In a dazzling ceremony at the Kigali Convention Centre, Rwanda, the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) announced the winners of the 2023 AWIEF Awards. The event, a culmination of the successful AWIEF2023 Conference, celebrated the exceptional achievements of women entrepreneurs who have positively impacted lives and communities, fostering growth across Africa.
Global Recognition for FIFA Secretary General
A groundbreaking moment came with the introduction of the inaugural AWIEF Lifetime Leadership Award. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General, in acknowledgment of her outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the world of sports. Ms. Samoura's trailblazing role as the first non-European, first African, and first female to lead FIFA garnered global recognition.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Samoura expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the award was a testament not only to her but to all those who dedicated their efforts to transform women's football. She encouraged women to invest in African football, recognizing its untapped potential and its role in building peace worldwide.
AWIEF Awards 2023 Winners
The AWIEF Awards featured categories that celebrated women entrepreneurs across diverse sectors. The winners for the year 2023 are:
1. Young Entrepreneur Award
- Salamba Diene, CEO, Biosene Sarl, Senegal
2. Tech Entrepreneur Award
- Kidist Tesfaye, Founder & CEO, YeneHealth, Ethiopia
3. Agri Entrepreneur Award
- Nonopa Tenza, Founder & MD, Kevinot Farming, South Africa
4. Energy Entrepreneur Award
- Ifeoma Malo, Co-Founder & CEO, Clean Technology Hub, Nigeria
5. Creative Industry Award
- Yasmina Belahsen, Founder, MayaDigital, Morocco
6. Social Entrepreneur Award
- Mundih Noelar Njohjam, Medical Doctor, Epilepsy Awareness, Aid & Research Association, Cameroon
7. Empowerment Award
- Zulfat Makarubega, Founder, University of Tourism, Technology & Business Studies, Rwanda (Sponsored by Ecobank)
8. Lifetime Achievement Award
- Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House, Egypt
AWIEF Founder's Vision
Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO, expressed her excitement about honoring and celebrating Fatma Samoura, highlighting her exceptional leadership in the male-dominated sports sector, particularly football. The AWIEF Awards 2023 stand as a testament to the inspirational journeys of these remarkable women, demonstrating their impact across various industries.
In its commitment to recognizing, honoring, and celebrating women entrepreneurs, the AWIEF Awards continue to play a pivotal role in fostering economic performance and contributing to Africa's growth and social development.
