The 2024 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) will offer Nigerian female agripreneurs grants of up to $300,000, recognizing innovation and business excellence in agricultural value chains. The event aims to celebrate and reward trailblazing women driving inclusive agricultural transformation.
WAYA, since 2021, has recognized achievements across three categories: Young Female Agripreneur, Female Agriculture Tech Innovator, and Outstanding Value Adding Enterprise, with the Grand Prize Winner selected from these categories. In 2024, regional winners will be introduced in the Young Female Agripreneurs category, along with two new categories: Women Empowerment Champion and Resilient & Inspirational Leader.
Applications close on May 31, 2024, with winners unveiled during the Africa Food Systems Forum in September 2024. AGRA’s lead for Gender Integration emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring women’s efforts in the agri-food sector.
WAYA is part of AGRA’s VALUE4HER program, aimed at strengthening women’s agribusiness enterprises and enhancing their advocacy across Africa. The event featured workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, highlighting the need for an enabling environment for women’s participation in economic, social, and political spheres.