Cape Town, South Africa – December 2, 2024 – The 2024 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) celebrated the remarkable achievements of African women entrepreneurs during a dazzling awards ceremony held on Friday night at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The event honoured six outstanding winners across diverse categories and bestowed the inaugural Lifetime Leadership Award on former South African Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor.
Honouring Excellence in African Women’s Entrepreneurship
The AWIEF Awards 2024 recognised women entrepreneurs who are creating transformative opportunities, driving economic growth, and uplifting communities across Africa. The finalists and winners represented a range of industries, showcasing the innovation and leadership of African women.
The awards were the highlight of the AWIEF2024 Conference, which drew over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries. The two-day event provided a vibrant platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and celebration of women’s contributions to Africa’s economic and social landscape.
Lifetime Leadership Award: Dr. Naledi Pandor
The evening’s pinnacle moment was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor. A trailblazer and former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Pandor’s career has been marked by visionary leadership in advancing diplomacy, peace-building, and international cooperation. Her impact extends across South Africa and the continent, inspiring generations of leaders and changemakers.
“Dr. Pandor’s legacy is a testament to the power of leadership rooted in integrity, vision, and a commitment to progress,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO.
AWIEF 2024 Award Winners
The winners for this year’s categories are:
• 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)
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The AWIEF Awards highlight the ingenuity and resilience of African women entrepreneurs, who are not only building successful businesses but also contributing significantly to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
For more information on the AWIEF Awards and Conference, visit www.AWIEForum.org.
