Woman Leader of the Year
Sustained, measurable leadership in business, public service or civil society.
Recognition
LWA Awards
Excellence by African women, judged transparently and celebrated continentally.
Why we do this
Recognition is infrastructure
Visible role models change what girls and women believe is possible — and open doors to capital, contracts and platforms for those recognised.
Awards edition, dates and host city — to be supplied
Past winners and honour roll — to be supplied
Categories
Award categories
Categories are reviewed each edition; final categories are confirmed when nominations open.
Entrepreneur of the Year
A woman-led enterprise demonstrating growth, jobs and market impact.
Young Leader Award
Outstanding leadership by a woman aged 35 or under.
Innovation & Technology Award
Technology or innovation solving a real African challenge.
Trade & Investment Award
Excellence in cross-border trade, exports or investment readiness.
Policy & Advocacy Award
Influence on policy that expands opportunity for women.
NGO / Community Impact Award
A civil society organisation delivering deep community results.
Corporate Partner of the Year
A company whose partnership created verifiable impact for women.
Chapter of the Year
The national chapter with the strongest member value and delivery.
Process
How the awards work
1. Nominations open
Self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted through an online form.
2. Eligibility screening
Entries are checked against published eligibility and evidence requirements.
3. Independent judging
An independent panel scores shortlisted entries against transparent criteria.
4. Finalists announced
Shortlists are published and finalists are invited to the ceremony.
5. Awards ceremony
Winners are recognised at a flagship LWA event and profiled across our channels.
Judging criteria, scoring weights and panel members — to be supplied
Take part
Nominate, judge or sponsor
FAQ
Award questions
Frequently asked questions
Know a woman whose work should be seen?
Nominations shape who the continent recognises next.