Johannesburg, South Africa – The National Innovation & Technology Awards (NITA) are set to make history on May 3, 2025, as they arrive in South Africa for the first time, marking an exciting chapter in the prestigious event’s expansion to 15 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and now Africa. The event, which celebrates the brightest minds in the technology and innovation sectors, will take place at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.
The awards, which are based in Europe, have been a cornerstone of innovation for the last several years and are now firmly rooted in global recognition. This year’s ceremony will showcase the work of cutting-edge innovators, from AI and machine learning advancements to fintech breakthroughs and sustainability solutions.
In a major step for the African tech landscape, the National Innovation & Technology Awards will shine a spotlight on the continent’s trailblazing entrepreneurs and innovators. The event will also serve as a platform for thought leaders in the industry, fostering cross-continental conversations and collaborations.
Voting Live Now – Cast Your Votes for the 2025 Nominees
Voting for the NITA 2025 Awards has officially begun on the Telephonos platform. Voting is now live and will continue until April 30, 2025. To cast your vote, visit the official voting platform at www.telephonos.com, where users can participate in choosing the winners across various categories, from Best South African Entrepreneur in Tech to Green Tech & Sustainability. The voting platform offers an interactive and user-friendly experience, ensuring that people from around the world have the opportunity to engage with the nominees and support their favorites.
“We’re thrilled to bring the National Innovation & Technology Awards to Africa for the first time,” said Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships at NITA. “South Africa is rapidly emerging as a hub for technological innovation, and it’s only fitting that we celebrate the incredible contributions made by its entrepreneurs. This expansion is a testament to the importance of fostering innovation on a global scale. With voting live, we encourage everyone to participate and help recognize the transformative leaders in tech and business.”
The 2025 Nominees
The NITA 2025 Awards will honor exceptional achievements in multiple categories, showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership across various sectors. Below are the nominees for key categories:
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
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
These talented individuals and companies represent the cutting edge of technological advancement, and they embody the spirit of innovation that drives progress in South Africa and beyond. The NITA 2025 Awards recognize not only the achievements of these tech pioneers but also their commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact across industries.
Sponsors and Partners
The 2025 National Innovation & Technology Awards are proudly supported by leading brands, including Vloggoo – the cutting-edge vlogging camera company, and Teleshoppy.com, the premier e-commerce platform. These sponsorships highlight the role that innovative products and services play in shaping the future of work, entertainment, and beyond.
Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships, added, “We are grateful to our sponsors, Vloggoo and Teleshoppy, whose support has made it possible for us to bring the National Innovation & Technology Awards to South Africa. Their commitment to empowering creators and innovators is reflected in the caliber of this event.”
Join Us for a Historic Evening
The National Innovation & Technology Awards will take place on May 3, 2025, at the Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria, South Africa. This landmark event promises to be a celebration of global innovation, showcasing the leading-edge thinkers and creators who are shaping the future of technology and business.
For media inquiries, press passes, or partnership opportunities, please contact global@nita.community.
For more information about the NITA Awards and the NITA community, visit www.nita.community – where Innovation Meets Technology.
About NITA:
The National Innovation & Technology Awards (NITA) is a global recognition program that celebrates exceptional achievements in innovation and technology across multiple industries. With a presence in over 15 countries, NITA aims to showcase the pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology, business, and society.
