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AWIEF 2025 Awards Nominations Now Open
Africa’s entrepreneurial energy is surging and it’s women who are leading from the frontlines. With less than a month to go, entries are now open for the prestigious 2025 AWIEF Awards, the continent’s flagship celebration of women entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and transforming their communities through business.
If you’re a female founder or know a woman whose business is reshaping Africa’s future, this is your moment. The nomination deadline is 17 July 2025 at 11:59am CAT, and with categories spanning innovation, sustainability, and leadership, the spotlight is wide open.
Why the AWIEF Awards Matter
Hosted by the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), the annual awards ceremony is more than a gala night. It’s a platform that amplifies the voices of Africa’s most visionary women in business — and connects them with investors, collaborators, and global opportunities.
For the 2025 edition, the stakes are higher, and the timing is critical. As many African economies navigate recovery and renewal, women-led businesses are proving vital to inclusive growth and resilience. Yet, too often, their stories remain untold.
That’s where AWIEF comes in.
“The AWIEF Awards are about more than trophies. They’re about visibility, capital access, and validation for women building the future of Africa,” says AWIEF founder and CEO, Irene Ochem. “Every nominee is proof that women are not just participating in Africa’s economy — they’re redefining it.”
Who Should Enter?
The awards are open to Africa-based women entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders who’ve demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and economic contribution. Whether your business is scaling climate tech, transforming healthcare, or opening up access to digital finance, AWIEF wants your story on its stage.
You can nominate yourself or someone else. What matters is impact.
The Perks of Being a Finalist or Winner
Being shortlisted isn’t just a pat on the back — it’s a gateway. Here’s what’s on offer:
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Unmatched visibility: Finalists are featured across AWIEF’s PR and media channels, with exposure to global investors and accelerators.
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Investor interest: The awards are watched closely by funders eager to back high-impact, women-led businesses.
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Powerful peer recognition: Joining the AWIEF alumni network opens doors to new partnerships and pan-African collaborations.
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A chance to shine on a continental stage: Winners will be announced at the AWIEF2025 Gala on 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) — a red-carpet moment for Africa’s top female founders.
How to Enter
It’s quick, digital, and free.
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Visit the nomination portal: https://awief.untapinnovate.com/awief-awards-2025
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Click “Nominate now”
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Register and fill in the nomination form
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Submit before 17 July 2025, 11:59am CAT
Nominations are open to entrepreneurs across all sectors and countries on the continent.
Why Now?
This year’s awards arrive at a pivotal time. According to recent data, African women remain underfunded and underrepresented in startup investment, despite consistently outperforming peers on revenue efficiency and community impact. The AWIEF Awards help tilt that scale by surfacing role models who are not just surviving but scaling.
If you believe in a future where African women are at the centre of innovation and economic power, don’t miss this opportunity. Nominate a powerhouse. Share the link. Enter your own story.
Because this isn’t just about awards — it’s about rewriting the narrative. AWIEF 2025. Africa’s women. Front and centre.
