Five Women Entrepreneurs Win 2026 UNCTAD Awards in Doha

At the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha, Qatar, women entrepreneurs from Uganda, Argentina, Qatar, Brazil and Nigeria have been internationally recognized at the 2026 Empretec Women in Business Awards. The awards was organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), honour women entrepreneurs who are bringing innovation, sustainability, financial inclusion and economic growth to the forefront of their work.

The awards present the work of women entrepreneurs who are leading businesses, and the hurdles faced by them when their businesses grow. Wendy's continued need for access to finance, skilled employees, mentorship, investment and professional networks is still critical if entrepreneurs are to achieve sustainable growth.

The awards are given to entrepreneurs in the three categories: entrepreneurship (leadership), sustainability, innovation and technology, with 52 entrepreneurs nominated by Empretec centres of entrepreneurship training and business development.

Key Highlights

• Five women founders recognized for leadership, sustainability, innovation and technology
• UNCTAD and Qatari association expand support for women entrepreneurs
• Doha forum highlights investment access and business growth opportunities

Sandra Letio from Uganda was awarded the leadership award by Pelere Group Limited. Her business collaborates with over 5,000 smallholder farmers along the shea and oilseed value chain. Her work brings to light the role of women entrepreneurs in agricultural development, rural livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.

Paula Gianserra of Argentina took home the award for sustainability for her work in forest restoration with Reforest Latam, which combines artificial intelligence, biotechnology and drone seeding. Her method is an example to other women entrepreneurs about how they can use technology and a greener approach to solve ecological issues.

Wafir, a financial technology solution from Qatar's Aisha Albinali, is innovation recipient for an adaptation of the traditional way of saving to a digital financial model. Her work emphasizes the possibilities of financial technology to enhance access to savings services.

Brazil's Adriana Fernandes received another honor for innovation for her efforts with Mátrika Special Foods. The company enters into the creation of food products for those with allergies and specific dietary needs, satisfying the need for more inclusive products.

Earlybean, a product by Biobele Oyibo, Nigeria, for financial literacy and inclusion of youths, won the technology award. She is passionate on educating the younger generation about financial education and making financial decisions.

In addition to the awards, the UNCTAD and the Qatari Businesswomen Association also signed an MOU to enhance collaboration in providing assistance to women entrepreneurs and promote women's economic empowerment.

The forum also featured the session Women who invest: Mobilizing female capital for the future with ministers, investors, family offices and business leaders. The issues discussed highlighted the benefits of increasing the role of women in investments for entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth.

UNCTAD has pointed out that women entrepreneurs generate employment, provide innovative technologies and address social, environmental issues, but it is difficult to expand businesses. Funding, skilled talent, mentorship and business networks remain important to their success in reaching new markets.

The honouring of these five entrepreneurs demonstrates a growing role for women leaders throughout agriculture, forest restoration, financial technology, specialized food production and financial education.