The South African technology and innovation landscape will take centre stage on May 3rd, 2025, when the National Innovation & Tech Awards (NITA) returns as part of the South Africa Trade & Consumer Expo (SATCE) at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most forward-looking business accolades, NITA 2025 promises to highlight the individuals, startups, and organisations leading the next wave of digital transformation, sustainable development, and tech-enabled social impact across the continent.
Presented in association with National Media & News Group, BusinessToday.co.za , Capital Radio South Africa and the National Post newspaper, NITA 2025 arrives at a time when Africa’s innovation ecosystem is accelerating in both scale and sophistication. This year’s edition recognises over 70 nominees across five core categories, reflecting SA’s expansive and cross-sectoral innovation momentum — from artificial intelligence and green tech to ecommerce, education, and creative technology.
“Innovation has moved from buzzword to survival imperative,” says Jordan Kensington, SATCE’s President/CEO “NITA honours not only the disruptors and coders behind South Africa’s most promising tech, but also the community-minded innovators reshaping lives through impact-driven digital solutions.”
Among the most closely watched categories this year are Tech Startup of the Year, featuring frontrunners like VALR, Carry1st, Planet42, and Droppa — as well as Best South African Entrepreneur in Tech, where leading figures such as Vinny Lingham (Newtown Partners), Katlego Maphai (Yoco), and Farzam Ehsani (VALR) are nominated for their trailblazing leadership.
In a nod to South Africa’s growing AI capabilities, the Best AI & Machine Learning Innovation shortlist includes emerging platforms such as Akiba Digital, inQuba, and Flowplan, alongside fintech titans like VALR. The popular E-Commerce Disruptor Award brings together innovative platforms revolutionising online transactions and last-mile logistics, with entries including Kandua, Bioniq, and Seso Global.
Sustainability-focused categories reflect a growing urgency around environmental resilience and smart infrastructure. Nominees in the Green Tech & Sustainability category include GreenGrid Africa, SunStream Energy, and Matter Industries, while the Smart City & Infrastructure Innovation segment casts a spotlight on scalable urban solutions from players such as iKapa Smart Grid and CitySmart Africa.
The awards also give a nod to South Africa’s rising digital creative economy. Categories such as Best Tech in Entertainment & Media and Gaming & Metaverse Innovation include the likes of Showmax Originals, VooVix TV, Carry1st Gaming Division, and VirtuAfrica Gaming, illustrating the intersection of content, storytelling, and technology.
Importantly, the Social & Community Impact segment will honour tech-for-good ventures making measurable social contributions. Platforms such as HealthBridge SA, SA Cares Digital Platform, and EmpowerNet lead the nominations, while the Women in Tech Leadership Award pays tribute to influential figures including Aisha Pandor (SweepSouth), Rapelang Rabana (Rekindle Learning), and Nomso Kana, a nuclear scientist and digital inclusion advocate.
NITA 2025 will culminate in a red-carpet ceremony hosted within the SATCE main stage arena. The event will feature keynote speeches from industry leaders, live startup showcases, and media coverage by Capital Radio SA, BusinessToday.co.za, and National Post Newspaper. Winners will be selected by a panel of experts representing academia, venture capital, public policy, and global tech organisations.
