About Us
We foster pan-African innovation
The West Africa Tech Excellence Forum (WATEF) was founded in 2020 to recognize and amplify the incredible surge of creativity redefining our region’s place in the global digital economy. Technology is no longer just an enabler; it has become the heartbeat of economic growth, entrepreneurship, and societal change. We exist to shine a light on the innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs turning bold ideas into groundbreaking realities.
More than just an awards platform, WATEF is a catalyst for shared knowledge and strategic partnerships. We bridge gaps in finance, healthcare, governance, and education by creating visibility, fostering collaboration, and unlocking opportunities for the region’s brightest minds. By bringing together developers, startups, investors, and policymakers, we are building a resilient and sustainable tech ecosystem for generations to come.
- 2020 – Founding of WATEF: The West Africa Tech Excellence Forum (WATEF) is launched as the region’s first platform to recognize excellence.
- 2021 – First Regional Recognition: Over 100 innovators, startups, and organizations across fintech, healthtech, and AI were celebrated, establishing WATEF as a credible voice for West African technology leadership.
- 2023 – Expansion of Award Categories: New categories such as Women in Tech Excellence and Tech for Social Good were introduced, broadening the scope of recognition and driving inclusivity across industries.
- 2024 – Global Spotlight: WATEF attracted international attention with media coverage across Africa and beyond, while forging strategic partnerships with global tech companies, investors, and policymakers..
Recognizing outstanding pioneers across fintech, AI, healthtech, cybersecurity, and other sectors since 2020.
Showcasing awardees and participants from across West Africa and the diaspora.
Entrepreneurs, engineers, policymakers, and students connected through summits, hackathons, and online platforms.
Collaborations with global tech companies, investors, and policy institutions driving innovation in the region.
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Dream Until Your Dreams Come True
At WATEF, we believe every great innovation begins with a dream. What starts as an idea has the power to transform industries and improve lives. We exist to nurture these dreams by providing recognition, mentorship, and opportunity. Through collaboration and visibility, innovators gain the tools to scale their vision. Every awardee represents a dream that pushed boundaries and became reality. WATEF inspires the next generation to keep dreaming until their dreams come true.
Our Journey
The story of WATEF is one of growth, innovation, and impact across West Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Since 2020, we have celebrated pioneers, expanded recognition, and built a thriving community of innovators.
Inception of WATEF
The West Africa Tech Excellence Forum is established to celebrate software excellence and digital innovation across the region.
First Awards Ceremony
Over 100 innovators, startups, and organizations are honored, marking the beginning of WATEF’s impact in West Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Regional Recognition Grows
WATEF expands its reach, attracting participants from multiple West African countries and building stronger industry partnerships.
Introduction of New Categories
Awards for Women in Tech Excellence and Tech for Social Good are launched, reinforcing inclusivity and social impact in innovation.
International Spotlight
WATEF gains global attention with extensive media coverage and collaborations with leading tech companies, policymakers, and investors.
Hackathon and Summit Launch
WATEF introduces its first large-scale Hackathon and Annual Summit, creating new spaces for innovation, networking, and future-focused dialogue.
FAQ Discover Understand Explore Learn
Here, you’ll find guidance on participation, eligibility, and opportunities within the Forum.
It serves as a quick reference for innovators, partners, and community members engaging with WATEF.
Explore this section to better understand how you can be part of West Africa’s journey toward digital excellence.
WATEF is a premier platform established in 2020 to celebrate innovation, software excellence, and digital leadership across West Africa. It recognizes outstanding innovators while fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and growth in the region’s tech ecosystem.
WATEF was created to honor pioneers who are driving digital transformation, solving Africa’s unique challenges with technology, and positioning West Africa as a competitive force in the global digital economy.
WATEF is open to software engineers, startups, entrepreneurs, corporations, researchers, and innovators across sectors such as fintech, AI, healthtech, cybersecurity, and social impact.
WATEF goes beyond recognition by providing visibility, networking, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. It is both a celebration of excellence and a catalyst for innovation and growth.
inners benefit from media exposure, industry recognition, networking with investors and decision-makers, mentorship opportunities, and support in scaling their innovations to new markets.
In addition to the annual awards, WATEF hosts summits, hackathons, networking events, and thought-leadership sessions designed to connect innovators with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.
You can get involved by nominating a pioneer, registering to attend events, becoming a sponsor or partner, or joining the WATEF community to collaborate and exchange ideas.