Introduction
In a glittering ceremony held at the Simba Corp Aspire Centre in Nairobi on November 15, 2023, the SHE Global Awards once again took center stage, celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs across Africa. This annual non-monetary business awards ceremony, initiated in 2021, serves as a powerful catalyst for recognizing, rewarding, and nurturing creative entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable women-led SMEs. Unlike other award ceremonies, SHE Awards stands out for its unique focus on young women founders running startups, aiming to foster economic empowerment and gender equality.
Addressing Gender-based Barriers
Women entrepreneurs in Africa face numerous challenges, from accessing business development support to social capital and financial services. The SHE Awards is a response to the gender-based barriers that hinder women from starting and growing their businesses. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that a significant percentage of women, particularly in rural areas, live below the poverty line. The awards program seeks to address this by promoting gender equality and providing a platform for women to overcome obstacles in the entrepreneurial landscape.
SHE Global Awards 2023 Winners
The SHE Awards 2023 brought together nominees from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, creating a vibrant atmosphere of glitz and glamor as the winners from different categories took center stage. Here are the winners in various categories:
Founder of The Year
Under 30
Barbara Sunguti - Kenya Winner
Faith Israel - Kenya 1st Runner up
Victory Mesona - Nigeria 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Beryl Itindi - Kenya Winner
Fridah Keitany - Kenya 1st Runner up
Maleti Fakude - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Social Founder of The Year
Under 30
Clare Brenda Mugambi - Kenya Winner
Khathutshelo Tshivhase - South Africa 1st Runner up
Maureen Mubaiwa - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Dr. Margaret Kagwe - Kenya Winner
Patricia Mwangi - Kenya 1st Runner up
Emma Akua Mettle - Ghana 2nd Runner up
Techpreneur of The Year
Under 30
Vivian Nyaga - Kenya Winner
Fatima Dawud - Nigeria 1st Runner up
Betty Kirika - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Margaret Muigai - Kenya Winner
Rose Ellah Nyawira Ngari - Kenya 1st Runner up
Mavis Achiaa Amoah - Ghana 2nd Runner up
Fashionpreneur of The Year
Under 30
Amanda Odartey - Ghana Winner
Asmau Shema - Nigeria 1st Runner up
Christine fadhili Kalibanya - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Bettybetty Kathambi - Kenya Winner
Cynthia Aketch - Kenya 1st Runner up
Mahlori Khosa - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Most Promising Founder of The Year
Under 30
Ivy Getanda - Kenya Winner
Sandra Agyakwaa Oduro - Ghana 1st Runner up
Victoria Nambute - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Rayhab Gitari - Kenya Winner
Juliette Hunter - Kenya 1st Runner up
Thando Mpama - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Agripreneur of The Year
Under 30
Masabata Sebusi - South Africa Winner
Freda Gizel - Ghana 1st Runner up
Monic Etim - Nigeria 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Veronica Esi Ramos - Ghana Winner
Winfred Wambugu - Kenya 1st Runner up
Khethiwe promise Maseko - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Realtor of The Year
Under 30
Dorcas Dau - Kenya Winner
Over 30
Esther Mwende - Kenya Winner
Lesego Thombo - South Africa 1st Runner up
Mary Muturi - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Edupreneur of The Year
Under 30
Rotshidzwa Maphupha - South Africa Winner
Adenike Adejuwon - Nigeria 1st Runner up
Mary Amponsah - Ghana 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Azola Mditshwa - South Africa Winner
Dipuo Lekalakala - South Africa 1st Runner up
Sibonelo Khupe - South Africa 2nd Runner up
Foodpreneur of The Year
Under 30
Bomunu loveth Samuel Ikoko - Nigeria Winner
Ann Njenga - Kenya 1st Runner up
Lennah Wanja - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Nafeesah Dante - South Africa Winner
Chichi Eriobu - Nigeria 1st Runner up
Theodora Kissiedu - Ghana 2nd Runner up
Healthpreneur of The Year
Under 30
Sonia Ndike - Kenya Winner
Silvia Wambui - Kenya 1st Runner up
Mary Maina - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Mampe Elisa Konyama - South Africa Winner
Sophia Mensah Boduwah - Ghana 1st Runner up
Doris Essiet - Nigeria 2nd Runner up
Entertainment Founder of The Year
Under 30
Sylvia Kabeyi - Kenya Winner
Sophia Clement - Nigeria 1st Runner up
Over 30
Violet Namatsi - Kenya Winner
Portia Ncwane - South Africa 1st Runner up
Mediapreneur of The Year
Under 30
Jael Keya - Kenya Winner
Cynthia Osajibenedict - South Africa 1st Runner up
Brenda Koech - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Elizabeth Kisyang'a - Kenya Winner
Jasmine Wambui - Kenya 1st Runner up
Rachel Opinya - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Manufacturing Founder of The Year
Under 30
Cindy Mkwanazi - South Africa Winner
Nomfundo Ndlovu - South Africa 1st Runner up
Dorcas Agada - Nigeria 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Nontsikelelo Magwaza - South Africa Winner
Lerato Mashabela - South Africa 1st Runner up
Nthabiseng Selomo - South Africa 2nd Runner up
FinFounder of The Year
Under 30
Jennifer Awirigwe - Nigeria Winner
Over 30
Blessing Ugboma - Nigeria Winner
Retail Founder of The Year
Under 30
Abigael Rop - Kenya Winner
Oluwatomilola Kayode-Ojo - Nigeria 1st Runner up
Priscilla Nganga - Kenya 2nd Runner up
Over 30
Therestella Tei-Kwabla - Ghana Winner
Rachael Ncube - South Africa 1st Runner up
Christine Otieno - Kenya 2nd Runner up
The SHE Awards 2023 stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women entrepreneurs in Africa. By recognizing the efforts of these women, SHE Awards contributes to the ongoing global conversation on gender equality and economic empowerment. As the number of socially and economically empowered women entrepreneurs grows, the ripple effects on communities become evident, leading to fewer conflicts, improved public services, and overall economic development. The 2023 winners, hailing from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria, are shining examples of what is possible when barriers are dismantled, and opportunities are provided.
