REPUBLIC AFRICA
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REPUBLIC Africa Powers This Year’s NITA 2025 Expansion

Republic Africa champions innovation by powering the NITA — National Innovation & Technology Awards — which arrives at Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria on 3 May 2025, marking the event’s first edition on African soil.

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Republic Africa
24 April 2025·5 min read
National Innovation & Technology Awards (NITA) — official logo.
National Innovation & Technology Awards (NITA) — official logo. — Supplied

REPUBLIC Africa champions innovation by powering the NITA — National Innovation & Technology Awards — which comes to Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria on the 3rd of May 2025.

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. 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.

— Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships, NITA

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.

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.

— Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships, NITA

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.

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Written by
Republic Africa
Editorial Desk, Republic Africa Magazine

The Republic Africa editorial desk — business, economy and investment coverage from the Republic Africa newsroom.

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