The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards 2024 celebrated the exceptional contributions of six trailblazing African women entrepreneurs during a prestigious ceremony held on November 29 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa.
The awards recognized winners selected from 18 outstanding finalists spanning diverse industries, showcasing the remarkable ingenuity and talent of African women driving economic growth and transforming communities.
Winners of the AWIEF Awards 2024
The following female entrepreneurs were honoured for their impacts in their different sectors:
- Mpho Hlongwane (South Africa), Young Entrepreneur Award for her work with MH Automotive Engineering.
- Ifeoma Okonkwo of Ifgreen Industries & Investment received the Agri Entrepreneur Award for her innovations in sustainable agriculture, while
- Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana (South Africa), Creative Industry Award, for her contributions through Thabo Makhetha CC.
- Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu (South Africa), Empowerment Award, for her leadership in textiles through CLM Clothing & Textile.
- Temitope Mayegun, founder of Avilla Naturelle, won the Social Entrepreneur Award for her impactful work in natural products.
- Ynes Hafi (Tunisia), Tech Entrepreneur Award, for her innovative strides with Arsela.
Celebrating a Leader
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, for her visionary leadership and commitment to diplomacy, peace-building, and international cooperation.
The event was part of the AWIEF 2024 Conference, which convened over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries. The conference served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and celebrating the transformative achievements of women entrepreneurs across Africa.
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About AWIEF Awards
Founded in 2015, AWIEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the economic inclusion, advancement, and empowerment of women across Africa. It supports women entrepreneurs by providing access to capacity development, funding, and networking opportunities, helping them scale their businesses and contribute to sustainable development on the continent.
The AWIEF Awards continue to celebrate African women entrepreneurs’ innovative spirit and significant contributions to sustainable development and economic growth.
