Leading institutions, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Africa are set to be honoured at the 2026 Pacesetters International Awards (PIA), a Pan-African recognition programme celebrating excellence, innovation and transformative leadership.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for September 25, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, and is expected to bring together influential figures from government, business, academia, diplomacy and the development sector.
The annual awards are organised by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Public Benefit Organization operating in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and other African countries.
The programme recognises organisations and individuals for innovation, quality service, job creation, leadership and positive social impact across the continent.
Speaking to the press ahead of the awards, JSA Executive Director Dr Jared Oundo said recognising excellence was critical to strengthening African institutions and promoting sustainable development.
“The Pacesetters International Awards celebrate organizations and individuals whose leadership, innovation and resilience are creating meaningful change across Africa. By recognizing excellence, we encourage higher standards of performance, strengthen institutional credibility and inspire the next generation of business and public sector leaders. These awards are not only a celebration of achievement—they are an investment in Africa’s future,” Oundo said.
Unlike awards programmes that focus mainly on financial performance, PIA assesses organisations and individuals based on their wider economic and social impact.
The programme considers how institutions serve communities, promote ethical practices and contribute to society. Winners are selected through an appraisal process involving public voting, benchmarking and a panel of judges.
The awards cover a wide range of sectors, including corporate leadership and corporate social responsibility, professional and education services, road safety and healthcare, among others.
The 2026 nominations reflect the diversity of Africa’s economy, with shortlisted organisations operating in banking and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, education, agribusiness, information and communication technology, logistics, engineering, renewable energy, hospitality, real estate, entrepreneurship, media, public service and social innovation.
According to information provided by the organisers, this year’s nominees include organisations, institutions, firms and professionals from at least 18 African countries, underscoring the Pan-African scope of the awards.
The organisers said the geographical diversity is intended to recognise excellence beyond national boundaries while showcasing African organisations and leaders whose innovation, resilience and impact are contributing to economic integration and sustainable development.
Among the institutions listed among this year’s nominees are CRDB Bank Plc-Tanzania, DTB Bank Kenya Limited, Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank PLC-Ghana, NCBA Bank-Kenya, University of Nairobi, The Maasai National Polytechnic, Mawego National Polytechnic, Movidna Services (PTY) Ltd-South Africa, Spin ‘n’ Span Limited-Tanzania, Ramco Group, Kimisitu Investments-Kenya and Insight Security Tanzania.
Other nominees include Mahiga Homes, Kifaru Properties, Denver Properties, Amcco Properties, AMS Properties, Leakey Landscaping Solutions-Eldoret, Plascon East Africa, Soko, Unga Limited, Mombasa Maize Millers Limited, Dola Group-Kenya, Bidco Africa Limited, Rolling Cargo, Tahmeed Bus Services, BusCar, Service Cops Uganda, YY Coaches-Uganda, Tembo Steels Uganda Limited, Royal Mabati Factory Limited, Heritage Mabati Mills Limited-Kenya and Nairobi Piano Technicians.
The list also features organisations in the technology, infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing and skills development sectors.
Among the past awardees featured again on the platform are Safaricom Plc, BrighterMonday, Raphael Logistics Tanzania, eMobilis Technology Training Institute, Boma Mabati and Trinity Buses Rwanda.
The organisers said the nominees have been selected based on their innovation, operational excellence, customer service, industry leadership and measurable contribution to economic transformation.
The diversity of the nominees, according to PIA, reflects the resilience of African enterprises that continue to set new standards in quality, innovation and responsible leadership while creating employment, supporting industrialisation and improving livelihoods.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, after receiving information about his anticipated nomination, George Oredo, Managing Director of Boredo Supplies Ltd, said the recognition reflected the company’s commitment to its customers and communities.
“We are honored to be considered among this year’s nominees. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to innovation and creating positive impact for our customers and communities across Kenya,” Oredo said.
Ken Mwenda, Managing Director of eMobilis Technology Training Institute, also welcomed the institution’s shortlisting, linking the recognition to its work in digital skills development.
“Being shortlisted for the Pacesetters International Awards is a testament to our mission of equipping young people with digital skills that drive innovation and employment across Africa,” Mwenda said.
Oundo said the 2026 gala dinner will also provide an opportunity for strategic networking, investment dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration between decision-makers in the public and private sectors.
The theme of this year’s gala dinner is “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation and Transforming Africa.”
According to the organisers, the awards have evolved into a platform for recognising organisations and individuals whose work is transforming industries, strengthening institutions and improving livelihoods across Africa.
Over the years, PIA has recognised hundreds of organisations and leaders across the continent. Previous recipients listed by the organisers include Nation Media Group, Kevian Kenya Ltd, Zoho Corporation, Tala, Ena Coach, Jambo Freight Tanzania and Mwananchi Credit, among others.
The awards have also received support and partnerships from corporate organisations, with the organisers positioning the programme as a platform for recognising excellence, fostering strategic partnerships and celebrating institutions contributing to Africa’s economic and social transformation.
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