Innovator Trust Women In Tech Awards 2026 Celebrates Women Moving Technology Forward

The Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) Awards 2026 will once again recognize the significant achievements of women leading in technology within South Africa. This event highlights female-led small and medium-sized ICT enterprises that have grown through the Innovator Trust’s incubation programs focused on startups, youth entrepreneurship, and supplier development.

Scheduled for Tuesday, 24 November 2026, the awards ceremony features free virtual registration and invites women from across South Africa to participate. The WIT Awards emphasize the journey from business incubation to expansion, showcasing how women entrepreneurs have enhanced their capacity to digitize, monetize, and scale their ICT ventures.

Event Highlights and Speaker Series

In addition to honoring successful female entrepreneurs, the event includes a speaker series that addresses the broader challenges and opportunities women face in business and technology. Past speakers have included notable figures such as Professor Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector; Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President; Irene Charnley, business leader; Dr Roze Phillips, African futurist and business advisor; Tsatsi Mthimunye of Vodacom; and Charmaine Houvet from Cisco Africa.

Their insights connect individual achievements to wider discussions on leadership, access to opportunities, and economic inclusion.

Purpose and Impact of the Awards

The awards serve to both acknowledge current leaders and promote emerging talent in the technology sector, ensuring continuous attention to progress made and remaining obstacles related to women’s participation.

According to Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, the WIT Awards celebrate tangible results demonstrated by job growth and technological solutions to local challenges while urging the market to support proven female entrepreneurs through opportunities and resources.

Jooste also emphasizes that visibility gained through the awards enhances credibility. This increases the likelihood of women-owned businesses securing contracts, expanding operations, and gaining invitations to influential spaces.

2026 Theme: Tech Believers

The 2026 theme, “Tech Believers,” highlights the commitment of female founders who invest time, resources, and effort into their ideas even before receiving market validation. It calls on the broader ecosystem to reciprocate this conviction with support through capital, mentorship, and partnerships.

Commitment to South Africa’s Digital Economy

The Innovator Trust remains committed to annually celebrating women who contribute to South Africa’s digital economy by creating jobs and addressing real-world problems. Their ongoing work is instrumental in advancing the technology sector.

Key Takeaways

  • The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards 2026 celebrates female-led ICT enterprises grown through incubation programs.
  • The event includes free virtual registration, a speaker series, and highlights the journey from startup to expansion.
  • Notable past speakers bring insights on leadership, economic inclusion, and technology challenges.
  • CEO Tashline Jooste advocates for increased market support to enhance women entrepreneurs’ growth and visibility.
  • The 2026 theme, “Tech Believers,” calls for ecosystem support through capital, mentorship, and partnerships.
  • The awards emphasize ongoing contributions to South Africa’s digital economy and job creation.