AGRA announces 2024 VALUE4HER WAYA's 15 Finalists

The top 15 finalists of 2024 VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) has been announced by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Drawing from 1,535 applications across 44 African nations, 2024’s selection presents the top-level women of the continent who are excelling in agribusiness.

Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda are the drawn finalists of the event. $25,000 of cash prize will be given to this year’s ultimate category winners along with the grand prize winner who shall walk away with $40,000.

Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah, Director for Gender, Youth & Inclusiveness at AGRA says, “Women represent 50% of the agricultural labor force in Africa where they are responsible for 70% of production, yet they are still underrepresented as agribusiness leaders in the continent. WAYA aims to be one if the initiatives bridging this gap by incentivizing and recognizing these women as the drivers of inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa.”

The top 15 finalists of the event include:

1. Outstanding Value-adding Enterprises: Affiong Williams of Nigeria; Bassono Kabore Windlasida Florence of Burkina Faso; Caroline Wanjiru Mambo of Kenya.

2. Female Ag Tech Innovators: Anaporka Adazabra of Ghana; Aisha Raheem of Nigeria; Boitumelo Bethesda Frazie of South Africa.

3. Young Female Agripreneurs (Rising Stars): Jovia Kisakye of Uganda; Ogbon Eyitayo Azaratou of Benin; Tonthoza Uganja of Malawi.

4. Women Empowerment Champion: Christine Ager of Kenya; Fannie Gondwe of Malawi; Judith Endelesi Karia of Tanzania. 

5. Resilient and Inspirational Leader: Daniella Ushindi Virivuswagha of DR Congo; Konlan Lydia Madintin of Ghana; Sandra Letio of Uganda.