Get Guardian on GoogleThe Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), Dr. Irene Ochem, has continued to champion women’s economic empowerment across Africa as the organisation announces finalists for its 2026 awards.
The awards recognise outstanding African women entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders whose work is contributing to economic growth, technological advancement, agricultural development and social transformation across the continent.
According to her, established in 2017, the annual AWIEF Awards celebrate women-owned businesses and recognise individuals whose entrepreneurial achievements are creating opportunities and driving inclusive development.
This year’s finalists emerged from a competitive nomination process, with nominees drawn from different African countries and sectors, highlighting the growing influence of women in business, technology, agriculture, healthcare and the creative industry.
Meanwhile,among those shortlisted for the Woman to Watch Award are Omotoke Ajidagba of Nigeria’s 10mg Health, Faith Nafula of Kenya’s Solar Spark Energy and Rowena Turinawe of Uganda’s Ruka Pay.
The Agri Award category features Violet Awo Amoabeng of Ghana’s Skin Gourmet, Stella Doreen Namulondo of Uganda’s Essymart Africa Business Link and Joyce Rugano of Kenya’s Ecorich Solutions.
For the Impact for Good Award, the finalists are Ola Brown of Nigeria, Nada Ghammem of Tunisia and Echo Nomsa VanderWal of Eswatini.
The Creative Visionary Award finalists include Rasha Aita and Hadeer Shalaby of Egypt, alongside Renuka Methil of South Africa.
In the Tech Pioneer category, Varuna Devi Bangaleea of Mauritius, Ndeye Fatou Mboup of Senegal and Quinter Ochieng of Kenya made the shortlist.
The 2026 edition also introduces the Male Ally Award to recognise men whose leadership and actions have contributed to advancing women’s economic empowerment and creating sustainable opportunities for women across Africa.
The Lifetime Achievement Award will also honour an outstanding female leader whose decades of entrepreneurship, leadership or public service have contributed significantly to the continent’s development.
The winners will be unveiled at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on November 11, 2026, during the two-day AWIEF Conference scheduled for November 10 and 11 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.
The conference is expected to attract women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, business executives and development partners from across Africa and beyond to explore opportunities for innovation, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.
