Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards 2025

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Applications are open for Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards 2025. The AWIEF Awards recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

Since 2016, the AWIEF Awards have honoured and promoted excellence in women’s entrepreneurship and leadership across Africa. These prestigious awards spotlight trailblazing women who are creating significant social and economic impact across eight categories:

Aim

The AWIEF Awards Aim To:

Recognize and celebrate excellence
- Highlight the exceptional achievements and contributions of African women entrepreneurs and leaders driving economic growth and social impact across the continent.
Inspire the next generation
- Showcase powerful stories of innovation, resilience, and leadership to inspire young women and girls to pursue entrepreneurship and take on leadership roles.
Amplify visibility and influence
- Elevate the profiles of female innovators and changemakers, giving them a platform to gain recognition, grow their influence, and expand their opportunities.
Promote inclusive and sustainable development
- Honour women whose ventures and leadership align with AWIEF’s commitment to innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic transformation.
Foster a pan-African community of excellence
- Build a connected and collaborative network of outstanding women leaders across sectors and regions, championing women’s economic empowerment and gender equality.
Encourage impact-driven entrepreneurship
- Recognize businesses and non-profit ventures that are solving Africa’s pressing challenges through creative, inclusive, and scalable solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees for the AWIEF Awards 2025 must meet the following general criteria:

Must be female entrepreneurs, founders, co-founders, or leaders of organizations or ventures based in Africa.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of nomination.
Must have demonstrated outstanding initiative, innovation, and leadership in their field or industry.
Must have shown measurable impact and success, such as business growth, community engagement, or industry disruption.
Must be making a significant contribution to socio-economic development, gender equality, or sustainability in Africa.