Celebrating Trailblazers Across Africa’s Tech and Innovation – A Night That Shifted the Continent’s Innovation Narrative – The National Innovation & Technology Awards (NITA) 2025 has officially marked a monumental chapter in its global expansion with an unforgettable night at the Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria, on Saturday, 3rd May 2025. For the first time on African soil, the awards celebrated South Africa’s most pioneering startups, entrepreneurs, and companies transforming the future through bold, cutting-edge innovation.
With its roots in Europe and a reach spanning 15 countries, NITA’s African debut was not only a showcase of game-changing tech—it was a declaration that Africa is no longer emerging. It’s leading!
FULL LIST OF 2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The 2025 NITA Awards recognised excellence across 23 competitive categories. From fintech and AI to green energy, content creation, and education technology, here are this year’s winners:
Fintech Innovation of the Year
Easy Debit (Bitventure Consulting)
Technology & Digital Innovation Award
Bitventure Consulting
Best South African Entrepreneur in Tech
Vinny Lingham – Newtown Partners
Recognised for his visionary leadership and long-standing impact on Africa’s innovation economy.
Tech Startup of the Year
TUNL
Green Tech & Sustainability Award
GreenGrid Africa
Smart City & Infrastructure Innovation
iKapa Smart Grid
Agritech & Food Security Innovation
AgriTech Africa
Content Creator Tech Excellence
CreatorHub Africa
Best AI & Machine Learning Innovation
inQuba
Most Innovative SME Solution
Wamly
E-Commerce Disruptor Award
Carry1st
Gaming & Metaverse Innovation Award
Carry1st
Best Tech in Entertainment & Media
Showmax Originals
Tech for Good Award
HealthBridge SA
Best IT Company
Datatec Ltd
Education & EdTech Innovation
EduTech Africa
Best Telecommunications Company
MTN South Africa
Best Financial & Payment Solutions
Yoco
Best Tech Services Award
Entelect
Digital Marketing and Design Award
KNOWN DESIGN
Best Breakthrough Start-Up
Millennial Mindset Media
Women in Tech Leadership Award
Rekindle Learning
“We are incredibly proud to have launched the African edition of NITA here in South Africa,” said Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships at NITA. “The stories, solutions, and spirit of innovation we’ve seen tonight prove that Africa is not just ready to lead — it already is.”
Hosted in partnership with Teleshoppy.com and Vloggoo, the evening brought together top founders, corporate leaders, government officials, and global investors under one roof — many of whom are already collaborating on the back of introductions made at NITA. The Telephonos.com platform served as the official voting hub, drawing thousands of votes across the continent in an interactive process that underscored Africa’s rising digital engagement.
What’s Next?
With expansion into 15 countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, and more—NITA is on track to become the largest tech recognition platform across the globe. And Africa is at the heart of that mission.