Who will shine at the African Influencer Awards 2024? Discover the nominees for sports personalities, social media influencers, and more.

The highly anticipated fourth edition of the African Influencer Awards (AIFAs) 2024 is fast approaching. With the official nominees’ list now released and voting officially open, excitement is building for what promises to be a spectacular event.

Set to take place at the magnificent MECC in Bulawayo on October 26, the award ceremony will commence at 5:30 pm under the theme “Black, White, and Gold Glamour.” This theme symbolizes elegance and sophistication, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Nicolette Mdhluli, the event’s visionary organiser, emphasized that the African Influencer Awards are dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of youth start-up founders and youth-led brands. “Our mission is to create a thriving network of entrepreneurs who are the key drivers of our economy here in Zimbabwe and across Africa,” Mdhluli explained. “This event shines a spotlight on grassroots entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on active community involvement in the selection process.”

The voting process and the event itself are designed to foster a robust network for both current and aspiring entrepreneurs. It paves the way for collaborations that address pressing socio-economic challenges within the communities these start-ups operate in. Mdhluli further elaborated that winners will receive prestigious accolades, certificates, and gifts from various category sponsors. Voting for the nominees is already underway and will conclude on September 30 at 8:00 pm.

Competing for the coveted Top Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award are Abel Mpofu, founder of Abiza Embroidery; Geraldine Zikwature of Ezee Kleen/Ezee Butchery; Nichola Carr, Founder/CEO of Fast Track Media; and Terrence Mugova, founder of Educate Founding the Future. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional innovation and leadership in their respective fields.

The Gamechangers’ Award category features remarkable contenders such as Anitta Neshiri of Girl Talk Zimbabwe, Nothixo Sibanda from Bake Now, entrepreneur Plaxedes Dube, and Vuyo Mtshali of Lucent Designs. These nominees have made significant contributions to their industries and are recognized for their transformative impact.

One of the highlights of this year’s awards is the prestigious Editor’s Special Award 2024. Among the nominees are Mbulelo Mpofu, a distinguished journalist from the Chronicle newspaper, and Mpumelelo Moyo, a journalist from NewsDay. These individuals have made substantial contributions to the media industry and their recognition underscores their dedication to journalistic excellence.

In a recent interview, Mbulelo Mpofu expressed his gratitude for being nominated. “I feel incredibly honoured to be recognized among some of the most influential individuals in our community. This is my first nomination for the African Influencer Awards, and it feels surreal. Being acknowledged for my work means so much to me,” he shared. Mpofu has previously won prestigious awards such as the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) Outstanding Journalist gong and the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (PRACA) Best Journalist accolade.

Mpumelelo Moyo, who has been previously nominated as one of the top five entertainment reporters in South Africa for his widely-read articles, also shared his joy at the Afrluencer nomination. “I am deeply honoured to be recognized for my contributions to the industry as a reporter and journalist. I hold immense respect for my fellow nominees, as they are true stars of our craft,” Moyo said.

In the Afrluencer Man of the Year 2024 category, Tonderai Rice, CEO of Harris Lodges and Entertainment, stands out. His company is renowned for hosting the Bulawayo Shutdown gig. Jordan Dube, Rice’s manager, shared their excitement about the nomination. “We are thrilled that our boss is recognized as one of Bulawayo’s leading business figures. It’s not just about winning but being appreciated and recognized for hard work,” he noted.

Other notable personalities nominated include artists such as Greatjoy Hlatshwayo, Lee McHoney, Alleta Nyathi, Vusa Mangena, and Jaison Makara.

Below is the full list of African Influencer Awards 2024 nominees:

**Green Start-up of the Year 2024**
– Beauty Moyo – Co-Founder Sol-A-Way
– Cinderella Ndlovu – Green Hut Initiative Trust
– Kudakwashe Dhliwayo – Founder – Vital Recycling
– Nokukhaya Moyo – Ama Nom-Nom
– Sanelisiwe Ncube – Glass Recycling Designs
– Sizolwenkosi Mazolo – Founder – Homegrown (Ingcebethu Pvt Ltd)

**Top Entrepreneur of the Year 2024**
– Abel Mpofu – Founder – Abiza Embroidery
– Geraldine Zikwature – Ezee Kleen/Ezee Butchery
– Nichola Carr – Founder / CEO – Fast Track Media
– Terrence Mugova – Social Entrepreneur | Founder – Educate Founding the Future

