By George Munene
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is calling on applicants for the 2023 women agripreneurs of the year awards (WAYA) aimed at recognizing African women who have taken great strides in agricultural value chains by contributing positively towards food security, climate resilience, and women and youth empowerment.
Three winners from each category; young female agripreneur, female ag-tech innovator, and outstanding value-adding enterprise; will each receive a Sh2.7M ($20,000) cash prize at the upcoming African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) summit in September 2023.
For consideration, applicants must submit their entry to be judged before May 31, 2023.
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To be eligible for WAYA, businesses must be operating in an agriculture or agribusiness value chain, be a legal entity registered in a country that is a member state of the African Union, and at least 51 per cent owned and managed by one or more women who are citizens of one of the 55 African countries.
Part of AGRA’s VALUE4HER initiative–a continental program aimed at strengthening women’s agribusiness enterprises and enhancing their voices– the awards are set to popularise successful women and promote them as possible role models, trigger innovation, and spur ambition among women agripreneurs.
The categories of the awards will include:
- The young female agripreneur award
Recognizing young females below 35 years of age demonstrating innovation and leadership in agribusiness.
- The Female ag-tech innovator award
Recognizing female agripreneurs championing technological advancement in agribusiness.
- The outstanding value-adding enterprise award
Recognising female agriprenuers championing technological advancement is the sector.
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Of the initiative, Vanessa Adams, AGRA’s Vice President for Strategic Partnerships & Chief of Party, noted: “Women’s participation and recognition in this agriculture sector has been historically overlooked. That’s why we believe it’s essential to shine a spotlight on women who are making a significant contribution to the agricultural industry through their innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. By recognizing the undeniable contribution of women to African food systems, we hope to inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in the agricultural sector”.
Applications are to be submitted online through waya.awardsplatform.