Female Ag-Tech Innovator

This category celebrates women who are at the forefront of integrating technology into the agri-food systems. Technology in this context refers to innovative tools, platforms and processes that improve agrifood practices. This could include hardware such as precision farming equipment, drones, automated irrigation systems or soil sensors. It also encompasses software and digital solutions, such as mobile apps, data analytics platforms, AI-based solutions and blockchain technologies that streamline the supply chain, track crop health or optimize resource use. The technology must be impactful, scalable and address real-world agrifood challenges like increasing productivity, streamlining agro-processing, reducing environmental impact or improving sustainability.

Selection Criteria

Is your enterprise ready to make an impact? Check out the criteria to see what we look for in applicants

Minimum requirements to qualify

Check the minimum requirements your enterprise must meet to qualify for this award category.

Founder or co-founder is a woman aged 18–35 years
Business has been operational for at least 1 year
Demonstrates innovation, ambition, and early impact
Business is based and operating in Africa

Selection Criteria

Woman-led enterprise (founder/CEO or majority ownership/leadership with proof, such as company share certificate demonstrating woman or women ownership of at least 51% of the company).
Proprietary innovation - the solution is developed by the applicant or her enterprise (not merely adopting/implementing third-party tech)
Technology is central to the product/service (not an add-on).
Clear problem-solution fit for agri-food systems (farmers, SMEs, buyers, logistics, input markets, etc.)
Demonstrated traction (active users/customers, pilots, repeat use, deployments, revenue or contracts)
Measurable outcomes attributable to the tech (yield/loss/cost/time/income/traceability gains).
Scalability and sustainability (replication plan, unit economics, partnerships, operational readiness).
Responsible design (data privacy, inclusion for low-bandwidth users, safety/ethics as relevant).
Contribution to women/youth inclusion (jobs, access, leadership, onboarding approach).

Eligibility Criteria

Founder or co-founder is a woman aged 18–35 years
Business has been operational for at least 1 year
Demonstrates innovation, ambition, and early impact
Business is based and operating in Africa

Previous Winners in this Category

These past winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and impact within this award category. Their journeys highlight the diverse ways women agripreneurs are transforming agricultural value chains across Africa.

Lucy Chioma Aniagolu 12

The world of agriculture is ripe with opportunity in Africa, but traditional learning methods often leave people behind. That’s why...

Lucy Chioma Aniagolu 11

The world of agriculture is ripe with opportunity in Africa, but traditional learning methods often leave people behind. That’s why...

Lucy Chioma Aniagolu 10

The world of agriculture is ripe with opportunity in Africa, but traditional learning methods often leave people behind. That’s why...

Lucy Chioma Aniagolu 1

The world of agriculture is ripe with opportunity in Africa, but traditional learning methods often leave people behind. That’s why...

Criteria	Area of focus	Evidence/documents
Nationality	- Must be a citizen of one of the 55 African countries	- National ID/ Passport
Gender	Must be female
Legality of business	- Must be a Registered business in an African country - Must be Operational and registered for agribusiness - Must be registered to pay tax	- Certificate of incorporation - Trading license for 2025, 2026 - Tax registration
Management and ownership	- 51% of shares must be owned and controlled by females who are citizens of the 55 African countries - Daily operations must be controlled by one or more women who are citizens of one of the 55 African countries.	- Evidence of ownership of shares- MOU, AOA, or Particulars of directors - An organizational structure with members and evidence of employment/ position
Participation in previous awards	- Must not have won any Award in at most two previous WAYA Awards
Criminal Record	- Must have no criminal record - related to corruption, tax evasion, financial impropriety, felony, or other offense.	- Run by AGRA procurement (Know Your supply process)
Ethical Considerations	- Must be compliant and adhere to a number of various ethical standards concerning the business entity.	- Run by AGRA procurement (Know Your supply process)