The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has opened applications for the 2025 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA), a prestigious initiative recognizing female agripreneurs who demonstrate innovation and excellence in agricultural value chains. The awards, which come with grants of up to $300,000, celebrate outstanding contributions by women in agribusiness across Africa.
Since its inception in 2021, WAYA has honoured female entrepreneurs in three key categories: Young Female Agripreneur (for innovators under 35), Female Agriculture Tech Innovator (championing technological advancements in agribusiness), and Outstanding Value-Adding Enterprise (enhancing the economic value of agricultural products).
In 2024, AGRA expanded the awards by introducing regional winners in the Young Female Agripreneur category and adding two new distinctions:
- Women Empowerment Champion – for agripreneurs committed to fostering opportunities for other women.
- Resilient & Inspirational Leader – recognizing women from marginalized or hard-to-reach areas who have shown exceptional perseverance in agribusiness.
The application window closes on May 31, 2025, with winners set to be unveiled during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, in September 2025.
Eligibility & application
To qualify, businesses must operate within an agricultural or agribusiness value chain, be legally registered in an African Union country, and be at least 51% women-owned and managed. Applications can be submitted via WAYA’s online platform.
Speaking at the launch, AGRA’s Director for Gender, Youth, and Inclusiveness, Ms. Nana Amoah, highlighted the program’s impact:
“In 2024, we received over 1,500 applications from women across 42 African countries. This year, we anticipate at least 500 applications in each category as we continue to celebrate and support the relentless efforts, creativity, and leadership of women in the agri-food sector.”
WAYA is part of AGRA’s VALUE4HER program, a continental initiative aimed at strengthening women’s agribusiness enterprises and amplifying their voices in Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Collaborative launch
The launch event was held in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Senior officials, including FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Mr. Haile Gabriel Abebe, emphasized the importance of gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in Africa’s agri-food sector.
Participants engaged in masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions, exchanging best practices and advocating for an inclusive environment where women can fully participate in economic and leadership roles.
