Celebrating Changemakers: 50 Leaders and Institutions Honoured at SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2026

• The 2nd Annual International Scholar Media Africa Conference and SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2026 brought together more than 150 participants from 16 countries, with many others joining virtually.
• The event honoured 50 outstanding individuals and organisations for their remarkable contributions to Africa’s transformation across diverse sectors.
• The 3rd edition of the conference and awards will be held in Uganda in 2027, continuing the journey of celebrating African excellence and impact.

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Africa’s renaissance will not come from waiting for others to transform us; it must arise from within us, from a people determined to reclaim their dignity, renew their institutions, harness their resources and build a continent worthy of its immense potential.

Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba, SC, Chief Guest and recipient of the Africa Renaissance Leadership Award.

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Africa’s transformation is being shaped not only in government offices and corporate boardrooms, but also in classrooms, laboratories, hospitals, communities, creative spaces, universities, businesses and among a new generation of young leaders determined to build a better future.

This spirit of African possibility took centre stage during the 2nd Annual International Scholar Media Africa Conference and SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2026, where 50 outstanding individuals were honoured for their exceptional contributions to education, leadership, innovation, healthcare, peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, media, culture, community development and economic empowerment.

Held from August 5–7, 2026, at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, the three-day continental gathering attracted more than 150 participants from 16 countries, bringing together leaders and changemakers from across Africa and beyond. Others participated virtually, expanding the reach of the conference and ensuring that its conversations and celebrations travelled far beyond the physical venue.

Held under the theme, “Reimagining Africa: Empowering Minds, Igniting Innovation, Driving Inclusive Growth,” the conference created a platform for examining Africa’s challenges while celebrating the people already developing solutions and creating opportunities across the continent.

At the heart of the conference was the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards, an initiative of Scholar Media Group Africa (SMEGAFRICA) established to identify, celebrate and amplify individuals and organisations whose work demonstrates meaningful impact and contributes to Africa’s advancement.

The 2026 honourees represented an extraordinary cross-section of African leadership.

Recognising Peacebuilders, Humanitarian Leaders and Community Changemakers

Peacebuilding and community transformation formed one of the strongest clusters of this year’s honours.

In Ghana, Mr. Wisdom Addo, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Peace Foundation (WACPF) and Africa Director of the PeaceJam Foundation, received the Peace and Conflict Resolution Impact Award. His work in peace education, conflict transformation, human rights, dialogue and youth empowerment has positioned young people as important agents of peace and social cohesion.

From Nigeria, Dr. Taliat Kola Talent received the Peace & Community Resolution Impact Award in recognition of her commitment to peacebuilding, community engagement and conflict resolution.

The awards also recognised humanitarian and community-focused leadership. Ms. Latesha N. Fields of the United States, through her work with Inspire SD and global humanitarian initiatives, received the Global Humanitarian Impact Award for her commitment to community service, youth empowerment and transforming lives.

In Kenya, Dr. Hellen Nkuraiya received the Education & Community Transformation Award for her work through Enkiteng Lepa School and Tepesua Community-Based Organization, particularly in expanding opportunities for vulnerable children, empowering women and families and promoting resilient communities.

BloomBells Charity, Kenya, was honoured with the Community Transformation & Social Impact Award for its work addressing period poverty, supporting vulnerable girls and communities, promoting dignity and advancing opportunities for sustainable development.

Celebrating education, scholarship and the power of young people

Education remained central to the SMEGAfrica vision, reflected in several awards recognising leaders transforming learning institutions and empowering future generations.

Prof. Peter Nyamuhanga Mwita, PhD, Vice Chancellor of Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), Kenya, received the Education Leadership Excellence Award – University Category for his leadership in higher education, institutional transformation, research, innovation, student empowerment and strategic partnerships.

At the TVET level, Mr. Shadrack Tonui, Principal of Kericho Township Technical and Vocational College (KTTVC) and National Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), was honoured for advancing skills development, competency-based education, institutional transformation, industry partnerships and policy advocacy.

The Education Leadership Excellence Award – High School Category went to Dr. Bernard Mwangi King’ah, PhD, in recognition of his leadership at Mang’u High School and his contribution to academic excellence, institutional development, mentorship, innovation and holistic education.

Dr. Benedina Kemunto Ogeto of Kenya, Senior Principal of St. Charles Lwanga Ichuni Girls High School, received the STEM Excellence & Innovation Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership in STEM education, educational innovation and transformative school leadership. Through her leadership, she has championed academic excellence, technology integration, research, competency-based education and learner-centred approaches, while mentoring educators and inspiring young people to embrace science, creativity, critical thinking and innovation. Her recognition highlighted the vital role of progressive school leadership in preparing Africa’s next generation of scientists, innovators and problem-solvers.

The awards also celebrated student leadership. Mr. Quill Omondi, President Emeritus of the Great Lakes University of Kisumu Students Association (GLUKSA), Kenya, received the Student Leadership Award – University Category. His tenure was distinguished by student welfare initiatives, including mobilising more than KSh. 6.4 million for student bursaries, establishing income-generating projects and strengthening institutional governance.

From Uganda, Mr. Jerry Evans Bigabwa received the Student Leadership Award – University Category for academic excellence, resilience, leadership and service.

