Anita Nel, Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation at Stellenbosch University (SU), won the Innovation Catalyst Award. The award was presented at the 11th annual Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit and Awards, held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 18 March 2026.

The award recognises “a visionary African woman who drives innovation, challenges the status quo, and enables the growth of scalable ventures across the continent.” Presented in partnership with Brand South Africa and Forbes Africa, it celebrates leaders shaping Africa’s future through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Nel was recognised for strengthening Africa’s innovation ecosystem at SU. She advances the commercialisation of new technologies and supports the development of spinout companies. Under her leadership, the university has 44 spinout companies. These firms create jobs, generate economic value, and contribute to society.

In her acceptance speech, Nel said the award is not just hers, but belongs to the teams she works with every day. “It belongs to the mentors who have guided me and the entrepreneurs and inventors who continue to inspire the work we do. I do not have a job. I have a passion and a privilege. I work at a university with inventors of mind-blowing technologies, and we turn their ideas into companies and technology ventures through our business incubator SU LaunchLab. At this moment our spinout companies create jobs, pay tax and make a difference to society,” said Nel.

She highlighted the importance of purpose-driven innovation, noting that “innovation is about creating solutions that matter, that uplift, and that open doors for others, especially for women across our continent.”

Nel underscored Africa’s growing global impact in science and technology. She noted that one in five satellites launched worldwide contains African-developed components.

A strong advocate for entrepreneurship, she urged a shift in mindset. "We teach students to become skilled employees, but we should train them to become employers."

Reflecting on women’s growing role in innovation, Nel noted that more female entrepreneurs are creating solutions in healthcare, biotechnology, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Nel said that when she started her career, she worked only with male entrepreneurs and inventors. Over the past eight years, this profile has changed rapidly. “Female entrepreneurs and inventors have become powerful role models at our institution. They inspire more young women to believe in their voices, visions, and victories—and they do succeed. These women are developing long COVID diagnostic tests, manufacturing essential tools for drug discovery, designing custom treatments for cancer patients, and making agriculture more climate-resilient. They are making our world better. Thank you to Forbes Women Africa for this recognition and for creating platforms that amplify African women's excellence. To every woman here tonight: your voice, vision, and work matter.”

The Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit and Awards, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, honours Africa’s most influential female leaders and innovators. The event provides a platform to amplify their impact and inspire the next generation.