The EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards 2025 has successfully cemented its position as one of the most influential women empowerment and business leadership events in South Africa, celebrating exceptional women entrepreneurs, executives, and change-makers across the Western Cape.
Held on 12 December 2025 at the prestigious InuWell, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, the awards brought together high-impact leaders, business professionals, policymakers, and ecosystem partners for an unforgettable MET Gala Glitz & Glam Awards Evening dedicated to honouring Top 30 Women in Business – Western Cape.
Under the powerful theme “Empowering Leaders, Envisioning Excellence,” the event showcased the growing influence of women in driving inclusive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development in South Africa and across the African continent.
A Premier Women’s Business Awards Platform in South Africa
The EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards has emerged as a leading women’s recognition platform focused on celebrating excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, social impact, wellness, and corporate leadership.
The 2025 edition highlighted women who are:
- Building scalable and impactful businesses
- Driving community and social development
- Creating employment and economic opportunities
- Leading innovation across multiple industries
- Advancing women’s leadership in Africa
By recognising the Top 30 Women in Business in the Western Cape, EmpowerAfriq continues to amplify women’s voices and influence in traditionally underrepresented economic spaces.
Honouring the Top 30 Women in Business – Western Cape
A key highlight of the EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards 2025 was the formal recognition of outstanding women leaders whose work has significantly contributed to business growth and societal transformation.
Distinguished award recipients included Jade M. Van Der Westhuizen, Jacqueline Tamri, Samantha Valjee, Poovashnee Reddy, Felicity Ann Guest, and Dr Mama K, among many others. Each honouree represents excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership within their respective sectors. Their achievements reflect the growing strength of women-led enterprises in the Western Cape, reinforcing the region’s role as a hub for innovation and inclusive economic development.
Leadership and Vision: Chairperson Chantelle Manesa
The success of the EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards 2025 was driven by the strategic leadership and vision of Chairperson Chantelle Manesa.
Under her guidance, EmpowerAfriq has evolved into a purpose-driven institution championing:
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Leadership development
- Business visibility and recognition
- Strategic partnerships across Africa
Her leadership ensured that the awards remained impact-focused, inclusive, and aligned with continental development priorities, positioning EmpowerAfriq as a trusted voice in women’s leadership advancement.
MET Gala Glitz & Glam: Where Prestige Meets Purpose
Set against the iconic backdrop of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, the awards unfolded in elegant MET Gala Glitz & Glam style, with a Pink & Black Affair dress code symbolising confidence, power, and celebration.
Beyond the glamour, the event served as a high-level networking and thought-leadership platform, fostering collaboration among women entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporate partners, and development organisations. Attendance was by invitation only, reinforcing the exclusivity and prestige of the EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Women’s Empowerment
The 2025 awards were supported by a strong network of strategic partners across media, entrepreneurship, wellness, business development, and women-focused initiatives. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to:
- Advancing women-owned businesses
- Strengthening leadership pipelines
- Promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth
Through collaboration, EmpowerAfriq continues to build a pan-African ecosystem that supports women beyond awards recognition.
EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards: More Than an Event
The EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards is more than a celebration — it is a movement for women’s leadership in Africa.
By providing visibility, recognition, and access to influential networks, EmpowerAfriq plays a critical role in shaping the future of women-led enterprises in South Africa and across the continent. The success of the EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards 2025 reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to creating platforms where women are not only celebrated but empowered to lead at the highest levels.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Women’s Leadership in Africa
As EmpowerAfriq continues to expand its impact, the Women Business Awards remain a cornerstone initiative driving excellence, innovation, and leadership among African women. With its strong vision, high-level execution, and strategic alignment with Africa’s development agenda, the EmpowerAfriq Women Business Awards has firmly established itself as a benchmark for women’s business awards in Africa.
EmpowerAfriq is not just recognising success — it is shaping the future of women-led leadership and economic transformation in Africa.
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