The 6th Annual Africa Tech Week Awards, organised by Topco Media, celebrated the continent’s tech innovators and visionaries in a dazzling ceremony held at the Century City Conference Centre on 16 May 2024. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders to recognise and honour excellence in technology and innovation across Africa.
Clay Tsapi, Project Manager at Topco Media, welcomed attendees with an inspiring speech that set the tone for the evening. Tsapi emphasised the transformative power of technology to drive progress and prosperity in Africa. He called for unity and collaboration, urging attendees to embrace the moment and work together towards a tech-driven future. “Innovation and collaboration are the cornerstones of progress. Tonight, we have a unique opportunity to unite and ignite the flames of inspiration, paving the way for a future filled with innovation, progress, and prosperity,” Tsapi remarked.
Ms. Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, Director-General for the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, delivered a powerful keynote address highlighting the importance of celebrating African excellence in technology and innovation. She emphasised the need to keep talent within the continent and encouraged the registration of intellectual property to compete globally. “Tonight is about celebrating excellence, celebrating African excellence,” Jordan-Dyani affirmed. “Make sure that we keep that talent within the continent. If anything, please make sure that you register your IP and own it.”
Beverly Basson, Lead Journey Designer and Facilitator at Level Up, shared insights from the judging process, praising the optimism and growth among the finalists. She emphasised the significance of events like the Africa Tech Week Awards for celebrating achievements and inspiring future winners. “There is wonderful evidence of good growth in so many of the businesses that I had a chance to look at. I think that growth wouldn’t be possible without a strong sense of optimism and huge ambition. I think that’s really encouraging,” Basson noted.
The ceremony honoured outstanding individuals and organisations across various categories, recognising their contributions to the tech industry. “I am delighted to announce the winners and highly commended of the 6th Annual Africa Tech Week Awards. These exceptional individuals and organisations have demonstrated exemplary vision, leadership, and innovation, setting a benchmark for excellence in the tech industry,” adds Ralf Fletcher, CEO at Topco Media.
The Africa Tech Week Awards underscored the continent’s growing prominence in the global tech landscape, showcasing Africa’s potential to lead in innovation and technological advancement.
Individual Awards
AFRICA TECH: WOMEN IN TECH AWARD
Winner: Amazon Web Services – Rashika Ramlal
Highly Commended: Coach Matching – Susi Astengo
Finalists:
Africa Data Centres – Wabo Majavu
Afrika Tikkun Bambanani – Theresa Michael
ECD Connect – Jade Jacobsohn
JUMO – Jade Potgieter
Mukuru – Sandy Rheeder
NYDA – Dimakatso Masiteng
AFRICA TECH: TECH FOUNDER AWARD
Winner: Rather.Chat – Jonathan Elcock
Highly Commended: HyperionDev – Riaz Moola
Finalists:
ECD Connect – Jade Jacobsohn
Findology – Mushfiqoh Samodien
Millennial Mindset Media – Marcia Monareng
MySociaLife – Dean McCoubrey
Omnia Solutions – Fiona Anirudh
TicketKore – Khomotjo Lebepe
AFRICA TECH: LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Winner: Mint Group – Carel du Toit
Highly Commended: Boxfusion – Julius Segole
Finalists:
Amazon Web Services – Rashika Ramlal
Clear Access – Jaco Minnaar
EasyEquities – Charles Savage
JUMO – Fábio Matos
Khonology – Mosa Nyamande
Loot.co.za – Kirk Williams
Nutun Management Services (Pty) Ltd – Hans Zachar
Sand Technologies – Fred Swaniker
TransUnion – Lee Naik
Organisation Awards
AFRICA TECH: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARD
Winner: Absa Bank Limited
Highly Commended: Liquid Technologies
Finalists:
Africa Data Centres
Bitventure Consulting
Khonology
Nutun Management Services (Pty) Ltd
AFRICA TECH: START-UP AWARD Sponsored by Sentech
Winner: ECD Connect
Finalists:
Afrika Tikkun Bambanani
Findology
Millennial Mindset Media
MySociaLife
Rather.Chat
TicketKore
AFRICA TECH: EDTECH AWARD
Winner: Sand Technologies
Highly Commended: Afrika Tikkun
Finalists:
ALEPH Group
HyperionDev
Omnia Solutions
AFRICA TECH: TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD
Winner: Nutun Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Highly Commended: LexisNexis & Mint Group
Finalists:
Clear Access
Easy Debit
Liquid Technologies
Rook Digital
AFRICA TECH: FINTECH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Winner: Easy Debit
Highly Commended: EasyEquities
Finalists:
Isazi Consulting
Mukuru
AFRICA TECH: INNOVATION OF THE YEAR AWARD
Winner: JUMO
Highly Commended: TransUnion
Finalists:
ALEPH Group
Boxfusion
Khonology
LexisNexis
Rook Digital
AFRICA TECH: RETAIL & ECOMMERCE AWARD
Winner: Loot.co.za
Finalists:
Takealot Online
Yuppiechef
AFRICA TECH: AI TECHNOLOGY OF THE YEAR AWARD
Winner: Swordfish Software
Highly Commended: Isazi Consulting
Finalists:
City of Cape Town
JUMO
AFRICA TECH: PUBLIC SECTOR DIGITAL INNOVATOR AWARD
Winner: Revenue and Utility Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd t/a RUMAS
Finalists:
Absa Bank Limited
Africa International Advisors
City of Cape Town
Liquid Technologies
National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)
Visit @AfricaTechWeek across social channels to follow the conversation and stay abreast of key updates online.
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About Africa Tech Week:
Africa Tech Week is a leading technology event in Africa, bringing together industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the latest trends and developments in technology across the continent. With a focus on driving innovation and fostering collaboration, Africa Tech Week aims to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and position the continent as a global leader in technology.
About Topco Media:
Topco Media is a leading B2B media & events company committed to delivering high-impact conferences and content that address critical issues shaping the business landscape. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and leadership, Topco Media brings together thought leaders and visionaries to inspire positive change. https://www.topco.co.za/about-us
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