The Grand Prize is the highest recognition under WAYA, awarded to the standout woman agripreneur whose enterprise represents the strongest overall example of excellence and transformational impact across Africa’s agri-food systems. It honors a leader whose business combines commercial strength with clear, measurable contribution to inclusive growth, such as quality job creation, improved nutrition, climate resilience and strengthened value chains, while demonstrating the ambition and credibility to scale.
Is your enterprise ready to make an impact? Check out the criteria to see what we look for in applicants
Check the minimum requirements your enterprise must meet to qualify for this award 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.
Selection Criteria
| 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) |