The Empire Partner Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 edition of its flagship initiative, the EPF Tech Awards – an annual celebration recognising South Africa’s most promising young tech innovators who are using digital solutions to address the country’s most urgent socio-economic challenges.
Now in its latest edition, the 2025 EPF Tech Awards continue to champion South Africa’s rising tech talent, providing a high-impact platform that fuels collaboration across the startup ecosystem, corporate sector, and investment community.
“The EPF Tech Awards are a vital catalyst for South Africa’s tech ecosystem,” said Joanna Govender, CEO of Empire Partner Foundation. “They not only recognize and celebrate homegrown innovation, but also create a powerful platform for startups, corporates, and investors to connect, collaborate, and accelerate impact-driven solutions. By shining a spotlight on local talent, the Awards inspire the next generation of tech leaders and drive inclusive growth across the country.”
One notable success story is TechFinancials News, recipient of the EPF Tech Award for Tech Media Excellence.
“Winning the EPF Tech Award has elevated TechFinancials’ credibility as a trusted voice in fintech and AI reporting, attracting higher-profile partnerships, exclusive industry insights, and a broader audience,” said Gugu Lourie, Founder of TechFinancials News. “The recognition reinforces our commitment to cutting-edge journalism, driving engagement from innovators, investors, and policymakers who rely on our analysis to shape decisions.”
Gugu also emphasised the critical role tech media plays in South Africa’s innovation landscape:
“Tech media acts as a catalyst for innovation by amplifying local startups, demystifying emerging trends, and holding power accountable. In South Africa’s unequal digital environment, tech journalism bridges critical knowledge gaps, pushing for a more inclusive, tech-driven future.”
2025 Award Categories
Nominees can be entered in the following categories:
- Tech Visionary of the Year
- Start-Up of the Year
- Social Impact Award
- AI & Data Excellence of the Year
- FinTech Innovator Award
- Woman in Tech Award
- Township Tech Leader
- People’s Choice Tech Award
Nominate Now: https://epftechfund.orcaa.ai/trainee_application/program_register/6
What Makes the EPF Tech Awards Unique?
- Problem-Driven Categories: Entries are judged across critical focus areas such as education, healthcare, energy, water, public safety, and infrastructure – reflecting South Africa’s most pressing development needs.
- Mentorship and Exposure: Winners gain access to EPF’s support ecosystem, including national media exposure and opportunities to pitch to investors and industry leaders.
- Youth Empowerment: With a core focus on youth-led innovation, the Awards build a sustainable pipeline of tech leaders prepared to shape South Africa’s digital economy.
The 2025 EPF Tech Awards continue to demonstrate the power of young minds equipped with the tools and platforms to drive real impact and innovation.
For More Information or Media Inquiries:
Lelethu Mabala
Media & Communications | Empire Partner Foundation
[email protected]
