution to Africa’s energy sector.
South Africa’s Mampho Sotshongaye, founder of Golden Rewards 1981, took home the Empowerment Award, and Nidal Tafah of MIRRIAH in Morocco was recognised for excellence in Energy Entrepreneurship. The Social Entrepreneur Award went to Farana Boodhram, the visionary behind MiDesk Global in South Africa, for her innovative approach to education and community development.
Angolan designer Soraya da Piedade earned the Creative Industry Award, applauded for merging artistry with enterprise to promote African fashion globally.
“When we create with passion and purpose, we don’t just build businesses — we inspire others to believe in their dreams,” she said after receiving the award.
In the agricultural innovation category, Linda Davis, founder of Giraffe Bioenergy in Kenya, won the Agri Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by OCP Africa, while Maryanne Gichanga of AgriTech Analytics, also from Kenya, took home the Tech Entrepreneur Award for her data-driven solutions transforming Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem.
“This recognition belongs to every woman farmer and innovator striving for a sustainable Africa,” Davis remarked. “AWIEF has given women like me the platform to connect, share ideas, and create lasting change.”
Since its inception in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have served as one of the continent’s foremost platforms for celebrating women-led innovation, spotlighting entrepreneurs who are redefining Africa’s future. This year’s finalists represented a diverse mix of nations including Botswana, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe, underscoring the depth of female talent driving progress across the continent.
