Celebrate the founders, intrapreneurs, and leaders redefining business
and career across Africa and the diaspora.
The women leading Africa forward are everywhere: in boardrooms and at decision-making tables, building startups and scaling enterprises, leading public institutions and reshaping entire industries. The question has never been whether they exist.
It's whether their work is known, celebrated, and easy for the world to find.
The PAWEN Awards are open to African women worldwide whose work is shaping business, leadership, and impact. Whether you are nominating yourself or championing a remarkable woman, nominees should be:
Explore the categories below and nominate that African woman whose contribution deserves to be recognized and celebrated. Every nomination undergoes a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process led by an independent judging panel comprising respected leaders from business, governance, academia and civil society. Self nominations are accepted.
We will never ask you to pay for any award.
NOMINATION is FREE!!!
Scaling African Businesses for Growth. African women entrepreneurs are building resilient, innovative, high-growth businesses across every industry. This category celebrates market access, scaling strategy, and the opportunities shaping the future of African enterprise.
7 July 2026
7 September 2026
7 October 2026
13-14 November 2026
14 November 2026
