The Voice African Achievers Award 2026 Unveils Continental Icons And Global Allies Set For London Gala
The 15th edition of The Voice Achievers Award and business summit will officially take place in London on August 21, 2026, at the prestigious Hilton London Kensington hotel. Organized by The Voice News Magazine, this high-profile event honours illustrious African trailblazers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and global friends of Africa who drive massive positive change across the continent.
The strategic vision for the 2026 awards cycle focuses heavily on empowering the African continent from within. The organization's President, Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh, announced that this year's pivotal theme is: “Putting Africa In The Right Perspective—Focusing On Mental Empowerment For Economic Inclusion & Growth.”
The event will combine a high-level Business Dialogue summit with a late-evening Award Gala Night, a fashion show, and networking sessions. The gala night functions as an elite, A-list networking environment designed to bridge African visionaries with their diaspora counterparts. By moving to the United Kingdom, the event expands its global footprint following highly successful runs in major global hubs, including its previous 14th edition held at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos .
The Voice Achievers Award continues to amplify its international profile by establishing a footprint in major capital cities worldwide. Originating as a localized community project in The Netherlands back in 2012, the platform has successfully evolved into a rotating global event. The consistent migration of the venue reflects the organizers' goal to build a seamless network of global stakeholders committed to reshaping mindsets and driving mental and economic empowerment across Africa. The event has evolved into a premier international platform by rotating its ceremony across major global cities, including Amsterdam, Dubai, Nairobi, Banjul, and Lagos, to honour trailblazers within the African continent and its diaspora. For its fifteenth milestone edition, the award moves to London to bridge the gap between continental icons and the UK-based diaspora, reinforcing its mission to connect, empower, and recognize individuals driving Africa’s growth.
The Voice Achievers Award has consistently recognized prominent African women who use their platforms to drive impactful humanitarian and political change across the continent. Among its distinguished past recipients is Fatou Bensouda, who was honoured in 2012 during her landmark tenure as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and currently serves as the Ambassador of The Gambia to the United Kingdom. She is joined by other prominent national figures, including Ambassador Bianca Odimegwu Ojukwu, the current Nigerian Foreign Minister honoured in 2014, and Mama Ida Odinga, who was recognized in 2024 for her lifelong leadership alongside her husband, Late Kenyan statesman Raila Odinga. Furthermore, the award's prestigious roll of honour heavily features visionary African First Ladies dedicated to widespread development initiatives. This executive lineage includes Her Excellency Mrs. Constancia Mangue Nsue de Obiang of Equatorial Guinea (2016), Jeannette Kagame of Rwanda (2017), Fatoumata Bah Barrow of The Gambia (2021), and Dr. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone (2022). Collectively, the accomplishments of these trailblazing women serve as a benchmark of excellence and an enduring source of inspiration for future institutional leaders throughout Africa.
The Voice News Magazine has officially announced 29 distinguished honourees for the 15th Voice Achievers Award taking place on August 21, 2026, at the Hilton London Kensington from their corporate Headquarters in Almere, The Netherlands. This curated list honours outstanding African trailblazers, diaspora change-makers, and key global partners dedicated to continental excellence. The high-profile event will combine a Business Dialogue summit with a late-evening Award Gala Night. Ultimately, the London milestone bridges the gap between continental innovators and the UK-based diaspora network to drive mental and economic empowerment across Africa.
List of Awardees:
1. Professor Kishan Devani, BEM, FRSA - African Leadership Excellence Award
2. Hon. Zuwaira Gambo - African Woman of the Year 2026
3. Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin from Sierra Leone
4. Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi - African Iconic Personality Award5. Hon. Ketlhalefile Motshegwa - African Public Service Award
6. Apostle Dr. Ernestina da Silva Diogo Matias, PHD - African Christian Leadership Award
7. Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey - African Distinguished Career Award
8. HRM Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I of the Ga Kingdom, Ghana - African Cultural Excellence Award
9. Robert Dupuch-Carron - African Innovation Excellence Award
10. Ambassador Sabah Zita Benson (Ghana High Commissioner to UK & Ireland) - African Diplomatic Award
11. Apostle George Amandi - African Spiritual Leadership Award
12. Chief James Chijioke Ume - African Hero Award
13. Ms Kathi Scott - African Humanitarian Excellence Award
14. Dr. Funmilola Tella - African Business Excellence Award
15. Roseline Sanni-Ajose - African Entertainment Award
16. Nsikan Etuk - African Community Service Award
17. Dr. Leticia Moshwe - African Women Empowerment Award
18. Istvan Dylan Salamon - UK Businessman of the Year Award
19. Sean Tatenda Zvandasara - Real Estate Excellence Award
20. Barrister Dr. Konyere Adiele-Uzoma - African Trailblazer Award
21. Ugi Augustine Ugi JNR - African Innovation Excellence Award
22. Enyeh Julius Akpovire - African Media Personality Award
23. Ukori Jude Ebitimi - African Business Excellence Award
24. Chief Vincent Uchenna Anyanwu - Africa Impact Award
25. Mazi Godson Azu- African Special Recognition Award
26. Arinze Edward Oranye - African Educator Award
27. Dr Ansy A Egun - African Medical Excellence Award
28. Dada Olusegun - African Public Relations Professional Award
29. Juliana Olayinka - African Diaspora Media Award