35 Under 35 - 2025 Cohort
Become Africa’s Next Triumph
We are scouting for resilient & active female participants in the labor market, engrossed in providing sustainable solutions to Africa’s diverse challenges through enterprising & creative approaches. Could it Be YOU?
Nominations for 2025 Now Open
Inaugural Edition
2024 Cohort
Our maiden awards spotlighted and celebrated 35 promising African Female Entrepreneurs and Innovators under the age of 35, leading investment-ready ventures
5 African Countries
Multiple Sector Representation
Climate Change, Agriculture, Creative Arts, Education, Technology, Health, Security etc.
- Climate Change
- Agriculture
- Agriculture
- Creative Arts
- Education
- Technology
- Health
- Security
- etc.......
Maiden Magazine
Africa 35 Under 35
The 35 Under 35 Magazine is Africa’s foremost Pan-African publication with an overarching mandate of elevating and empowering the continent’s women-led economy.
The magazine seeks to bridge Africa’s gender funding gap by validating the respective stories and amplifying the voices of young African women under the age of 35.
This initiative honors the ingenuity, resilience, and impact of young female leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers actively shaping the continent’s future through their ventures.
African Countries Represented
Nomination Enquiry Spot
Nomination Timeframe
- Nominations Open on Jul 25, 2025 & Closes on Sept 26, 2025
- The deadline for submitting nominations is Sept 26, 2025. After this date, no further nominations will be accepted. Kindly oblige.
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?
- Benchmarking
- A Paragon of Inspiration
- Attracting Potential Investors
- Continental Credibility & Recognition
- Networking & Mentorship Opportunities
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
2024 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
of the 35 Under 35 evaluation process. No fee is involved.
Women-led Businesses
Awarded & Supported
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...