Wired4Women Awards 2026
The Wired4Women Awards, brought to you by the Wired4Women Tech Forum and ITWeb Brainstorm, recognise the women who are making a real difference in South Africa’s tech sector. With 13 award categories, the programme celebrates everyone from top executives and industry pioneers to mentors, entrepreneurs, innovators, rising stars and students.
Despite worthy efforts to improve diversity, the gender gap is still very real in SA’s ICT space. Changing this requires a shift in mindset. Young women need to see other women leading, innovating and succeeding - proof that a career in tech is not only possible, but exciting and rewarding.
Since launching in 2024, the Wired4Women Awards have championed a more equitable, diverse and thriving tech ecosystem – one that strengthens the industry and advances South Africa’s broader economy. The response has been phenomenal: hundreds of nominations each year highlight just how much talent and impact women bring to the sector. A rigorous adjudication process leads to a prestigious gala ceremony where the winners are announced.
As we launch the third annual Wired4Women Awards, we remain committed to keeping the process democratic, fair and transparent while shining an even brighter light on the remarkable women driving South Africa’s tech innovation and growth.
Celebrating excellence in tech
What
Following last year’s overwhelming success, Wired4Women Tech Forum is proud to host the second Wired4Women Awards.
Across 13 categories covering leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, tech talent and more, these prestigious awards celebrate the excellence and impact of women in South Africa's tech industry, and aim to inspire greater participation by providing role models for future generations.
How
The awards are run with independence and integrity, beginning with a public call for nominations. Anyone can submit a nomination via this portal, provided it meets the criteria and follows our competition rules.
Our judging panel will select the finalists in each category, and the winners will be announced at a gala event where awards and prizes will be presented.
Where & When
After the announcement of the finalists in February, a rigorous adjudication process will take place to select the winners. The winners will be revealed on 16 April 2026 at the Wired4Women Awards Banquet at Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff.
Secure your sponsorship today!
iSchoolAfrica
Wired4Women Awards has partnered with iSchoolAfrica to give young girls in under resourced schools and marginalised communities access to the world’s best technology, digital literacy, coding and robotics.
Together with our partners and award winners, we will empower young girls to become innovators in STEM fields, leaders in their communities and builders of their own futures.
www.ischoolafrica.com
Award categories
CIO of the Year
CISO of the Year
Tech Business Leader
Tech Entrepreneur
Tech Innovator
Tech for Good
Channel Achiever of the Year
As we’ve seen over the past two years, these awards play a vital role in creating visible, inspiring role models for the next generation. We rely on the broader community to help us highlight the outstanding women in tech. Together, we can drive real change.
Nominations are open until
8 February 2026 at 23:59 SAST
