AWIEF Announces Finalists for 2025 Award Recognizing Outstanding African Women Entrepreneurs
The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has unveiled the finalists for its highly-anticipated 2025 AWIEF Awards, an annual initiative aimed at honoring exceptional women entrepreneurs and innovators across the continent.
The awards ceremony, which forms a key highlight of the annual AWIEF Conference, serves to elevate the achievements of women who are championing innovation, leading impactful businesses, promoting gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s sustainable and inclusive economic development.
“Through the AWIEF Awards, we continue to recognize and celebrate the exceptional women whose vision, creativity, and determination are transforming African economies,” said Irene Ochem, the founder and CEO of AWIEF. “The finalists for 2025 represent the powerful and growing influence of women entrepreneurs in shaping the future of the continent.”
A diverse and international panel of judges selected this year’s finalists from a highly competitive group of nominees. The nominees span various industries — including agriculture, technology, energy, creative arts, and social development — demonstrating the wide-ranging leadership of African women in tackling local and global challenges.
Below are the finalists for the AWIEF Awards 2025 across six categories:
AWIEF Awards 2025 Finalists
Young Entrepreneur Award
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Norah Kimathi – Kenya
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Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou – Togo
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Chisom Victory Okorie – Nigeria
Empowerment Award
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Mathildah Amollo – Kenya
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Naima Mohamed – Somalia
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Mampho Sotshongaye – South Africa
Energy Entrepreneur Award
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Chenez Henderson – South Africa
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Rufaro Marufu – Zimbabwe
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Nidal Tafah – Morocco
Creative Industry Award
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Mahlet Afework – Ethiopia
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Stella Ndekile – Nigeria
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Soraya da Piedade – Angola
Social Entrepreneur Award
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Farana Boodhram – South Africa
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Naom Monari – Kenya
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Barbara Nabigambo – Uganda
Agri Entrepreneur Award
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Linda Davis – Kenya
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Ruth Ede – Nigeria
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Millicent Okumu – Kenya
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Josephine Takundwa – Zimbabwe
Tech Entrepreneur Award
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Vivian Arinaitwe – Uganda
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Maryanne Gichanga – Kenya
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Naledi Magowe – Botswana
These finalists reflect the bold spirit and entrepreneurial excellence of African women whose innovations and enterprises are driving positive change across their communities and beyond. The winners will be recognized at the AWIEF Awards ceremony later this year.
