What We DO
From early-stage concepts to policy reform, discover how we dismantle systemic barriers for African women in business.
Capacity Building & Enterprise Development
TAILORED PROGRAMMES
Providing knowledge, tools, and connections to succeed at every stage.
AWIEF Growth Accelerator (AGA)
AWIEF Annual
Conference & Expo
Since 2015, the annual AWIEF Conference and Exhibition has been Africa’s leading international platform bringing together entrepreneurs, thought leaders, policymakers, development partners, investors, CSOs, academia, and media.
AWIEF returns in 2026 with the theme: “Beyond Access: Owning Capital, Markets & Power,” Together, we will explore practical and achievable solutions to how women can reclaim economic influence and drive inclusive growth across Africa.
10 – 11 November 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
Why Attend
Thought Leadership & Industry-leading keynotes.
Unrivalled Networking
Global B2B matchmaking.
Industry Trends
Market intelligence.
Business Growth & Skills & Learning
Engaging workshops & masterclasses.
1000+
Delegates
50+
Countries in Attendance
All
Sectors Covered
Summit
Event Format
AWIEF
AWARDS
Shining a spotlight on the continent’s standout female pioneers, visionaries, and founders, to recognise their remarkable contributions to Africa’s economic growth.
2026 Nominations
Now Open
Do you know a trailblazer who deserves global recognition?
SUBMIT NOMINATIONWoman to Watch
The Woman to Watch Award recognises a female leader under 35, or founder/leader of a venture under three years old, based in or primarily operating in Africa, who is already demonstrating strong early traction through revenue, pilots, partnerships, users, or beneficiaries.
Tech Pioneer Award
This award spotlights a female founder or senior leader with at least five years’ experience in technology or innovation, who is using tech, digital tools, data, or deep-tech solutions at the core of the business or initiative to tackle a clearly defined African challenge such as access, inclusion, efficiency, or scalability.
Impact for Good Award
The Impact for Good Award honours a female founder or leader whose initiative has been active for at least three years in sustainability, climate, energy, social innovation, community development, health, or education, and can demonstrate measurable social and/or environmental impact well beyond intent or pilot stage.
Creative Visionary Award
The Creative Visionary Award recognises a female entrepreneur, creator, or leader with at least five years’ experience in the creative industries (such as fashion, design, media, film, music, art, architecture, digital content, or cultural industries) who is significantly shaping African narratives, culture, or creative economies.
Male Ally Award
The Male Ally Award honours a male leader, founder, executive, policymaker, or senior decision-maker with 10+ years of leadership who goes beyond words to actively break barriers for women in Africa, driving sustained, systemic change for women’s economic empowerment.
Agri Award
Honouring outstanding women in agriculture, this Award celebrates female founders and leaders with 5+ years in agriculture, agri-processing, agri-tech, food systems, or value chains, who are transforming Africa’s food systems and value chains while advancing productivity, sustainability, food security, or farmer livelihoods.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honours a visionary female leader with at least 25 years of leadership, entrepreneurship, or public service whose lifelong contribution has helped shape Africa’s economic, social, or institutional development and paved the way for future generations of women trailblazers. No nominations are required — each year, AWIEF identifies and selects the recipient from across African regions.
Annual Gala Celebration
The Peak of
Achievement
Driving Systemic Change
Policy Advocacy &
Gender Equality
We cannot support women’s economic impact without dismantling the structural constraints that limit their potential.
That’s why we collaborate closely with governments, international organisations, and the African Union to champion policies that advance gender equality.
AfCFTA Integration
Ensuring women-owned enterprises can participate in trade without tariffs.
Financial Inclusion
Removing monetary barriers specifically impacting female founders.
