Cape Town – The 2024 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of African women entrepreneurs at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The esteemed awards (www.AWIEForum.org) ceremony took place on Friday evening, 29 November 2024, recognizing six exceptional winners selected from a talented group of 18 finalists.
Dr. Naledi Pandor, the former South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, was honored with the Lifetime Leadership Award.
Celebrating Excellence in African Entrepreneurship
This year’s finalists and winners showcased the incredible talent and innovation of African women entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities, driving economic growth, and changing communities across the continent.
With participants from South Africa, Tunisia, and Nigeria, the finalists represented diverse industries, illustrating the innovation and leadership among women in Africa.
The AWIEF Awards 2024 ceremony marked the conclusion of the AWIEF2024 Conference, a two-day event that brought together over 500 delegates from more than 50 nations.
This vibrant conference offered a crucial platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and recognition of the transformative achievements of women entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
An evening highlight was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor, acknowledging her Legacy of Leadership and Impact.
Dr. Pandor’s distinguished career spans multiple decades, during which she has played a vital role in shaping South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies.
As Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019–2024), she enhanced South Africa’s global presence, championing diplomacy, peace-building, and international cooperation.
Her visionary leadership continues to inspire generations across Africa and beyond.
The Winners of AWIEF Awards 2024
The following women were celebrated for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective fields:
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 emphasize the achievements of African women entrepreneurs, honoring their innovative spirit and crucial roles in driving sustainable development and economic progress across the continent.
For more information about the AWIEF Awards and Conference, including details on the finalists and winners, please visit www.AWIEForum.org.
