Cape town: The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has announced the finalists for the 2026 AWIEF Awards. The annual event, launched in 2017, is dedicated to recognizing women entrepreneurs and business leaders across Africa for their contributions to economic growth and social development.

According to African Press Organization, the finalists were selected following a competitive nominations process and represent a wide range of sectors and markets across Africa. The 2026 Awards categories have been updated to align with the continent's evolving entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting emerging leaders, technology pioneers, agricultural innovators, creative visionaries, and women making a measurable impact.

This year, the awards have also introduced the Male Ally Award to honor a male leader who has significantly advanced women's economic empowerment in Africa. The finalists for the Woman to Watch Award include Omotoke Ajidagba from Nigeria, Faith Nafula from Kenya, Rowena Turinawe from Uganda, Violet Awo Amoabeng from Ghana, Stella Doreen Namulondo from Uganda, and Joyce Rugano from Kenya.

In the Impact for Good Award category, finalists are Ola Brown from Nigeria, Nada Ghammem from Tunisia, and Echo Nomsa VanderWal from Eswatini. The Creative Visionary Award finalists include Rasha Aita from Egypt, Renuka Methil from South Africa, and Hadeer Shalaby from Egypt. The Tech Pioneer Award features Varuna Devi Bangaleea from Mauritius, Ndeye Fatou Mboup from Senegal, and Quinter Ochieng from Kenya.

The recipients for the Male Ally Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner. The prestigious event will take place on 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, as part of the AWIEF 2026 Conference. This gathering will bring together key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to celebrate the achievements and impact of women entrepreneurs and their allies in shaping a prosperous future for the continent.