The Africa Prosperity Network (APN), in partnership with global audit and advisory firm KPMG, has announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 Africa Prosperity Champions Awards (APCA).
The awards will be presented during the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards and Presidential Gala Dinner, scheduled for February 6, 2026, at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra.
The awards ceremony will form part of the grand finale of the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD), a flagship platform promoting African integration and economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Themed “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth for Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.”, the 2026 edition will spotlight the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women, and youth in advancing Africa’s single market and sustainable development.
According to the organisers, the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards were established to honour individuals and organisations whose innovation, vision, and leadership are driving the continent’s prosperity. “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 the Africa Prosperity Network.
Country Managing Partner for KPMG, Mr. Andrew Akoto, reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to the initiative. “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 the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders whose work is essential to unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA and building a more integrated, prosperous continent,” he stated.
Nominations officially open on Monday, 10 November 2025, and will be accepted until 30 November 2025. Individuals, businesses, and organisations across the world may submit up to three nominations, accompanied by a 500-word justification. Submissions can be made via email at apca2026@africaprosperity.network, through WhatsApp at +233 536 098 325, or on the official website www.africaprosperitynetwork.com.
The APCA Academy, the independent body overseeing the awards, will review and evaluate nominations in partnership with KPMG. The Academy comprises members of the APN Advisory Council, past APCA winners, representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Office of the President of Ghana, and other institutional partners. Its mandate is to ensure transparency, integrity, and excellence throughout the selection process.
Nominees will be assessed based on measurable impact, leadership, innovation, integrity, and contribution to Africa’s sustainable growth and integration. Winners will be unveiled at the prestigious Gala Dinner in February.
Award categories include the Woman of the Year Award, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, SME Champion of the Year, Industrialist of the Year, Excellence in Digital Innovation Award, Financial Leadership in SMEs Award, Global Soft Power Award, Green Africa Award, Global African Leadership Award, and the Transformational Infrastructure Award.
The APCA initiative seeks to recognise and inspire leaders and changemakers whose efforts embody the spirit of Agenda 2063 — the African Union’s blueprint for a united, prosperous, and peaceful continent.
By opening nominations to the public, organisers hope to celebrate the individuals and institutions driving progress and encourage a new generation of Africans to innovate, collaborate, and trade across borders for shared prosperity.