Africa Tech Week Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Technology

The Africa Tech Week Awards serve as a premier celebration of digital innovation and technological advancement across the African continent.

Held annually as part of the prestigious Africa Tech Week conference—one of South Africa’s leading summits dedicated to the Fourth Industrial Revolution—these awards honor the visionary individuals, startups, and enterprises that are transforming industries and societies through tech.

From fintech and artificial intelligence to health tech, cybersecurity, and public sector innovation, the awards recognize achievements that go beyond profit—highlighting efforts that enhance inclusivity, sustainability, and meaningful impact.

Launched in collaboration with Topco Media and a coalition of South African technology partners, the Africa Tech Week Awards have grown into a respected benchmark for technological excellence.

The Awards are not only a showcase of Africa’s burgeoning tech capabilities but also a catalyst for innovation and growth. Each year, they spotlight those who are solving the continent’s most pressing challenges through bold, scalable, and future-forward solutions.

As Africa positions itself as a global player in the digital economy, the Africa Tech Week Awards play a vital role in elevating the stories, ideas, and leaders shaping the continent’s tech-driven transformation.

Origin and Purpose of this Award

The Africa Tech Week Awards were initiated to spotlight organizations and individuals that exemplify transformational innovation and excellence in Africa’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.

More than just a trophy, the Awards celebrate purpose-driven innovation—honoring startups, corporates, and public sector actors whose technologies solve real-world challenges across the continent.

Whether it’s enabling digital payments in underserved areas, harnessing AI to improve public health, or building cybersecurity infrastructure, the awards emphasize scalable, inclusive solutions that push Africa forward.

Hosted as part of the broader Africa Tech Week festival, the Africa Tech Week Awards complement a rich program of keynote sessions, interactive panels, and tech exhibitions. Winners gain far more than recognition—they receive continental visibility, thought leadership opportunities, access to investors, and enhanced strategic credibility.

This multifaceted approach ensures that awardees are not only celebrated but also empowered to expand their influence, amplify impact, and scale across African and global markets.

Hosted each year in Cape Town as part of Africa Tech Week, the awards aim to:

Celebrate the breadth of Africa’s digital talent—from startups to enterprise-scale solutions.
Elevate projects in fintech, AI, healthcare, climate tech, and public sector innovation.
Facilitate networking, investor interest, and cross-sector partnerships within the continent’s tech ecosystem.

Award Categories & Structures

Awards are presented across organizational and individual categories, each focused on recognizing leadership, innovation, and measurable impact. Key categories in the Africa Tech Week Awards include:

Organisational Awards

Africa Tech: Start-up Award (Sponsored by Sentech) – winner: LEMI App
Fintech Award – winner: Wonga Online
Tech Impact Award (City of Cape Town sponsored) – winner: Old Mutual
Digital Transformation Award – winner: Etapath
Public Sector Digital Innovator Award – winner: MMT Inland (Mint Group)
Technology Company of the Year Award – winner: XLink
Security Technology Company Award – winner: PaySolutions
EdTech Award – winner: WeThinkCode_
AI Innovation Award (Sponsored by iME) – winner: LexisNexis
HealthTech Award – winner: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

Individual Awards

Women in Tech Award – winner: Xoliswa Kakana (ICT Works)
Leader of the Year Award – winner: Trishen Moodley (MAST SERVICES)
Tech Founder of the Year Award – winner: Oscar Molaba (Batanidza Technologies)

Spotlight on Key Winners of the Award

1. Mint Group – Public Sector Digital Innovator Award

Mint Group’s groundbreaking transformation of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in Africa, earned high acclaim at the Africa Tech Week Awards for its remarkable public sector innovation.

In partnership with Microsoft and Gauteng Health, Mint Group spearheaded a massive digitization project, converting over 800,000 patient records into a streamlined, digital format. This initiative led to a 40% reduction in patient processing time, significantly improving operational efficiency and patient care.

