The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum recognised eight women entrepreneurs and leaders at its annual awards gala on Friday, October 31, 2025, celebrating achievements in technology, agriculture, energy and social impact across the continent.
The 2025 AWIEF Awards honoured winners from Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Angola and Nigeria at a ceremony concluding the two-day AWIEF2025 Conference, which drew more than 500 delegates from over 50 countries.
Norah Kimathi of Zerobionic in Kenya won the Young Entrepreneur Award, while Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, CEO of Falcon Corporation in Nigeria, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other winners included Mampho Sotshongaye of Golden Rewards 1981 in South Africa for empowerment, Nidal Tafah of MIRRIAH in Morocco for energy entrepreneurship, and Farana Boodhram of MiDesk Global in South Africa for social entrepreneurship.
Soraya da Piedade of Angola won the Creative Industry Award for her work as a designer and entrepreneur.
“This award reminds me that when we create from a place of passion and purpose, we not only build brands but also inspire others to dream bigger,” da Piedade said.
Linda Davis, founder of Giraffe Bioenergy in Kenya, won the Agri Entrepreneur Award sponsored by OCP Africa.
Maryanne Gichanga of AgriTech Analytics in Kenya received the Tech Entrepreneur Award.
“AWIEF has given women like me a powerful space to share our work, connect with others, and be recognized for driving change in our communities,” Davis said.
“This win belongs to every woman farmer and entrepreneur working to build a sustainable Africa.”
The awards, established in 2016, aim to recognise women-led businesses and inspire future innovators across Africa.
Finalists represented countries including Botswana, Uganda, Somalia and Zimbabwe.