Every thriving innovation ecosystem is built on two kinds of infrastructure: the visible — devices, networks, and platforms — and the invisible — the women whose expertise designs, expands, and sustains it.
The 2025 Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) Awards celebrated this powerful “invisible infrastructure,” marking more than ten years of partnership between the Innovator Trust and Vodacom Group. Together, they have helped ensure that women are not only stepping into the tech economy, but doing so with momentum, support, and the tools to shape what comes next.
This year’s awards reflected a renewed commitment to equipping women founders with the structure, insight, and practical backing needed to build and scale enduring businesses. The Innovator Trust’s work is particularly crucial in an AI-driven era, where access, understanding, and technical empowerment determine who gets to participate — and who gets to lead.
AI as the Central Thread
Artificial intelligence was woven into every keynote, panel, and conversation throughout the ceremony. The message was clear: when women engage with the technologies redefining our world, they begin shaping the future with intention. The Awards honoured these architects — creators, leaders, thinkers, and builders contributing depth and originality to South Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
“When women build in the tech ecosystem, they shape industries with intention and bring solutions that speak to the realities of our communities,”
said Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust.
“Our focus is to provide the environment, expertise, and networks that allow their ideas to grow into strong, competitive enterprises. Code It. Shape It. Scale It. captures the discipline and purpose with which women approach growth, and the Awards honour the full power of who they are and what they bring to the future of technology.”
African Solutions, Built by African Women
Industry leaders, founders, and partners reflected on the evolution of women in South Africa’s tech economy and the growing need for African-built, locally relevant solutions. This includes ensuring that AI speaks to — and for — the communities it serves.
Atenkosi Ngubevana emphasised that Africa must take ownership of the tools it adopts: “Nothing for us without us.” She reminded the audience that diversity is a commercial imperative; when varied perspectives shape technology, the result is solutions that are relevant, grounded and built for real people.
These insights set the tone for robust plenaries moderated by Nozipho Tshabalala, whose facilitation drew the room into thoughtful discussions about AI’s role in strengthening SMME growth, digital integration, and cross-border opportunity.
Recognising Excellence: 2025 Award Winners
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of winners across the Enterprise Development, Supplier Development, and Youth categories, celebrating women who have shown exceptional growth, innovation, and impact.
2025 WOMEN IN TECH SMME AWARD WINNERS
Enterprise Development Winners
TOP FEMALE ACHIEVER QUARTER 1 (APR–JUN)
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Overall Winner: Bilion Power Networks – Tanya Ahjam
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First Runner Up: Samo Engineering – Nonhlanhla Moloko
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Second Runner Up: New Era IT – Unathi Nuku
TOP ACHIEVER – HIGHEST % GROWTH
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Overall Winner: Simphiwe Security Consulting – Moira Mazibuko
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First Runner Up: Tsokotla Engineering – Lethabo Ramotshela
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Second Runner Up: Olem Business Boutique – Aphiwe Tafeni
TOP EMPLOYMENT CREATOR
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Winner: Olem Business Boutique – Aphiwe Tafeni
ANNUAL REVENUE TOP ACHIEVER
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Overall Winner: Thamani Technologies & Systems – Bongeka Nyembezi
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First Runner Up: Unathi Nuku
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Second Runner Up: Simphiwe Security Consulting – Moira Mazibuko
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PINNACLE AWARD
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Winner: Olem Business Boutique – Aphiwe Tafeni
Vodacom Supplier Development Award Winners
SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT TOP ACHIEVER – HIGHEST % GROWTH
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Winner: Bolunga Systems – Siphokazi Simandla
VODACOM INNOVATOR TRUST PINNACLE AWARD
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Winner: Khayakhulu Enterprise – Akhona Mfaba
Youth Category
YOUTH TOP ACHIEVER 2025
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Winner: Ayanda Nene
This award recognises a standout young woman under 35 in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program who has demonstrated notable innovation and achievement.
