Ayodeji Ayenuwa
In a ceremony at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) revealed the 2023 AWIEF Awards winners.
The event marked the climax of the highly successful two-day AWIEF2023 Conference, drawing over 500 delegates from 50 countries, 41 of them being African nations.
Out of 24 distinguished women entrepreneurs selected as top finalists in September, eight were declared winners. These trailblazing women hailed from 14 African countries, showcasing impactful contributions across various sectors.
Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO, expressed admiration for the exceptional leadership of Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General, as she received the inaugural AWIEF Lifetime Leadership Award.
In her acceptance speech, Samoura highlighted the transformative power of football and urged women to invest in the sport: “What an honour to receive the inaugural AWIEF Lifetime Leadership Award. This award is not just for me, but all the people who have dedicated their lives to our game and helped us transform women’s football over the last few years.“
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She continued, emphasizing the potential impact of women investing in football: “So, the ball is in your court, make it happen because you have many talents. Remember one thing: football is the future for Africa, football is the future for building peace across the world.”
The AWIEF Awards recognized entrepreneurs in various categories, each making significant contributions to their respective fields:
-YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Salamba Diene, CEO, Biosene Sarl, Senegal
-TECH ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Kidist Tesfaye, Founder&CEO, YeneHealth, Ethiopia
-AGRI ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Nonopa Tenza, Founder&MD, Kevinot Farming, South Africa
-ENERGY ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Ifeoma Malo, Co-Founder&CEO, Clean Technology Hub, Nigeria
-CREATIVE INDUSTRY AWARD
Yasmina Belahsen, Founder, MayaDigital, Morocco
-SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Mundih Noelar Njohjam, Medical Doctor, Epilepsy Awareness, Aid&Research Association, Cameroon
-EMPOWERMENT AWARD
Zulfat Makarubega, Founder, University of Tourism, Technology&Business Studies, Rwanda
-LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House, Egypt
This celebration of outstanding women entrepreneurs underscores AWIEF’s commitment to acknowledging and uplifting women driving economic growth and social development in Africa.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
