Celebrating African Women Driving Economic Transformation

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has unveiled the finalists for its highly anticipated 2026 AWIEF Awards. This annual recognition program honors women entrepreneurs demonstrating exceptional achievement across various industries, contributing to inclusive economic growth and social development on the continent.

A Diverse Showcase of Talent

The finalists represent a wide range of sectors and African markets, highlighting the depth of innovation emerging from across Africa. New categories reflect the evolving entrepreneurial landscape, recognizing leaders in technology, agriculture, creative industries, and those driving measurable impact with their ventures.

This year’s competition also introduces the Male Ally Award, acknowledging male champions who actively advance women’s economic empowerment through leadership and systemic change initiatives.

Meet the Finalists:

Woman to Watch:

• Omotoke Ajidagba (Nigeria) - Co-founder & COO, 10mg Health
• Faith Nafula (Kenya) - Founder & CEO, Solar Spark Energy
• Rowena Turinawe (Uganda) - Founding CEO, Ruka Pay

Agri Award:

• Violet Awo Amoabeng (Ghana) - Founder & CEO, Skin Gourmet
• Stella Doreen Namulondo (Uganda) - Co-founder & COO, Essymart Africa Business Link
• Joyce Rugano (Kenya) - CEO, Ecorich Solutions

Impact for Good:

• Ola Brown (Nigeria) - General Partner, HealthCap Africa
• Nada Ghammem (Tunisia) - Co-Founder & CEO, Bionic Soul
• Echo Nomsa VanderWal (Eswatini) - Executive Director, The Luke Commission

Creative Visionary:

• Rasha Aita (Egypt) - Managing Director, SMACRS LLC
• Renuka Methil (South Africa) - Managing Editor, Forbes Africa
• Hadeer Shalaby (Egypt) - Co-Founder & CEO, Freeziana

Tech Pioneer:

• Varuna Devi Bangaleea (Mauritius) - Group CEO, nVisionIT
• Ndeye Fatou Mboup (Senegal) - CEO, The Smart Granary
• Quinter Ochieng (Kenya) - Founder & CEO, Chargebyte Africa

More to Come

The Male Ally and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients will be announced at the awards ceremony. Join AWIEF on November 10-11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for the conference and gala dinner—where these exceptional women and their contributions will be celebrated.