AWIEF Conference 2023

AWIEF

Africa women innovation
& Entrepreneurship Forum

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9-10 NOVEMBER
Kigali, RWANDA

Thank you for joining us at AWIEF2023!

The annual AWIEF Conference and Awards once again brought together the African entrepreneurial ecosystem for impactful dialogue, a glittering awards ceremony, a multi-sector exhibition and lots of opportunities for networking.

AWIEF2023 took place on 9 & 10 November 2023 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda, in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Rwanda Convention Bureau.

Under the theme Leveraging the Power of the Digital Economy: Innovate, Redefine, Empower, AWIEF2023 speakers and delegates explored ways to boost inclusivity, enhance partnerships, and empower the contributions of women to the digital economy.

Highlights from AWIEF2023

THE POWERFUL FIRESIDE CHAT with Fatma Samoura, the first African and the first-ever woman to lead FIFA as Secretary General
OUR STELLAR LINE-UP OF 60+ SPEAKERS delivered engaging keynotes and panel discussions
CONNECTING and NETWORKING with more than 500 participants from 48 countries
CELEBRATING women entrepreneurs and making their voices heard

Who attended AWIEF2023

- Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups from across Africa and its diaspora
- Government representatives
- International and development/donor organisations
- UN Agencies
- Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Finance Institutions (FIs)
- Investors
- Business service providers
- Enterprise development agencies/organisations
- Corporates
- Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
- Academia
- Media
- Persons interested in Africa & International Development

Testimonials

“#AWIEF2023 showcased the resilience, creativity, and determination of African women who are driving positive change and contributing to the continent's socio-economic development. The forum's impact resonates beyond its duration, leaving a lasting imprint on the trajectory of women's empowerment and innovation across Africa.”

“Thanks immensely to Irene Ochem and the entire AWIEF team for your warm welcome and stellar arrangements through out the AWIEF2023. It was a truly memorable event.”

“Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) it was REAL!! We connected as women on so many levels; we learnt: we networked: we shared bold African solutions for African digital connectivity problems: we laughed: we cried: we danced like no one’s watching - and above all - we’ve come out fully recharged with a loud call to action - where we want to see women take their place in leadership: communities: nations and driving the change we want to see…it was EPIC!!”

"Grateful for the incredible experience at the 2023 AWIEF conference last week! Engaging discussions, and connecting with inspiring women in business. Huge thanks to AWIEF for fostering collaboration and empowerment. Ready to turn inspiration into action."

"I had the incredible privilege of immersing myself in two days of transformative experiences at AWIEF 2023 in Kigali. The event was a rich tapestry of inspiration and connections, bringing together visionaries from around the globe."

In partnership with

“As a country that understands the critical role of women in national development and transformation, Rwanda is delighted to host the 9th Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Conference and Awards in November. We will be particularly interested in discussing practical solutions to accelerate Africa’s inclusive digital transformation and contribute to closing the gender gap.”
H. E. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Republic of Rwanda

AWIEF2023 Sponsors and Partners

H. E. Paula Ingabire

Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda

Mbaranga Gasarabwe

Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura

Secretary General, FIFA

Precious Moloi-Motsepe

Co-Founder, Motsepe Foundation, Chancellor, University of Cape Town, Founder, African Fashion International (AFI)

H. E. Johanna Teague

Swedish Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava

Director, Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Agnes Kalibata

President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

Leesa Shrader

Deputy Director, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Yvonne Manzi Makolo

CEO, RwandAir, Chairperson, Board of Governors, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Nelly Mukazayire

Deputy CEO, Rwanda Development Board

Eleanor Nwadinobi

President, Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA)

Aaron Munetsi

Chief Executive Officer, Airlines Association Of Southern Africa

Zachary Kazzaz

Senior Program Officer, Digital Connectivity, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Irene Ochem

Founder and CEO, AWIEF

Maxwell Gomera

Resident Representative, UNDP Rwanda

Aline Kabanda

Regional Director, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy

Caritas Kayilisa

Gender and Inclusion Expert, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rwanda

Marieme Esther Dassanou

Director, Gender Programs, Mastercard Foundation

Julianna Lindsey

Country Representative to Rwanda, UNICEF

Charles Shima

Founder & CEO, ZaNiheza

Tara Chklovski

CEO, Technovation

Phyllis Migwi

Country General Manager, Microsoft East Africa

Michael Sudarkasa

CEO, African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP)

Ifeoma Malo

CEO, Clean Technology Hub

Alice Nkulikiyinka

Country Director, Business Professionals Network (BPN), Rwanda

Catherine Larkin

CEO, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport South Africa (CILTSA)

Temilade Denton

Head, ESG and Impact, Alitheia Capital

Aderonke Ajose-Adeyemi

Founder and CEO, Losode

Patrick Ayota

National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda

Josephine Nyiranzeyimana

Government Chief Information Officer, Republic of Rwanda

Rahul Ghosh

Global Markets Director, Middle East and Africa, Enterprise Singapore

Gisèla Van Houcke

Founder and CEO, Zuri

Tânia Tomé

CEO, Ecokaya, President, Womenice Foundation

Wakiuru Njuguna

Managing Partner, HEVA Fund

Briggette Harrington

CEO, Igire Coffee Company

Esther Kunda

Director General, Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda

Sofia Breitholtz

CEO, Reach For Change

Mary Njoki

Founder & CEO, Glass House PR Ltd

Rose Sibisi

Founder and MD, Style With RoseS & Maluba Media

Isabelle Masozera

Founder and CEO, Rubicom Rwanda, Founder, Masozera Africa

Jennifer Awirigwe

Founder, FinTribe

Paradis Nishimwe Imfura

CEO & Founder, Wood Habitat

Caleb Maru

Founder, Tech Safari, Partner, Proximity Ventures

Monica Musonda

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Java Foods Limited

Nirmala Reddy

Strategy Specialist, Enterprise Development, Nedbank Commercial Banking

Karen Sherman

CEO, Virunga Mountain Spirits

Stevelee Mwichigi

Program Coordinator, Youth, Gender & Inclusiveness, AGRA

Darren Allan Kyeyune

Global Broadcast Journalist

Doreen Raphael

Country Operations & Partnership Manager Tanzania, Flutterwave

Vidya Sri

Managing Partner Teqbahn Labs

Uzo Mkparu

Founder & CEO, Techscale Consulting Ltd

Juliet Namujju

Founder, Kimuli Collection

Chizor Malize

MD and CEO, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Nigeria

Mamy Muziga Ingabire

Managing Director, CHARIS UAS

Clarisse Umutoniwase

Actress, Fight Like A Girl, Production Manager, KG28MEDIA

Autumn Marie

Founder & Managing Direct, KGL FWD

Nandi Mkhwanazi

Founder & CEO, Nanloy Organic Farm South Africa

Phyllis Mwangi

Senior Manager, East Africa SheTrades Hubs, International Trade Centre (ITC)

Samuel Nsengiyumva

Co-Founder and Director of Research and Innovation, Agriresearch Unguka LTD

Winners of 2023 AWIEF Awards announced

AWIEF announced the winners of the 2023 AWIEF Awards during a glamorous awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda.

The AWIEF Awards recognise, honour and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners across industry sectors, for their economic performance and contribution to Africa’s growth and social development.

This year’s event unveiled the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed on Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contributions to the world of sport.

Years of AWIEF

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Participants

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Speakers

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Exhibitors

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Countries
(47 from Africa)