Global WiM Awards 2025: Celebrating the Africa Region Winners

WINNERS

Khensani Nobanda – Group Executive: Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Nedbank, South Africa

Winner — Outstanding Contribution to Marketing Award (Brand)
Judges’ Comment:
“Super smart on every level — fantastic marketer, mentor and motivator. The ‘See Money Differently’ campaign is a very smart and insightful platform to continue to highlight and innovate how to safely utilise money.”

Dr Gillian Hammah – Chief Marketing Officer, Aya Data, Ghana

Winner — WiM AI for Impact Award

Judges’ Comments:

1. “The work showcased in this entry sits at the intersection of AI, marketing, innovation and social impact. Inspired by her own development journey, Gillian combines creativity with generous knowledge sharing. Her work demonstrates leadership, creativity and a commitment to inclusion.”
2. “Gillian is a changemaker who brings AI to life for people not often invited into the conversation. She transforms fear into curiosity and access into empowerment — proving that real innovation starts with inclusion, not technology.”

Sthando Msweli – Lead Strategist, Matte BLK, South Africa

HIGHLY COMMENDED — One to Watch Award
Judges’ Comment:
“Sthando makes purpose practical. Through WalletWise, she brought financial education to over 40 million South Africans, turning learning into liberation and giving people the confidence to own their financial choices.”

Esosa Osagiede – Group Creative Director, Insight Publicis, Nigeria

Highly Commended — Creative Marketer of the Year
Judges’ Comments:

1. “Esosa is bold — able to reimagine campaigns that are both culturally sharp and commercially successful. She leads, and she opens doors for others.”
2. • “A true trailblazer and creative force who challenges gender and racial norms while championing the next generation.”
   • “The Long Neck campaign was a standout: fresh, culturally relevant, energetic and deeply resonant.”
   • “Her work blends creative excellence with purpose — celebrating representation, authenticity, and the power of culture.”

Venus Tawiah – Agency Lead, Now Available Africa, Ghana

Highly Commended — Outstanding Contribution to Marketing (Agency)
Judges’ Comments:

1. “I like Venus’ energy and gumption; she sounds like a woman on a mission across multiple marketing verticals within Ghana.”
2. “The first Ghanaian Cannes Lions WARC judge — a true trailblazer!”

Andra Nel – Head of Corporate Affairs, KFC Africa, South Africa

Highly Commended — WiM Social Impact Award
Judges’ Comment:
“A sustained, cross-case impact story that demonstrates Andra’s sincere commitment to reconciling profit-making and doing good — a balance that is often met with scepticism. Her work is impressive, impactful, and deliberately kept separate from the brand to ensure authenticity.”

SPECIAL MENTION & COMMENDED

Enniye Timiebi – Consumer Marketing Manager, Spotify, Nigeria

Special Mention — One to Watch Award
Judges’ Comments:

1. “Enniye builds bridges between culture and technology. Her ‘Made For You’ campaign turned listening into belonging — showing that data means little without emotion.”
2. “A magical creative talent who brings ideas to life with local relevance inside a global brand. Her work makes the future of marketing feel exciting.”

Michelle Marais – Dentsu Creative, South Africa

Commended — WiM Copywriting Award

Matte BLK (Pty) Ltd, South Africa

Commended — WiM Company Award
Judges’ Comment:
“An incredible business with impressive clients and fantastic reach. Hearty congratulations and great kudos to all the team!”

 

Celebrating Excellence Across Africa

This year’s cohort reflected the breadth, brilliance, and growing influence of African women in marketing, creativity, technology, and leadership. From AI innovation to culturally resonant storytelling, from financial education to purpose-driven strategy, these awardees exemplify the spirit of progress shaping Africa’s marketing landscape.

We are honoured to celebrate them — and inspired by the impact they continue to make across the continent and beyond.

Take a look at all the Awardees and the photos from the Global WiM Awards 2025.

 

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