The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) invites nominations for the AWIEF Awards 2026, a continental recognition platform honouring outstanding women entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders driving business growth, innovation, and social impact across Africa.
Since 2017, the AWIEF Awards have highlighted women who are not only building successful ventures but also shaping industries, creating jobs, and contributing to Africa’s broader economic transformation. The 2026 edition continues this mandate while introducing refined categories that reflect emerging trends in entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, creative industries, and impact leadership.
This year also introduces the Male Ally Award, recognising male leaders actively advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusion across sectors.
About the Awards
Women continue to play a central role in Africa’s innovation and enterprise landscape, yet their contributions often remain under-recognised at scale. The AWIEF Awards aim to address this gap by providing a high-level platform that celebrates achievement, visibility, and leadership.
The Awards recognise excellence across entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, agriculture, creative industries, and social impact. Each category is designed to capture both measurable performance and long-term influence.
The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will take place on 11 November 2026 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together finalists, ecosystem leaders, investors, and policymakers.
Award Categories
- Woman to Watch Award: For women under 35 or founders of ventures under 3 years showing early traction through revenue, users, partnerships, or pilots.
- Tech Pioneer Award: For women with 5+ years in technology or innovation using digital tools, data, or deep-tech to solve African challenges.
- Agri Award: For women in agriculture, agri-processing, or food systems driving productivity, sustainability, and improved livelihoods.
- Creative Visionary Award: For women in creative industries shaping African culture, storytelling, and creative economies.
- Impact for Good Award: For women leading initiatives in climate, health, education, energy, or social innovation with measurable impact.
- Male Ally Award (New for 2026): For male leaders with 10+ years of experience actively advancing women’s economic empowerment through leadership, policy, or practice.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: For women with 25+ years of leadership whose work has significantly shaped Africa’s development and institutional progress.
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Review the category criteria carefully before selecting your nomination path.
- Create an Account: Register on the AWIEF Awards platform to begin your nomination.
- Complete the Nomination Form: Provide detailed information on the nominee, achievements, and impact.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Submit relevant evidence of work, impact, and leadership.
- Submit Nomination: Ensure all information is accurate before final submission.
- Edit Until Deadline: Entries can be updated before the closing date.