Winners of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards 2024 Announced as Former South African Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor Receives Inaugural Lifetime Leadership Award
AWIEF 2024 (www.AWIEForum.org) The awards ceremony was held on Friday evening at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC) to recognize the outstanding achievements of African women entrepreneurs. The glamorous awards ceremony recognized six outstanding recipients, selected from 18 finalists, and also awarded the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa.
Celebrating African entrepreneurial excellence
This year’s finalists and winners showcase the extraordinary talent and ingenuity of African women entrepreneurs who create opportunities, drive economic growth and transform communities across the continent. The finalists represent South Africa, Tunisia and Nigeria and span different industries, highlighting the breadth of innovation and leadership among African women.
The 2024 AWIEF Awards Ceremony is the climax of the AWIEF2024 conference, a two-day event that brings together more than 500 delegates from more than 50 countries. This dynamic conference provides a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and celebrating the transformative achievements of women entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future.
Honoring the legacy of leadership
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor in recognition of her leadership legacy and impact. Dr Pandor’s illustrious career spanned decades, during which she played a key role in shaping South Africa’s domestic and international policy. As Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019-2024), she championed South Africa’s global influence and advanced diplomacy, peacebuilding and international cooperation. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire generations in Africa and beyond.
2024 AWIEF Awards Winners
The following women were honored for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective categories:
Young Entrepreneur Award
Mpho Hlongwane – MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)
Agricultural Entrepreneur Award
Ifeoma Okonkwo – Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)
Creative Industries Award
Thabo Machetha-Kwinana – Thabo Machetha CC (South Africa)
Empowerment Award
Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu – CLM Clothing&Textile (South Africa)
Technology Entrepreneur Award
Ynes Hafi – ARSELA (Tunisia)
Social Entrepreneur Award
Temitope Mayegun – Avilla Naturelle (Nigeria)
Women Empowerment Platform
The AWIEF Awards continue to spotlight the achievements of African women entrepreneurs, recognizing their innovative spirit and their significant contribution to sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
For more information about the AWIEF Awards and Conference, as well as details on finalists and winners, please visit www.AWIEForum.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Women’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
