AWIEF Launches 2026 Awards for Women Entrepreneurs, Adds New Male Ally Category

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has opened nominations for the 2026 edition of its annual awards, inviting applications from women entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders across Africa.

Since launching the awards in 2017, AWIEF has recognised women who are building successful businesses, driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth across the continent.

The awards also emphasises the important role women play in building Africa’s business sector and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.

This year, AWIEF has updated its award categories to better reflect emerging trends in entrepreneurship and innovation.

It has also introduced a new Male Ally Award to recognise men whose leadership has helped promote women’s economic empowerment across Africa.

The winners will be announced during the AWIEF 2026 Awards Gala Dinner on November 11. The event will mark the close of the AWIEF 2026 Conference, which will take place on 10 and 11 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.

Award categories

The 2026 awards feature seven categories covering entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, the creative industry, social impact and leadership.

The Woman to Watch Award recognises a female entrepreneur under 35, or the founder or leader of a business less than three years old, who is already demonstrating strong business growth.

The Tech Pioneer Award honours a female founder or senior leader with at least five years’ experience who uses technology or digital solutions to address challenges across Africa.

The Agri Award celebrates women working in agriculture, agri-processing, agri-tech and food systems who are improving productivity, sustainability, food security and farmers’ livelihoods.

The Creative Visionary Award recognises women making significant contributions to industries such as fashion, media, film, music, design, architecture, art and digital content.

The Impact for Good Award honours female founders and leaders creating measurable social or environmental impact through work in areas such as climate, energy, health, education, sustainability and community development.

The newly introduced Male Ally Award recognises male leaders with at least 10 years’ leadership experience who have actively supported women’s economic empowerment and leadership.

AWIEF will also present its Lifetime Achievement Award to a woman whose leadership, entrepreneurship or public service over at least 25 years has made a lasting contribution to Africa’s development. Unlike the other categories, this award does not require nominations because AWIEF selects the recipient.

Benefits of the awards

Beyond recognising outstanding achievements, the AWIEF Awards give winners and finalists continental visibility among investors, business leaders, policymakers and development organisations.

The awards also showcase successful African women entrepreneurs, helping to raise their profiles, strengthen their networks and open up opportunities for partnerships, investment and business growth.

How to apply

AWIEF said individuals can nominate themselves or someone else for the awards.

Nominations opened on 30 June 2026 and will close on 3 August 2026. Finalists will be announced in September, while the winners will be unveiled during the AWIEF 2026 Awards Gala Dinner on 11 November.

Applicants are required to submit their nominations through the official AWIEF online nomination portal.

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