AWIEF has announced winners of its 2024 cohort as Former South African Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor Receives Inaugural Lifetime Leadership Award.
AWIEF is a non-profit, award-winning pan-African organization dedicated to women’s economic empowerment. Granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), AWIEF is committed to closing the gender gap by driving women’s business leadership and entrepreneurship in Africa.
The AWIEF Awards 2024 ceremony was the culmination of the AWIEF2024 Conference, a two-day event that brought together over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries
The awards ceremony honored six outstanding winners, selected from a distinguished group of 18 finalists, while also honouring Dr. Naledi Pandor, Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, with the Lifetime Leadership Award.
This year’s finalists and winners showcased the remarkable talent and ingenuity of African women entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities, driving economic growth, and transforming communities across the continent. Representing South Africa, Tunisia, and Nigeria, the finalists span diverse industries, highlighting the breadth of innovation and leadership among women across Africa.
The AWIEF Awards 2024 ceremony was the culmination of the AWIEF2024 Conference, a two-day event that brought together over 500 delegates from more than 50 countries. This dynamic conference served as a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and celebrating the transformative achievements of women entrepreneurs shaping Africa’s future.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award to Dr. Naledi Pandor for her Legacy of Leadership and Impact. Dr. Pandor’s illustrious career spans decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s domestic and international policies. As Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019–2024), she championed South Africa’s global influence, advancing diplomacy, peace-building, and international cooperation. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire generations across Africa and beyond.
The AWIEF Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the achievements of African women entrepreneurs, celebrating their innovative spirit and their significant contributions to sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.
The Winners of AWIEF Awards 2024
The following women were celebrated for their outstanding contributions and achievements in their respective categories:
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Mpho Hlongwane – MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)
AGRI ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Ifeoma Okonkwo – Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)
CREATIVE INDUSTRY AWARD
Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana – Thabo Makhetha CC (South Africa)
EMPOWERMENT AWARD
Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu – CLM Clothing & Textile (South Africa)
TECH ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Ynes Hafi – ARSELA (Tunisia)
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
Temitope Mayegun – Avilla Naturelle (Nigeria)