NAIROBI, Kenya- In a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, Mastercard announced the winners of the third edition of its Women SME Leaders Awards.
Held at the Bluewaters Forum by Banyan Tree in Dubai, this year’s event marked the first in-person ceremony, recognizing the outstanding achievements of women-led businesses across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Launched in 2022, the Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards is the first initiative of its kind dedicated to honoring female entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of their regions.
The awards spotlight businesses with turnovers under $13.6 million (1.76 billion Kenyan shillings) and 6-50 employees.
This year’s winners span diverse sectors, from technology to retail, each making significant strides in their respective fields.
“At Mastercard, we believe that supporting women entrepreneurs goes beyond boosting the economy—it’s about fulfilling their desire to solve real needs,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.
“The Women SME Leaders Awards is integral to our women’s empowerment journey, helping us uplift impactful women changemakers.”
Recognizing Excellence Across Sectors
The award ceremony, hosted by UAE-based broadcast journalist Sonal Rupani, celebrated women leaders in various categories.
These winners were chosen through a rigorous selection process by a judging committee comprising Mastercard executives and industry experts.
The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the broader impact of women entrepreneurs.
Inspiring Discussions and Future Goals
The event featured insightful discussions from prominent industry leaders.
One of the discussions focused on fueling business growth through innovation and creativity, emphasizing the importance of private sector collaboration.
Mastercard’s commitment to women’s empowerment extends beyond the awards.The company aims to connect 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025, a goal it achieved two years ahead of schedule in June 2023.
