The Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) 2026 has unveiled its 25 finalists, marking the final stage of a regional journey that brought together women entrepreneurs from across the Indian Ocean. The announcement, held on the 26 of September at EmtelWorld in Ebene, follows the selection of 25 finalists from a strong field of candidates representing five territories: Mauritius and Rodrigues, Madagascar, La Réunion, Seychelles and Mayotte.
The finalists reflect the diversity and dynamism of women-led businesses across the region, with ventures spanning different sectors, stages of growth and ambitions. Behind each business is a story of determination, resilience and a desire to create meaningful opportunities for employees, families and communities.
25 Finalists, Five Territories
Mauritius and Rodrigues lead the representation with ten finalists: Nadjah Abbasakoor, Sharon Adeenaden, Marie Sharonne Aliphon, Charlotte Gilan, Shefali Gupta, Karishma Kallooa, Beatrice Lai Fat Fur, Taruni Ramnarain, Coraline Serret and Marie Anne-Sophie Vieillesse.
Madagascar is represented by Ravaka Andriatsitohaina, Tanjona Vahatraina Ranjalahy née Rabemanantsoa, Mamy Tantely Natacha Rasendramiadana and Anja Ravakiniony Tahirimihamina, while La Réunion’s finalists are Sarah Hugon, Julie Anne Landrieu, Sylvie Lebon and Melthide Sinama.
Representing Seychelles are Zarah Ally, Shaila Cafrine, Philadelphia Isis Rath and Anastasiia Verkhoturova. Mayotte’s three finalists are Anliati Attoumani, Jacqueline Guez and Amina Madi-Bao.
A Strong Showing for Women’s Entrepreneurship
Reflecting on this year’s selection, Kirti Sheonarain, founder of the Women Entrepreneur Awards, said: “This year, 55 women applied, and 45 of them took the time to complete a demanding questionnaire, sharing their figures, their challenges and their ambitions with real openness. That level of commitment says a great deal about the calibre of women’s entrepreneurship in our region.” She added: “It is beautiful to see that our 25 finalists still represent every territory taking part in this edition, and that they bring such variety in sector, stage and story. That diversity is the true strength of the Women Entrepreneur Awards, and I look forward to celebrating our winners at the Grand Finale.”
The 2026 edition reflects the growing momentum of women-led enterprise across the Indian Ocean. By bringing entrepreneurs from different islands and business environments into the same conversation, the WEA seeks not only to recognise achievement, but also to encourage greater visibility, connection and collaboration among women in business.
The Road to the Grand Finale
The next chapter will unfold at the Grand Finale on 31 October, when the 25 finalists will come together for the final stage of the Women Entrepreneur Awards 2026. Five territories. 25 finalists. One Grand Finale. The stage is now set to celebrate the women shaping the future of entrepreneurship across the Indian Ocean.
