The Africa Prosperity Network (APN), in partnership with KPMG, has officially opened nominations for the 2026 edition of the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards (APCA), which will take place on February 6, 2026, in Accra, Ghana.
The ceremony will form part of the grand finale of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2026, a flagship event dedicated to advancing Africa’s economic integration and shared prosperity.
The awards, which have become one of the continent’s most prestigious platforms for recognising excellence, celebrate Africans and friends of Africa whose innovation, leadership, and vision are driving the dream of a united and prosperous continent.
From women and youth changemakers to industrialists and digital pioneers, the 2026 edition will honour those whose work embodies the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063—a vision of an integrated and thriving Africa.
Themed “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth for Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.”, this year’s event will highlight the pivotal role of small and medium enterprises, women, and young entrepreneurs in realising the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“These awards are not just about recognition. They are about celebrating those who are at the forefront of building the Africa we want—through industry, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and leadership,” said Nana Adjoa Hackman, Chair of the APCA Planning Committee and Director of APN.
The Country Managing Partner of KPMG, Mr. Andrew Akoto, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to supporting the awards, stating that “KPMG is proud to partner with the Africa Prosperity Network in recognising the visionaries who are shaping Africa’s economic future.
“These awards shine a light on entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders whose work is essential to unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA and building a more integrated, prosperous continent.”
The Africa Prosperity Champions Awards Academy serves as the governing body responsible for managing and overseeing the APCAs.
It ensures that the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and excellence are upheld in the selection process.
The Academy comprises the APN Advisory Council and Board of Directors, legal and administrative teams, past APCA winners, KPMG as independent auditors, representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat, nominees from the Office of the President of Ghana, and APN’s strategic institutional partners.
Together, these bodies safeguard the integrity of the awards and ensure that they remain a credible and respected benchmark of excellence across the continent.
The Academy’s vision is to serve as a living blueprint for leadership and prosperity in Africa, celebrating individuals and organisations whose achievements exemplify unity, dignity, and progress.
Nominees will be evaluated based on demonstrated excellence, integrity, measurable impact, innovation, leadership, and commitment to sustainable growth that contributes to Africa’s regional integration and collective advancement.
Public nominations open on Monday, November 10, 2025, and close on November 30, 2025.
Individuals, organisations, and businesses worldwide may be nominated in up to three categories.
Each entry must include the nominee’s details, chosen category, and a short justification of no more than 500 words.
Submissions can be made through WhatsApp at +233 536 098 325, by email at apca2026@africaprosperity.network, or through the official website at www.africaprosperitynetwork.com.
Once nominations close, the APCA Academy, with technical support from KPMG, will review all submissions and shortlist candidates whose work demonstrates significant impact, innovation, and alignment with the APN’s mission.
Winners will be unveiled at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential Gala Dinner on February 6, 2026, in Accra.
The 2026 awards will feature several categories, including the Woman of the Year Award, which celebrates African women breaking barriers and driving prosperity; the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, honouring under-35 innovators reshaping Africa’s business landscape; and the SME Champion of the Year Award, spotlighting small and medium enterprises as engines of intra-African trade.
Others include the Industrialist of the Year Award, recognising leaders powering the continent’s industrialisation; the Excellence in Digital Innovation Award, which celebrates those transforming Africa through technology; and the Financial Leadership in SMEs Award, honouring institutions that empower SMEs, women, and youth.
Also among the top honours are the Global Soft Power Award for individuals projecting Africa’s image and influence globally; the Green Africa Award for sustainability champions; the Global African Leadership Award for exemplary figures in the diaspora driving change; and the Transformational Infrastructure Award, which recognises projects advancing connectivity, integration, and continental transformation.
Through the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards, the APN seeks to inspire a new generation of African innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders to collaborate and trade across borders.
By celebrating those who embody the spirit of enterprise, innovation, and unity, the Awards aim to write the next chapter in Africa’s prosperity story—one defined by shared growth, collaboration, and continental pride.