What made this achievement stand out at the Africa Tech Week Awards was not just the scale of digitization, but the holistic impact. The project created new job opportunities for local youth, blending digital transformation with socio-economic development.

This narrative exemplifies how the Africa Tech Week Awards spotlight initiatives that extend beyond corporate success—rewarding those that generate broad societal benefits and embody the power of technology to drive inclusive, meaningful progress in Africa’s public and healthcare sectors.

2. LEMI App – Start-up Award

LEMI App stood out among notable finalists such as Harvest Animation and Float Technologies at the Africa Tech Week Awards, earning praise for its user-centric innovation and scalable technology.

Designed with a deep understanding of local user behavior and digital accessibility, LEMI App delivers impactful solutions that bridge gaps in communication, commerce, or service delivery, depending on the sector it operates in.

Its agile development approach and ability to adapt across markets exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Africa Tech Week Awards—namely, relevance, accessibility, and social impact. LEMI’s recognition underscores the growing influence of early-stage African startups in shaping the continent’s tech ecosystem.

3. Old Mutual – Tech Impact Award

Old Mutual was honored at the Africa Tech Week Awards for its pioneering role in fintech-enabled insurance and digital customer engagement.

The company has leveraged technology to transform traditional insurance offerings—streamlining claims, improving accessibility, and personalizing customer experiences through mobile and AI platforms.

By embracing digital tools, Old Mutual has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also expanded financial inclusion, reaching underserved markets with innovative solutions.

This recognition at the Africa Tech Week Awards underscores Old Mutual’s commitment to tech-driven financial transformation, showcasing how legacy institutions can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly digitizing African economy.

4. Etapath – Digital Transformation Award

Etapath outpaced strong contenders such as Netstar and the Clicks Group to secure top honors at the Africa Tech Week Awards, thanks to its standout digital transformation strategy.

The company was recognized for successfully leveraging advanced technologies to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive measurable business outcomes. Etapath’s innovative use of data-driven tools, automation, and cross-functional integration set a new benchmark in digital excellence.

Its approach demonstrated not only technical sophistication but also a deep understanding of Africa’s unique market dynamics—an essential trait celebrated by the Africa Tech Week Awards. This win affirms Etapath’s leadership in pioneering purposeful, scalable digital solutions across the continent.

5. XLink – Technology Company of the Year

This accolade recognized XLink’s consistent delivery of enterprise-grade tech solutions and its growing visibility as a top-performing technology provider across multiple sectors.

Honored at the Africa Tech Week Awards, XLink was celebrated for its robust connectivity infrastructure, scalable Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and innovative managed services that support digital transformation across retail, financial services, healthcare, and logistics.

The company’s ability to offer secure, reliable, and future-ready technologies has made it a trusted partner for African enterprises navigating the complexities of digital evolution. This recognition further cements XLink’s status as a key enabler of Africa’s connected economy.

6. PaySolutions – Security Tech Company Award

Honored at the Africa Tech Week Awards for its secure payment infrastructure, PaySolutions exemplified best-in-class execution in building resilient, cybersecurity-focused fintech ecosystems.

The company’s robust platforms have enabled merchants, banks, and digital platforms to transact safely in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

With advanced fraud detection protocols, seamless user authentication, and a proactive approach to compliance, PaySolutions has become a trusted player in Africa’s digital finance environment.

Its recognition underscores the Awards’ commitment to highlighting firms that prioritize both innovation and security—key pillars for the future of Africa’s financial technology growth.

7. WeThinkCode_ – EdTech Award

As an education technology innovator focused on coding bootcamps and tech training, WeThinkCode_ earned recognition at the Africa Tech Week Awards for its scalable and inclusive learning model.

By offering tuition-free programs, partnering with leading tech companies, and actively sourcing talent from underrepresented communities, WeThinkCode_ has played a pivotal role in closing Africa’s digital skills gap.

Its peer-to-peer learning approach, real-world project exposure, and job placement success have made it a model for tech talent development across the continent.

The award affirms the organization’s role in shaping Africa’s digital workforce and expanding access to quality education through innovation.

