Celebrating Africa’s Trailblazing Women in

Agribusiness

Recognition

Catalyze

Inspiration

Inspiring a New Generation of African Women Agripreneurs.

Launched in 2021 by AGRA’s VALUE4HER initiative, the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) recognize outstanding African women who are leading transformation in agribusiness. The awards shine a spotlight on women who combine innovation with impact creating jobs, improving food systems and empowering communities.

VALUE4HER is AGRA’s continental initiative that aims at strengthening women’s agribusiness enterprises and enhancing voice and advocacy across Africa. The initiative aims to increase the performance of women entrepreneurs through access to markets and trade, access to finance and investments, tailored online and offline matchmaking activities, learning, networking and global advocacy aimed at addressing some of the key barriers for women’s business growth and market participation in agrifood systems.

five years of recognizing and celebrating Africa's women in agribusiness.

Since 2026

since inception

1 applications

in prize money winnings disbursed

USD 1 +

African countries represented

1

WAYA Award Categories

The Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) honor women leading change across Africa’s agricultural value chain. Each category recognizes a unique kind of excellence, from innovation and value addition to empowerment and resilience, showcasing the diverse contributions of women shaping Africa’s food future.

Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star)
Female Ag-Tech Innovator
Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise
Women Empowerment Champion
Resilience & Inspirational Winner
Overall Prize Winner
Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star)
Female Ag-Tech Innovator
Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise
Women Empowerment Champion
Resilience & Inspirational Winner
Overall Prize Winner

WAYA 2026: Celebrating the Future of Women in Agribusiness

The Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) 2025 will once again take center stage at the Africa Food Systems Forum, bringing together Africa’s brightest women agripreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners.

Details
Venue:Kigali, Rwanda
Date: 20 Nov 2026
Theme: Women Leading Africa’s Food Future
Hosted by:AGRA under the VALUE4HER initiative

2025 WAYA Winners

The 2025 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) honoured a new generation of women transforming Africa’s agribusiness landscape.

2024 WAYA Winners

The 2024 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) honoured a new generation of women transforming Africa’s agribusiness landscape.

2023 WAYA Winners

The 2023 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) honoured a new generation of women transforming Africa’s agribusiness landscape.

2022 WAYA Winners

The 2022 Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) honoured a new generation of women transforming Africa’s agribusiness landscape.

Winner Story English

WAYA Partners & Sponsors

The Women Agripreneur of the Year Awards (WAYA) are made possible through partners who share our belief in women’s power to transform African agriculture. Together, we celebrate innovation, drive inclusion, and expand opportunities for women across the continent.