Top innovators shine at the 6th Annual Africa Tech Week Awards

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.

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: Startup 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 & E-commerce 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 Innovation 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)

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