8. LexisNexis – AI Innovation Award

Winner of the AI Innovation category sponsored by iME, LexisNexis was lauded at the Africa Tech Week Awards for its cutting-edge application of artificial intelligence to enhance critical infrastructure, identity verification, and data integrity across Africa.

By leveraging AI-driven analytics and machine learning, LexisNexis has significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of identity validation processes, helping to combat fraud and streamline regulatory compliance.

Their solutions have empowered governments, financial institutions, and businesses to make smarter decisions while safeguarding sensitive information.

This recognition highlights LexisNexis’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital ecosystem through innovative AI technologies, setting a benchmark for excellence in the continent’s tech landscape.

9. AstraZeneca – HealthTech Award

Recognized at the Africa Tech Week Awards for leveraging digital solutions within healthcare, AstraZeneca stood out for its impactful partnerships and efforts to improve healthcare access across the continent.

Through innovative use of technology, AstraZeneca has enhanced patient engagement, streamlined medical data management, and expanded access to critical health services, particularly in underserved communities.

Their commitment to integrating digital tools with healthcare delivery exemplifies the transformative potential of technology to address Africa’s unique health challenges.

This recognition at the Africa Tech Week Awards underscores AstraZeneca’s role as a leader in health innovation, driving meaningful change through digital empowerment and collaboration.

10. Xoliswa Kakana – Women in Tech

Her leadership at ICT Works embodies the spirit of the Africa Tech Week Awards, reflecting the event’s strong commitment to elevating women’s leadership in technology across diverse sectors.

By championing gender inclusivity, fostering mentorship, and driving innovative projects that empower women in tech, she has become a role model and catalyst for change.

Her work highlights the critical importance of diversity in accelerating Africa’s digital transformation and inspires a new generation of female tech leaders.

This recognition by the Africa Tech Week Awards celebrates not only her individual achievements but also the broader movement toward gender equity in Africa’s technology ecosystem.

11. Trishen Moodley – Leader of the Year

Her contributions at MAST SERVICES showcased transformative leadership that culminated in well-deserved recognition at the Africa Tech Week Awards.

Through visionary strategy, innovative project execution, and a commitment to leveraging technology for tangible business and social impact, she has driven significant advancements within the organization.

Her ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and implement forward-thinking solutions exemplifies the excellence the Africa Tech Week Awards seek to honor.

This accolade not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores the vital role of strong leadership in propelling Africa’s technology landscape toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

12. Oscar Molaba – Tech Founder of the Year

Recognized for founding Batanidza Technologies and nurturing innovative solutions like LEMI App, Oscar Molaba’s win at the Africa Tech Week Awards exudes entrepreneurial excellence.

His visionary leadership has driven the development of user-centric, scalable technologies that address critical needs across African markets.

Through Batanidza Technologies, Oscar has championed innovation that empowers communities, enhances digital connectivity, and fosters inclusive growth.

This recognition not only celebrates his remarkable achievements as a tech entrepreneur but also underscores the vital role startups play in Africa’s digital transformation. His success story inspires emerging innovators to pursue bold ideas that can reshape the continent’s technological future.

Selection Process & Governance

Entries for the Africa Tech Week Awards go through a robust, multi-phase selection process:

Call for Nominations – Open public submissions and company entries gather applications across categories.
Shortlisting by Organizers – Topco Media and judges filter finalists based on innovation, business impact, and African relevance.
Independent Judging Panel – Experts convene to assess submissions against criteria such as innovation, scalability, user impact, and regional relevance. Over 300 applications were submitted in 2025 alone.
Finalist Announcement & Voting – While specific public voting isn’t highlighted, finalists gain exposure during the conference.
Awards Ceremony at Africa Tech Week – A gala event in Cape Town featuring black-tie dinner and keynote speeches, including government and tech leaders (e.g., Minister Solly Malatsi).

This structure ensures that the Africa Tech Week Awards maintain transparency, credibility, and relevance in recognizing excellence.

