The second edition of the Thamani Africa Awards has announced 198 nominees across 20 categories, creating a major continental platform that recognizes the contributions of women in leadership, innovation, and social transformation.
The awards, scheduled for May 9, 2026, coinciding with Mother’s Day, follow a month-long vetting process conducted by a 15-member secretariat that reviewed over 5,000 submissions from across the continent.
Voting is now open and will continue until April 12, after which the results will be audited in preparation for the awards ceremony.
Organizers emphasize that the awards are designed to celebrate women driving change in various sectors, including governance, business, science, arts, sports, media, education, and civil society.
This year’s edition features 15 pan-African categories and five Kenya-specific categories, reflecting both continental reach and national recognition.
In addition, five honorary awards will be presented to women whose lifetime contributions have transformed communities and established lasting national and regional legacies.
The initiative highlights women’s leadership as a strategic asset in Africa’s development, aiming to enhance visibility, recognition, and inspiration for future generations.
Several categories spotlight women in public leadership and governance, such as Best Performing Minister (Africa), Outstanding Principal Secretary (Africa), and Governor of Excellence (Kenya), showcasing senior policymakers and public administrators who contribute to policy implementation, regional cooperation, and service delivery.
At the sub-national level, categories such as Best Performing County Executive Committee Member (CECM) (Kenya), County Trailblazer, and Most Outstanding Chief Officer celebrate leadership within devolved governance structures.
The awards also promote civic engagement and youth leadership through categories such as Voice of the People (Africa) and Emerging Leaders (Kenya), which highlight women shaping public discourse and democratic participation.
The Voice of Influence (Africa) category further recognizes media personalities and digital storytellers who foster conversations across the continent.
In the economic and innovation space, categories such as Best Executive (Africa) and Young Entrepreneur (Africa) honor women leading corporations, startups, and growth-oriented enterprises.
Meanwhile, the Innovative Fashion Designer (Africa) category acknowledges the rising influence of Africa’s creative economy, celebrating designers who are redefining global fashion narratives.
Creative industries are well-represented, with categories including Best Actress (Africa), Most Accomplished Female Artist (Africa), and Rhythm of the Year (Africa).
The Best Influencer (Africa) category highlights the impact of digital platforms on culture, consumer behavior, and social discourse.
The Africa Sports Personality category recognizes elite female athletes excelling in global and regional competitions, while the Pillar of Persistence (Africa) honors women who have shown resilience and made a long-term impact in their fields.
Grassroots contributions are acknowledged through categories like Humanitarian Leadership (Africa) and Dedicated Community Leader (Kenya), focusing on women driving social change, advocacy, and community development.
These categories underscore the role of civil society and local leadership in addressing inequality, promoting inclusion, and strengthening social systems.
The awards continue to expand as a continental recognition platform, aligning with efforts to amplify women’s contributions across various sectors. By combining public voting with institutional vetting, organizers say the awards aim to balance popularity with merit-based recognition, while enhancing the visibility of women leaders and innovators.
