Africa CEO Forum and Awards 2026: celebrating the continent's top businesses and their leaders
The awards recognise leaders who contribute to the continent's economic landscape through a commitment to excellence and sustainable transformation.
Held this year in Kigali, Rwanda, the ceremony recognised six outstanding laureates whose journeys reflect a shared ambition: building inclusive, competitive growth in Africa’s private sector. The awards celebrate the personalities and organisations whose vision, innovation capabilities and performance have accelerated the continent’s economic momentum. Over the past twelve years, more than 250 companies and investment funds, along with 50 of Africa’s most prominent business leaders, have been nominated.
Abdou Diop, Country Leader of Forvis Mazars in Morocco and Member of the Group Governing Board, said: “Forvis Mazars is proud to support the trailblazers shaping Africa’s future. Through these awards, we celebrate high-performing African enterprises distinguished by their excellence, resilience, and ability to transform complexity into opportunity. Their achievements reflect a continent moving forward with confidence, driven by world-class talent and a bold, forward-looking vision. We are honoured to partner with these leading organisations in fostering sustainable, inclusive growth and creating lasting value across Africa.”
For 2026, the following six winners were selected by an independent jury of global experts after a rigorous evaluation process:
· Pan-African Champion: Cassava Technologies
· Local Impact Champion: Spiro
· Gender Leader: Ecobank
· Family Business: East African Holding
· Disrupter of the Year: Cauridor
· CEO of the Year: Abdul Samad Rabiu