**Top Innovator of the Year 2024**
– Actual Construction
– Buhle Nkala – Chef Wodumo
– Bulawayo Tech
– DCI Energy Solutions
– Proqit Solution
– Xolani Clara Ndebele

**Community Service Excellence Award 2024**
– Insika Trust
– Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga – Nozizwe Mothers Of Nations Trust
– Lubelihle Audrey Mazithulela – GirlUp Bulawayo
– Mthokozisi Unique – Founder | Youth Creative Ideas
– Newlife Care Mental Health Consultancy
– Nyasha Grace Manzou – My Period, Period talk show
– Talent Gutu and Nompumelelo Mlotshwa – Kahle Counseling Hub
– Tyrone Harvar – Social Change Maker | Founder – Tyrone Havnar Mentorship Programme

**Editor’s Special Award 2024**
– Jonah Nyoni – Author, A Call to Leadership Agility
– Mbulelo Mpofu- Journalist, Chronicle
– Mpumelelo Moyo – Journalist, Newsday
– Mthokozisi Ncube – AbaseMaNcubeni Writers Association
– Nonhlanhla Moyo – Mahlahla – Blogger – Mommy Diaries
– Rutendo Shoko – Mental Health Blogger – Roxxy’s Random Thoughts

**Top Female Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024**
– Coralie Makoona – Instagram influencer
– Ella – Dancer
– Lee McHoney – Musician/ Content Creator
– Michelle Mushawatu – Digital Creator | Blogger
– Nicole Jamu – TV Host | Radio Personality
– Phyllis Tsikisai – Instagram Influencer

**Top Male Social Media Influencer of the Year 2024**
– Bulawayo My City – Social Media Platform – Facebook
– Greatjoy Hlatshwayo – Actor/ Artist/ Radio and TV presenter
– Khumbulani Muposi – Activist | Stage and TV Presenter / Voice-Over Personality
– Tinotenda Benjamin Unathi Jubane – Brand Model
– Robyn Chirisa – Social Media Influencer
– Valentine Nyama – Social Media influencer

**Best Content Creator of the Year 2024**
– Alleta Nyathi – TikTok Content Creator
– Coralie Mokoona – Social Media Content Creator
– Jaison Makara – Cinematographer | Film Maker
– Mthabisi A. Ndlovu – Content Creator – Almasi Creatives
– Sincominkosi Khumalo – Kingdom Culture Podcast
– Miles Matunya – Television Content Creator

**Excellence in the Beauty Industry 2024**
– Charleline Andile Muza – Glamedup By Charmza
– Londiwe Mabhena – Indulgence Hair Studio
– Owen Magengezha – Owen’s Beauty Studios
– Pauline Chiwanza – Misspeetrends
– Rhoda_Ray Josephs – Founder – Inizio Azriel
– Tawanda Nyambuya – Amoreol Organic Labs
– Thelma Tsikira – Beauty Redefined

**Excellence in the Fashion Industry 2024**
– Bernard Hatts – Scarless Designs
– Blessing Ncube – Tamay Fashion House
– Kundai Caryn – Founder | Lead Designer – Caryn Amani
– Kelly Nokuthaba Ndlovu – Founder | Creative Director – Bantu Clothing
– Petronella – Founder | Creative Director – Nella Farlons
– Rutendo Shoko – True

**Afrluencer Woman of the Year 2024**
– Beauty Moyo – Entrepreneur | Founder – Blessings Trust
– Brenda Ndlovu – Entrepreneur | Founder – Blessings Trust
– Hlengiwe Bhebhe – Radio Personality
– Judith Dhlakama – Founder – Woman Emancipate Yourself
– Molly Winckelmans – Artpreneur | Founder – MollysArtMove
– Roseweeter Chimberengwa – Entrepreneur | Farmer | Founder – Gwanda Christian School

**Afrluencer Man of the Year 2024**
– Leroy Nyangani – Need Energy
– Mr Rice – Businessman
– Mthokozisi Unique Ndlovu – Youth Creative Ideas
– Nhlanhla Malinga – Maligon Properties | Phelimaling Constructions
– Vusa Mangena – Gospel artist

Join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals who are shaping Africa’s future through innovation, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.