The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has unveiled the top 15 finalists for the 2024 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA). This year’s selection highlights outstanding women from across Africa who are making significant strides in agribusiness. The finalists were chosen from a pool of 1,535 applications submitted by women from 44 African countries.
Diverse Representation
The finalists hail from ten countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. This year’s awards have seen an increase in both the number of participating countries and applications, rising from 42 countries and 1,430 applicants last year.
Empowering Women in Agribusiness
AGRA’s Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness, Ms. Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah, emphasized the importance of recognizing and incentivizing women leaders in agribusiness. “Women represent 50% of Africa’s agricultural labor force and are responsible for 70% of production, yet they are still underrepresented as agribusiness leaders. WAYA aims to bridge this gap by highlighting and supporting these women as key drivers of agricultural transformation in Africa.”
Awards and Recognition
The 2024 WAYA will feature five categories, celebrating various aspects of agripreneurship. Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of $25,000, with the grand prize winner awarded $40,000. The awards will be presented at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, from September 2nd to 6th, 2024.
Categories and Finalists
Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprises
- Affiong Williams, Nigeria
- Bassono Kabore Windlasida Florence, Burkina Faso
- Caroline Wanjiru Mambo, Kenya
Female AgTech Innovators
- Anaporka Adazabra, Ghana
- Aisha Raheem, Nigeria
- Boitumelo Bethesda Frazie, South Africa
Young Female Agripreneurs (Rising Stars)
- Jovia Kisakye, Uganda
- Ogbon Eyitayo Azaratou, Benin
- Tonthoza Uganja, Malawi
Women Empowerment Champion
- Christine Ager, Kenya
- Fannie Gondwe, Malawi
- Judith Endelesi Karia, Tanzania
Resilient and Inspirational Leader
- Daniella Ushindi Virivuswagha, DR Congo
- Konlan Lydia Madintin, Ghana
- Sandra Letio, Uganda
Impact and Innovation
AGRA commended these finalists for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to community development. Their initiatives address critical social and environmental challenges within the agriculture and agrifood sectors, showcasing their commitment to creating meaningful change in their countries.
