The Legacy of Bold Leadership Continues

The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award returns to South Africa for its fifth year, once again spotlighting the visionary women who are reshaping industries and driving meaningful change. Recognised globally as one of the most esteemed accolades for female founders and CEOs, the award continues its mission of celebrating audacious leadership and entrepreneurial excellence.

Entries for the 2026 edition open on 2 March and close on 12 April 2026, inviting women entrepreneurs ready to elevate their businesses, expand their visibility and join a powerful global community to step forward.

A Global Platform for Female Entrepreneurs

Founded in 1972, the Bold Woman Award is the longest-running international accolade of its kind. Over the past 54 years, nearly 500 women across 27 countries have been honoured, forming a dynamic global network of leaders who challenge convention and create lasting impact.

At the heart of the initiative is the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot herself. In 1805, at a time when women were neither permitted to work freely nor hold bank accounts, she took over the Maison following her husband’s death and transformed the champagne industry. From inventing the riddling table to creating the first recorded vintage champagne and the first blended rosé champagne, her legacy remains a powerful blueprint for modern entrepreneurs who dare to lead on their own terms.

Two Award Categories

The programme recognises women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey:

  • Bold Woman Award: Honours established leaders who have built successful businesses and demonstrated sustained growth, transformation and ethical leadership.
  • Bold Future Award: Spotlights rising entrepreneurs whose young companies show exceptional promise and transformative impact within their industries.

Beyond the title, the awards offer access to networking initiatives such as the Bold Open Database, along with global visibility and mentorship opportunities.

Celebrating South Africa’s Trailblazers

Over the past five years, South Africa’s winners have showcased the depth and diversity of female entrepreneurship in the country.

In 2022, Gugu Sithole, Founder of Glamping Adventures, received the Bold Woman Award for reimagining luxury travel through innovative mobile safari camps. Captain Londy Ngcobo, Founder of Womaritime Experts and Global Maritime Youth, and Africa’s first female dredge master, was honoured with the Bold Future Award for her pioneering leadership in the maritime sector.

In 2023, Claire Blanckenberg of Reel Gardening was awarded the Bold Woman Award for her seed tape innovation that transformed home food cultivation. Zama Ngcobo, Founder of WMN Attorneys Inc., received the Bold Future Award for championing the advancement of young black female legal practitioners.

The legacy continued in 2024 with Morongwe “Mo” Mokone, Co-founder of Mo’s Crib, recognised for building a globally celebrated home décor brand rooted in African craft and sustainability. Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder of Hakem Energies, earned the Bold Future Award for expanding access to clean cooking solutions in underserved communities.

Most recently, in 2025, Retang Phaahla, Co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters, was honoured for reviving indigenous knowledge through a purpose-led tea brand, while Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, Founder and CEO of Hazile Group, received recognition for advancing climate-smart development across agriculture, water and energy.

How to Enter

Bold Woman Award criteria:

  • Must be a founder or CEO of a company for more than five years
  • Must have demonstrated transformation and evolution in her field
  • Must have supported business growth for at least two years
  • Must maintain an ethical approach to business

Bold Future Award criteria:

  • Must be a founder or CEO of a company operating for less than five years
  • Must have made a significant contribution to the company’s success
  • Must demonstrate entrepreneurship and tangible market transformation
  • Must drive ethical change within the business

Applicants must be official residents of South Africa, and their businesses must be based in or operating within the country.

An expert jury will select three finalists in each category. Finalists will attend the Bold Woman Award ceremony on 15 July 2026 in Johannesburg, where one laureate per category will be announced.

Winners will travel to Reims, France, for an immersive experience into the history, tradition and luxury of Maison Veuve Clicquot, while gaining access to mentorship, international exposure and a powerful global network of entrepreneurial women.

Business leaders and role models ready to be recognised for their remarkable success are invited to enter by completing the online application form at:
https://www.boldopendatabase.com/en/bold-woman-award

Entries close on 12 April 2026.