Women-owned tech businesses move into the spotlight as Innovator Trust announces 2026 WIT Awards
The Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) Awards will return on 24 November 2026, putting the spotlight on women-owned small and medium-sized businesses driving innovation and growth in South Africa’s ICT sector.
The 2026 awards, held under the theme “Tech Believers”, will recognize female entrepreneurs who have developed and expanded their businesses through the Innovator Trust’s enterprise development, youth entrepreneurship and supplier development programmes.
The awards are aimed at highlighting women who have moved beyond the early stages of business development to build technology ventures capable of creating jobs, solving practical problems and contributing to South Africa’s digital economy.
“WIT celebrates evidence and action. We see it in growing businesses, new jobs and technology that solves very real problems in our country. Through this year’s theme, Tech Believers, WIT and its partners recognize the women who have backed their ideas with action and call on the market to back proven ability with real opportunity,” said Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust.
The awards focus on women who have participated in the Innovator Trust’s incubation programmes, where entrepreneurs receive support to digitize their operations, develop sustainable revenue models and strengthen their capacity for growth.
For many women-owned ICT businesses, recognition can also play a role in building market credibility. Greater visibility can help entrepreneurs attract potential clients, partnerships and investment, although awards alone cannot address broader barriers such as limited access to capital and procurement opportunities.
The WIT Awards have also become a platform for discussions around women’s participation in technology, leadership and entrepreneurship. Previous speakers have included former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela, former Deputy President Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, business leader Irene Charnley and technology and business executives from companies including Vodacom and Cisco.
The continued focus on women-led ICT businesses comes as female entrepreneurs remain an important part of efforts to broaden participation in South Africa’s technology economy. By recognizing businesses that have progressed from incubation to commercial growth, the awards aim to draw attention to both the opportunities available to women in technology and the barriers that remain.
Ultimately, women from across South Africa will be able to register to participate in the 2026 WIT Awards virtually at no cost.
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