Gender
This competition is specifically designed to recognize, celebrate and invest only in WOMEN who are driving change in African agribusiness.
Citizenship
This is a competition for AFRICAN women agripreneurs who hold valid citizenship from any of the 55 countries recognized by the African Union withproof of a valid national identify document or passport.
Business Registration Status
Your business/organization must be legally registered in one (or more) of the 55 African countries recognized by the African Union with proof of this registration. A registered business demonstrates legitimacy and commitment and ensures that any award or support can be formally and accountably directed to your business/organization. This could include a business registration certificate, certificate of incorporation or any official government document recognizing your business as a legal entity.
Business Operations
The awards target businesses creating DIRECT impact on African food systems and agrifood communities across the continent. Your business MUST therefore be operating in one (or more) of the 55 African countries recognized by the African Union.
Business Relevance to Agrifood Systems
Your business must be operating in the agri-food value chain. This is an agribusiness competition so this confirms that your business is directly involved in any stage of agriculture or food systems. This includes but is not limited to farming, fishing, livestock, food processing, packaging, storage, distribution, retail or provision of agricultural inputs and services. If you are unsure, consider whether your business activities directly contribute to how food is grown, processed, moved or sold.
Business Shareholding
At least 51% of shares of the business must be owned by you or another woman/women. If you are the sole owner, you automatically meet this requirement. If ownership is shared, ensure you can demonstrate that women collectively hold more than half of the business shares.
Women’s Role in Business Management
At least 51% of board seats OR 30% of senior management roles must be held by a woman/women. This confirms that women hold meaningful leadership positions within your business governance or management structure. You only need to meet one of the two thresholds, either majority women on your board or at least 30% of senior management roles held by women. Senior management includes roles such as CEO, CFO, COO, Directors or Department Heads. Have in your company profile an organogram or list of leadership positions and their occupants available as supporting evidence if available.
Profit & Non-Profit Enterprises
You must either be operating a for-profit business OR a non-profit organization that has income generating activities. Sustainable businesses generate income to grow and create impact. This ensures applicants have a viable business model, whether for-profit or non-profit with revenue- generating activities. For example if you are operating a non-profit organization with no activities that are generating revenue, you are not eligible for the awards.
Participation in Previous AGRA Awards/Competitions
To maximize reach and impact, this competition prioritizes first-time participants or previous participants who never won, giving new voices and businesses the opportunity to access AGRA's platform, partners and support. If you have won an AGRA competition in the last 3 years, please note you are ineligible to apply for WAYA.
Your journey as a woman agripreneur deserves to be recognized. Applying for WAYA 2026 is your opportunity to share your story, showcase your impact, and connect with a community of changemakers across Africa. The process is simple,here’s how to get started.
Business or founder profile
Business summary and value proposition
Evidence of impact (growth, innovation, market reach, social or environmental impact)
Any additional documents relevant to the selected award category
Complete the online application form using the link below.
WAYA is designed for high-potential women agripreneurs across Africa — from emerging founders to established business leaders. It recognizes innovators across sectors including agritech, value addition, processing, supply chain development, and sustainable agriculture.
The Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), led by AGRA’s VALUE4HER initiative, recognize and support women-led agribusinesses across Africa that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and impact across agricultural value chains. The awards highlight women who are improving food systems, empowering communities, and scaling solutions in areas such as agritech, value addition, and climate-smart agriculture.
WAYA targets women agripreneurs operating across the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, agritech, and market access solutions. The categories show that eligible businesses range from early-stage startups (Rising Star) to more established enterprises, as well as innovators, value-addition businesses, and leaders working in challenging or underserved environments.
Winning WAYA typically leads to accelerated growth rather than initial creation of success. Based on the examples provided, businesses experience increased visibility, credibility, and access to partnerships, funding, and new markets. Many winners expand operations, grow revenues, enter export markets, and strengthen their organizational capacity within a year of receiving the award.
Winners are selected based on demonstrated impact, innovation, scalability, and leadership within the agricultural sector. The awards recognize businesses that are not only commercially viable but also contribute to improving livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and advancing sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.