Twenty-four outstanding women founders and entrepreneurs were selected by an independent panel of judges as top finalists for the 2021 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards across eight different categories.

The 24 finalists represent women-owned businesses operating in 11 African countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The AWIEF Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony and gala dinner on 3 December 2021, following on from the 2021 AWIEF Conference.

The 7^th edition of the prestigious and benchmarking annual AWIEF Conference this year will be hosted as a hybrid (virtual and in-person) event, on 2 and 3 December 2021.

The venue for the in-person AWIEF Conference and AWIEF Awards ceremony will be the Marriot Hotel Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The theme for AWIEF 2021 Conference is: ‘Advancing inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth in a post-COVID-19 African economy’.

“AWIEF remains steadfast in its efforts to promote and support women entrepreneurship development and innovation in Africa. With the AWIEF Awards, we identify and shine the spotlight on inspirational women entrepreneurs and innovators, driving growth for Africa,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

“It was an absolute delight to judge the AWIEF Awards once again this year. The standard and quality of the nominations and businesses continue to be high. The judging panel had a hard time choosing the top finalists from the numerous inspirational and outstanding women entrepreneurs who, through their businesses, are creating opportunities and positively impacting lives and communities,” commented Birgitta Cederstrom, Frost & Sullivan’s Business Development Director for Middle East and Africa.