Why the Africa Tech Week Awards Matter

1. Accelerating Innovation Recognition

By spotlighting startups like LEMI App and technology Pioneers like LexisNexis, the Awards elevate local innovation and encourage replication across the continent.

2. Validating Impact at Scale

Winners such as Mint Group and Old Mutual are recognized for delivering measurable outcomes—reducing healthcare wait times, scaling insurance distribution, and improving customer experiences.

3. Elevating Women and Founders

Individual awards for women leaders (Xoliswa Kakana) and founders (Oscar Molaba) help reframe narratives around inclusion and entrepreneurship across Africa’s tech sector.

4. Facilitating Partnerships & Networks

Finalists and winners gain access to investors, ecosystem champions, and cross-border partners at the Africa Tech Week forum—fueling next-stage growth.

5. Country & Sector Representation

The Awards feature winners from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Mauritius, and more—offering pan-African representation of sectoral strength.

Ecosystem Impact & Cross-Event Synergies

1. Tech Festival Alignment

Held in tandem with Africa Tech Week, the Awards leverage festival programming to deepen exposure—including panels, masterclasses, and investment showcases.

2. Cross-Regional Influence

While rooted in South Africa, the Awards showcase projects from across Africa—strengthening continental linkage in innovation ecosystems.

3. Media & Visibility

Coverage via Topco Media, ITWeb, and sector journalism enhances awardees’ public profile—boosting brand recognition and stakeholder trust.

4. Collaboration Momentum

By acknowledging public-private innovation (e.g. Mint Group’s hospital digitization), the Awards encourage broader collaborations between government, NGOs, and private sector entities.

Notable Trends & Emerging Categories

Based on recent winner patterns, the Africa Tech Week Awards reflect emerging areas of focus:

HealthTech & AgriTech: Platforms like AstraZeneca and Mazao AgClimate showcase growing relevance of tech in healthcare and agriculture.
Energy & Climate Tech: Clean energy solutions and climate traceability tools like Sabi are gaining prominence.
Web3 & Identity: Startups like MiniPay and Smile ID reflect blockchain and ID verification innovation.
Ecosystem Infrastructure: Platforms like OmniRetail and Cassava Technologies underscore enterprise infrastructure significance.
Education & Inclusion: Winners like WeThinkCode_ and Ikusasa highlight democratization of tech learning.

Challenges & Opportunities for the Awards

1. Pan-African Reach

While hosted in South Africa, expanding physical event access to other regions could amplify regional representation.

2. Category Evolution

Introducing deeper verticals—such as ESG, digital rights, RegTech, or regional connectivity—would embrace broader tech sectors.

3. Transparency & Methodology

Providing more public detail on judging criteria can enhance credibility and enable cross-comparisons over time.

4. Post-Award Support

Programs to support scaling winners—through mentorship, investor matchmaking, or masterclasses—would help translate recognition into measurable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Africa Tech Week Awards?
A continental tech awards program presented during Africa Tech Week, recognizing organizations and individuals driving tech innovation and impact across Africa.

How are winners selected?
Through an open nominations process, shortlisting by organizers, independent expert panel evaluation, and final announcement at the gala.

Who can be nominated?
Companies, startups, public-sector innovators, and individuals across tech sectors—including fintech, edtech, AI, healthcare, climate, and more—operating in or impacting Africa.

What benefits do winners receive?
Recognition grants visibility, partnership opportunities, media exposure, and increased stakeholder credibility across the African tech ecosystem.

Where and when is the ceremony held?
Annually in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the multi-day Africa Tech Week summit—typically in early June.

Conclusion

The Africa Tech Week Awards stand as a definitive showcase of African technological innovation, providing a platform for companies, startups, and leaders making transformative impact across the continent.

With winners covering sectors such as fintech, AI, health, education, public sector, and more, the Awards reflect Africa’s growing strength in purposeful tech-led growth. As the Awards evolve in visibility and prestige, they are cementing Africa’s status as a global hub of digital innovation and inclusive progress.