Winners of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum Awards 2024

The 2024 AWIEF Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of African women entrepreneurs.

The glamorous awards ceremony honoured six outstanding winners, selected from a distinguished group of 18 finalists, while also honouring Dr Naledi Pandor, former minister of International Relations and Co-operation of South Africa, with the Lifetime Leadership Award.

Celebrating excellence in African entrepreneurship

This year’s finalists and winners showcased the remarkable talent and ingenuity of African women entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities, driving economic growth and transforming communities across the continent. Representing South Africa, Tunisia and Nigeria, the finalists span diverse industries, highlighting the breadth of innovation and leadership among women across Africa.

The AWIEF Awards 2024 ceremony was the culmination of the AWIEF2024 Conference, a two-day event that brought together more than 500 delegates from over 50 countries. This dynamic conference served as a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and celebrating the transformative achievements of women entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future.

Honouring a legacy of leadership

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr Pandor for her Legacy of Leadership and Impact. Her illustrious career spans decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s domestic and international policies. As minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019–2024), she championed South Africa’s global influence, advancing diplomacy, peace-building and international co-operation. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire generations across Africa and beyond.

The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2024

The following women were celebrated for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective categories:

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Mpho Hlongwane: MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)

AGRI ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Ifeoma Okonkwo: Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)

CREATIVE INDUSTRY AWARD

Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana: Thabo Makhetha CC (South Africa)

EMPOWERMENT AWARD

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu: CLM Clothing & Textile (South Africa)

TECH ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Ynes Hafi: ARSELA (Tunisia)

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

Temitope Mayegun: Avilla Naturelle (Nigeria)

A platform for women’s empowerment

The AWIEF Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the achievements of African women entrepreneurs, celebrating their innovative spirit and their significant contributions to sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.