Here is the Official full list of nominees for the National Innovation and Technology Awards 2025:
Best South African Entrepreneur in Tech 2025
Farzam Ehsani – VALR
Cordel Robbin-Coker – Carry1st
Khathutshelo Mufamadi – Droppa
Marnus van Heerden – Pineapple
Vinny Lingham – Newtown Partners
Katlego Maphai – Yoco
Calvin Collett – Melon Mobile
Tech Startup of the Year 2025
Qwili
SV Capital
Tipped
TUNL
Stitch
Most Innovative SME Solution 2025
Flowplan
Wamly
Akiba Digital
inQuba
MobiLife
Flow
SweepSouth
Bottom of Form
Best AI & Machine Learning Innovation 2025
VALR
Kolleno
Akiba Digital
inQuba
Flowplan
Wamly
MobiLife
Green Tech & Sustainability Award 2025
ELDO
Matter Industries
BATTALION Technologies
Dust BioSolutions
GreenGrid Africa
SunStream Energy
EcoSmart Solutions
Smart City & Infrastructure Innovation 2025
iKapa Smart Grid
InfraTech Solutions
CitySmart Africa
UrbanNet Technologies
AfriBuild Systems
SmartHub Infrastructure
EcoCity Dynamics
Agritech & Food Security Innovation 2025
AgUnity South Africa
AgriEdge Solutions
FreshBox
AgriTech Africa
GreenGrow Technologies
AgriSmart Farms
CropSafe Solutions
Best Tech in Entertainment & Media 2025
Showmax Originals
VooVix TV
AfroTech Media
YFM Digital
Podcast Connect SA
MediaX Africa
StreamZone
Gaming & Metaverse Innovation Award 2025
Carry1st Gaming Division
Metaverse Africa
VRPlay South Africa
GameZone Africa
PlayTech Studios
ARConnect Africa
VirtuAfrica Gaming
Content Creator Tech Excellence
CreatorHub Africa
Influencer Connect SA
ContentWorks Studios
VideoLab Africa
Podcasters United SA
Visionary Creators Network
Streamline Media
Tech for Good Award 2025
HealthBridge SA
EduTech Africa
FinAccess
SA Cares Digital Platform
ImpactTech Africa
EmpowerNet
UpliftTech
Password Kid
Best IT Company 2025
Rectron
Pinnacle
Westech
Gijima
Mustek
Frontosa
Datatec Ltd
Alviva Holdings Ltd
Prosus
Bytes Technology
Education & EdTech Innovation 2025
UniRepublic
EduTech Africa
SkillShare SA
FutureLearn SA
Code4SA
LearnSmart Technologies
BrightPath Academy
Women in Tech Leadership Award 2025
Rapelang Rabana – Rekindle Learning
Aisha Pandor – SweepSouth
Arlene Mulder – WeThinkCode_
Thulisile Volwana – Zulzi
Emma Ruttkamp-Bloem – AI Ethics Expert
Dr. Mmaki Jantjies – Digital Learning Advocate
Nomso Kana – Nuclear Scientist & Tech Entrepreneur
Thulile Mthethwa – Memeza
Fintech Innovation of the Year 2025
VALR
Sava
Akiba Digital
Kolleno
MobiLife
Pineapple
Yoco
Ecentric
Easy Debit
Jumo
Best Breakthrough Start Up 2025
Millennial Mindset Media
TicketKore
TicketRepublic.co.za
Rather.Chat
Afrika Tikkun Bambanani
MySociaLife
Findology
Bitventure Consulting
Clear Access
Rook Digital
Khonology
Technology & Digital Innovation Award 2025
Africa Data Centres
Boxfusion
EasyEquities
Isazi Consulting
Rook Digital
Khonology
Easy Debit
Best Telecommunications Company 2025
MTN
Vodacom
Telkom
Cell C
Rain (Pty) Ltd
Virgin Mobile South Africa
Lycamobile (Pty) Ltd
Me&You Mobile
Melon Mobile
E-Commerce Disruptor Award 2025
Carry1st
Droppa
Kandua
Seso Global
TeleShoppy
Planet42
Loot.co.za
Takealot Online
Yuppiechef
gumtree.co.za
Property 24
Best Financial & Payment Solutions 2025
PayCurve
Planet42
CompariSure
Revio (reviopay.com)
FinChatBot
Pineapple Tech
Jem HR Ltd
I Pay Secure Payment (Pty) Ltd
Slide Financial
Best Tech Services Award 2025
AWS South Africa (Pty) Ltd
BCX
SAP South Africa
Entelect
Altron
Digiata
VegaTech
Elemental
Digital Marketing and Design Award
KNOWN DESIGN
Casson Media
ATKASA Digital Agency
Dudobi
Bravo Web Designs
Zealous System
Want to attend? Get your tickets now via Ticket Republic @ [www.ticketrepublic.co.za ] — and be part of Africa’s biggest celebration of innovation. 🎟️✨
