Innovator Trust Gearing Up for Women in Tech Awards to Celebrate SA's Female Innovators

The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) 2025 are all set to highlight the skill and importance of South African female-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) which are moving the needle ahead for technology innovation.

The awards were founded by Vodacom, 10 years ago with the objective of helping boost the capabilities of women-led businesses within the country’s tech sector.

Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, spoke about the critical need for women-led innovation for societal and economic progression. She said, “Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress.”

Tashine further added, “Research conducted by the McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance.” She also highlighted statistical data that indicated women founders’ skills when it comes to building successful and profitable businesses.

The event is expected to feature several important panel discussions, keynote presentations, plenary discussions, and exhibitions. The event will also allow attendees to network and have an open dialogue on forward-thinking strategies.

The event is scheduled to be held on November 20, 2025, at Vodacom World in Midrand. Marking the awards’ 10^th anniversary, this year’s awards will shine the spotlight on the plethora of accomplishments of women in tech and innovation. It will also celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the Innovator Trust's commitment to Black-owned ICT SMMEs in South Africa.