Ten women founders of businesses from across the continent went head-to-head at the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge finale on November 19 at JSE in Sandton, with five receiving equity-free grants worth more than R1 715 560.

The initiative, led by Naspers and Prosus, coincided with Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the B20 Summit, the official dialogue forum for the global business community with the G20.

The response to the call for applications was striking.

Between September 1 and 30, the Challenge attracted 1,163 submissions from tech founders across Africa.

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For organisers, that volume underscored the depth of talent that often goes overlooked, especially among women working in the digital economy.

Africa’s digital market is expected to reach R3 088b by 2025; yet, female-led startups still attract only a sliver of the available venture funding.

The challenge aims to address a R720b funding gap that continues to limit economic growth and job creation.

Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and executive director of Naspers and Prosus, said, “I am immensely proud of our overall winner, Esther Kimani, who brings agricultural innovation through AI-powered pest detection solutions, as well as all the finalists who demonstrated their phenomenal tech solutions today. The winners represent the next generation of technology leaders, and I can’t wait to witness their growth going forward.”

Kimani’s Farmer Lifeline Technologies took first place for its solar-powered, AI-enabled devices that help smallholder farmers detect crop pests and diseases early.

“Early detection changes everything for smallholder farmers. This is not just a win for me. It shows that young women can dream big,” said Kimani.

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Second place went to Nigeria’s Folayemi Agusto of Tix Africa, an event-tech platform used by organisers across the country.

“Nigeria’s events industry needs reliable technology infrastructure. When the judges described the exceptional pitch, they selected for second place, I knew it was me,” she said.

Joint third place was awarded to Kenya’s Margaret Wanjiku of Pollen Patrollers and the DRC’s Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya of Neotex.

Wanjiku said technology could protect pollinator health at scale, while Onya highlighted the potential of AI tools for livestock keepers in underserved regions.

“I did not expect this. It is proof that innovation is possible,” she added.

The AI for Good category went to South Africa’s Leonora Tim of Gender Rights in Tech.

“It is bigger than the money. Technology can create safer pathways for survivors to access help and justice,” said Tim.

All five winners will receive equity-free funding, mentorship from senior leaders within the Naspers and Prosus ecosystem, and access to investor networks across African markets.

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