Audrey Joe-Ezigbo has emerged winner of the lifetime achievement award at the 2025 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards, held at the Cape Town, South Africa.
This year’s winners and finalists came from across Africa, showcasing diverse industries including technology, agriculture, energy, creative arts, and social entrepreneurship — united by a shared vision of advancing Africa’s growth through innovation.
The Awards followed the two-day AWIEF2025 Conference, which attracted over 500 delegates from 50+ countries for engaging discussions, exhibition, masterclasses, and networking sessions. The event concluded with the highly anticipated awards gala dinner, marking a fitting finale to two days of knowledge sharing and inspiration.
Young Entrepreneur Award
Norah Kimathi – Zerobionic, Kenya
Empowerment Award
Mampho Sotshongaye – Golden Rewards 1981, South Africa
Energy Entrepreneur Award
Nidal Tafah – MIRRIAH, Morocco
Creative Industry Award
Soraya da Piedade – Soraya da Piedade LDA, Angola
Social Entrepreneur Award
Farana Boodhram – MiDesk Global, South Africa
Agri Entrepreneur Award (Sponsored by OCP Africa)
Linda Davis – Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya
Tech Entrepreneur Award
Maryanne Gichanga – AgriTech Analytics, Kenya
Lifetime Achievement Award
Audrey Joe-Ezigbo – CEO, Falcon Corporation, Nigeria
The glittering gala honoured women entrepreneurs and leaders driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across the continent. Eight exceptional winners were announced, each representing the transformative power of women-led initiatives in Africa.
Since its inception in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have been a beacon of recognition and inspiration for women in business and leadership. Beyond celebrating success, the Awards aim to empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers, fostering a vibrant pan-African community of collaboration and impact.
