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Energy & MiningAnglo American's InvestFest 2025 | Building entrepreneurial resilience across Southern Africa
3 Oct 2025



Twenty-four women founders and entrepreneurs were selected by an independent panel of judges as top finalists for the 2021 AWIEF Awards across 8 different categories. The 24 finalists represent women-owned businesses operating in 11 African countries: Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
The AWIEF Awards winners will be announced on 3 December 2021 following on from the 2021 AWIEF Conference. The 7th edition of the annual AWIEF Conference, under the theme ‘Advancing inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth in a post-Covid-19 African economy’ will be hosted as a hybrid (virtual and in-person) event from 2-3 December 2021.
“AWIEF remains steadfast in its efforts to promote and support women entrepreneurship development and innovation in Africa. With the AWIEF Awards, we identify and shine the spotlight on inspirational women entrepreneurs and innovators, driving growth for Africa,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF founder and chief executive officer.
“It was an absolute delight to judge the AWIEF Awards once again this year. The standard and quality of the nominations and businesses continue to be high. The judging panel had a hard time choosing the top finalists from the numerous inspirational and outstanding women entrepreneurs who, through their businesses, are creating opportunities and positively impacting lives and communities,” commented Birgitta Cederstrom, Frost & Sullivan's business development director for the Middle East and Africa.
Finalists
The finalists for the 2021 AWIEF Awards are (names in alphabetical order):
Young Entrepreneur Award
Tech Entrepreneur Award
Social Entrepreneur Award
Agri Entrepreneur Award
Creative Industry Award
Energy Entrepreneur Award
Empowerment Award
Lifetime Achievement Award