Women Agripreneurs Recognised for Driving Africa’s Agricultural Transformation
Dakar, Senegal – Ten outstanding women agripreneurs have been honoured at the 2025 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), a prestigious event celebrating innovation and leadership in Africa’s agricultural sector.
The ceremony, held in Dakar, highlighted women who are not only creating thriving enterprises but also responding directly to the continent’s most pressing challenges of food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change. Their work aligns with recommendations from the newly released Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025 report, which calls for urgent action to address climate shocks, reduce food waste, and strengthen sustainable farming systems.
The finalists, representing Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, showcased innovative approaches across the agricultural value chain. Their enterprises span value addition, agri-technology, and environmentally friendly farming practices—demonstrating that women are at the forefront of developing localized solutions to global food crises.
A total of US$300,000 in grant funding was awarded to the winners through the ValueForHer program, an initiative that invests in women-led agribusinesses to unlock Africa’s economic potential. Organisers noted that empowering women in agriculture is not only a matter of equity but also an economic imperative, as women account for nearly half of the continent’s agricultural workforce.
“This recognition goes beyond individual achievement,” said one of the organisers. “It reflects a wider movement to amplify the voices of women agripreneurs who are building resilient food systems and creating jobs for millions of Africans.”
The winning ventures ranged from tech-driven platforms linking farmers to markets, to enterprises producing fortified foods that combat malnutrition, and initiatives pioneering climate-smart farming methods. Collectively, they illustrate the transformative role of women in shaping the future of Africa’s agriculture.
As food insecurity worsens due to climate change and population growth, the WAYA Awards are a reminder that solutions lie within the continent. By investing in women-led businesses, stakeholders hope to accelerate inclusive growth and strengthen Africa’s capacity to feed itself sustainably.
The 2025 WAYA Awards closed with a call for governments, investors, and development partners to expand their support for women agripreneurs, recognising them as central to Africa’s agricultural transformation and long-term food security.
