East Africa has emerged as the leading region in this year’s Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards, with women entrepreneurs from Kenya and Uganda securing a dominant share of the 2025 finalists list.
According to a list published by the AWIEF on Thursday, the finalists reflect a strong showing from East Africa across multiple categories, including Young Entrepreneur, Empowerment, Social Entrepreneur, Agri Entrepreneur and Tech Entrepreneur awards.
Kenya alone accounts for six nominations while Uganda and Ethiopia secured two and one, respectively.
This underscores the region’s growing influence in women-led innovation and enterprise.
Southern Africa is second on the finalists list, with South Africa securing three nominations, Zimbabwe two and Angola and Botswana getting one each.
Nigeria dominates the nominations from West Africa with three finalists, followed by Togo with one.
Morocco has the sole nomination from North Africa.
“The AWIEF Awards are a powerful platform to honour women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping the future of Africa,” AWIEF founder and chief executive Irene Ochem said.
“Our 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”
Selected by an international panel of judges, the finalists span diverse sectors such as agriculture, energy, technology, creative industries, and social entrepreneurship.
The winners will be announced during the AWIEF Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for 30–31 October in South Africa’s Cape Town.
Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent.
AWIEF AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS
Young Entrepreneur Award
• Norah Kimathi (Kenya)
• Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou (Togo)
• Chisom Victory Okorie (Nigeria)
Empowerment Award
• Mathildah Amollo (Kenya)
• Naima Mohamed (Somalia)
• Mampho Sotshongaye (South Africa)
Energy Entrepreneur Award
• Chenez Henderson (South Africa)
• Rufaro Marufu (Zimbabwe)
• Nidal Tafah (Morocco)
Creative Industry Award
• Mahlet Afework (Ethiopia)
• Stella Ndekile (Nigeria)
• Soraya da Piedade (Angola)
Social Entrepreneur Award
• Farana Boodhram (South Africa)
• Naom Monari (Kenya)
• Barbara Nabigambo (Uganda)
Agri Entrepreneur Award
• Linda Davis (Kenya)
• Ruth Ede (Nigeria)
• Millicent Okumu (Kenya)
• Josephine Takundwa (Zimbabwe)
Tech Entrepreneur Award
• Vivian Arinaitwe (Uganda)
• Maryanne Gichanga (Kenya)
• Naledi Magowe (Botswana)
JN/APA