35 Under 35 – WestlionCo

35 Under 35 - 2024 Cohort

Africa’s Promising Shepreneurs

As an organization, we scout for resilient & active female participants in the labor market, engrossed in providing sustainable solutions to Africa’s diverse challenges through enterprising and creative approaches.

Nominations for 2024 Now Open

Are you an African female founder, entrepreneur, or innovator under 35? Are you dedicated to providing sustainable solutions to Africa’s varied challenges through your enterprise? Do you have a compelling story to tell? If so, this is your ideal moment to be recognized and celebrated.

Most Promising Female

Entrepreneurs in Africa

Our annual listing validates the respective stories and amplifies the voices of promising female entrepreneurs under the age of 35 across the African continent.

Nomination Enquiry Spot

Nomination Timeframe

Selection Criteria

A citizen of an African Country
A minimum of SHS Certification
A female aged between 18 - 35
A business owner or co-founder
A registered business in existence for 3 years or beyond
Proof of impact & overall business performance
Applicable SDGs

Evaluation Process

Nomination: Self-nomination or nomination by peers marks the commencement of the evaluation process. No fee is involved.
Screening: We undertake an initial screening process to confirm that all nominees fulfill our fundamental eligibility requirements. Only qualified applicants can move to the assessment stage.
Assessment: This critical phase is essential for identifying exceptional entrepreneurs who stand out from the crowd. Our expert panel evaluates nominees through an impartial assessment of potential, industry contribution, and overall business performance.
Shortlisting: Based on the results of the assessment made, we narrow down to our preferred number.
Announcement: The final list of 35 Most Promising Female Entrepreneurs is compiled in our E-Magazine and announced at the Africa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Summit.

Why Apply?

Getting recognized and celebrated propels your brand into the African entrepreneurial spotlight.

Feature Package

Website Feature
Annual Digital Magazine
Interviews & Pitching Opportunities
Local & International Media Exposure
Training Opportunities & wider Network
Awardee at the Africa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Summit

2023 Awards: A Visual Recap

Shepreneurs Spotlight

Q&A with Mary Aba Buckman

Driven by a desire for ultimate creative freedom and the ability to express her artistic vision without limitations, Mary ventured into entrepreneurship. This led to the founding of Creatrix Studios, a company specializing in 3D signage production.

Let’s Spotlight Together

Self-nomination or nomination by peers marks the commencement
of the 35 Under 35 evaluation process. No fee is involved.

Recent Updates

Courtesy Call to the Rwanda High Commission

Last week, a delegation from WestlionCo made a courtesy call to the Rwanda High Commission ahead of the upcoming Africa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Summit 2024. This meeting aimed to set the...

Nominations Open for 2024 Cohort: Africa’s Most Promising Female Entrepreneurs Under 35

We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Cohort of Africa’s 35 Under 35 Annual Listing and Awards. This esteemed recognition highlights the incredible accomplishments,...

Q & A Session with Mary Tackie Yaoboi, CEO, The She Guards.

Brief Profile My name is Mary Tackie Yaoboi, a graduate of Knutsford University College with a major in human resource management. Since childhood, I have harbored a deep-seated desire and...