Young voices were further recognised through the Youth Leadership & Civic Impact Award, presented to Mr. Adut Loi Akok of South Sudan for his youth leadership, literary excellence, advocacy, civic engagement and commitment to education, peace and inclusion.

Mr. Stephen Nyakundi Asuma of Kenya also received the Youth Leadership & Civic Impact Award for his contribution to public service, civic engagement, youth empowerment, ethical governance and responsible citizenship.

Honouring Innovation, Technology and Creative Excellence

The awards recognised innovation as a critical driver of Africa’s future.

Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum, PhD, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of Lira University, Uganda, received the Innovation & Technology for Development Award for his contribution to research, innovation, technology and higher education, as well as his work in advancing knowledge-driven development and digital transformation.

The same award category recognised Mr. Armand “Callanz” Mabwire of Uganda, whose work through AIM Consortium focuses on technology, innovation, digital transformation and solutions designed to empower SMEs and institutions.

Kenyan science educator and inventor Mr. Yabesh Okero Nyandika, Senior Teacher at Ntulele Senior School, received the Creative Impact & Innovation Award. His more than three decades of work in science education, invention, environmental conservation and mentorship have included practical innovations and extensive support for young scientists.

The creative economy was further represented by Ms. Rosemary Biyaki, Founder and CEO of the Gusii Excellence Gospel Awards (GEGA Awards), Kenya, who received the Creative Impact & Innovation Award. Through GEGA Awards and BIMO Empowerment Programs, she has combined creative expression, gospel music and community service to nurture talent and support vulnerable communities.

The Rising Star Award celebrated emerging talent and potential. Ms. Serah Nyaboke George (Serah Ke), Kenya, was recognised for her multidisciplinary contribution to music, education, healthcare, technology and youth empowerment.

From Uganda, young scholar and writer Mr. Israel Y.K. Lubogo received the Rising Star Award for his literary and scholarly contribution across leadership, history, law, culture and education.

The United States was represented in the category by Joshaie Brown Jr. (J-MOVELLE), CEO of Planet Gummy, who received the Rising Star Award for his work as an artist, actor, author, entrepreneur and youth leader.

Celebrating Healthcare Professionals and Health Innovation

Healthcare leadership was another important area of recognition.

Dr. Joseph Njagi, MBCh.B, MMED (OBGYN), Kenya, received the Outstanding Healthcare Professional Award for his contribution to women’s healthcare, medical innovation and compassionate patient care. As a Laparoscopic Gynaecologist and Endometriosis Specialist, Founder of the African Centre for Endometriosis (ACE) and Healing Mama Africa Trust, and Director of 3rd Park Hospital, he continues to contribute to specialised healthcare and advocacy for women.

Dr. William Kafuuma of Uganda received the Outstanding Healthcare Professional of the Year Award for his work in community health advocacy, free medical outreaches, health screenings, primary care, health education and preventive healthcare.

The healthcare innovation space was represented by Mr. Natnael Dechasa Gemeda of Ethiopia, recipient of the Healthcare Innovation & Medical Advancement Award. Through Afrima Wellness, VaxiLink, clinical practice, research and youth mentorship, he has worked to advance digital health and technology-driven healthcare solutions.

Mental health advocacy was recognised through the Mental Health Advocacy & Impact Award, presented to Mr. Nyakenyanya Japhet of Kenya, a Police Psychologist and Certified Mediator whose work promotes psychological wellbeing, conflict resolution, psychosocial support and emotional resilience.

Recognising Business, Enterprise and Economic Empowerment

The SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards also placed significant emphasis on the people strengthening Africa’s economic ecosystem.

Mr. Sandeep Singh Main, Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services and Head of Private Enterprise at KPMG East Africa, Kenya, received the Corporate Leadership & Development Award. His work in tax advisory, regulatory compliance, governance and private enterprise development has supported businesses and SMEs navigating complex economic and regulatory environments.

Dr. Isaac Omwenga, CEO of Wakenya Pamoja Sacco Society Ltd, Kenya, received the Community Economic Empowerment Leadership Award for his contribution to financial inclusion, cooperative development, savings, entrepreneurship, investment and wealth creation.

From the United States, Mr. Roosevelt Williams III, CEO and President of Young Black & N’ Business (YB&NB), received the Global African Impact Award. His work in entrepreneurship, business education, mentorship, networking and economic empowerment has created opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs while strengthening connections between the African diaspora and Africa.

Mr. Ethan J. Brisby of the United States, through SHIFT Enterprise Academy, also received the Global African Impact Award for his contribution to entrepreneurship, leadership development, education, mentorship and economic empowerment.

H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Aryee of Vanuatu/Ghana received the SME Development, Fintech & Economic Empowerment Award for his work in fintech, SME development, financial inclusion, blockchain innovation and international trade diplomacy.

Celebrating Culture, Publishing, Literature and Media

Africa’s development is inseparable from its ability to tell, preserve and amplify its own stories.

Ms. Audrey Chirenje of Zimbabwe, through Chances Inspiration Incorporated (Chances Inc.), received the Publisher of the Year Award for her contribution to publishing, literacy, literature and creative entrepreneurship, including the discovery and empowerment of African authors.

The Author of the Year Award went to Ms. Oliver Mercy Atim (OMA) of Uganda, whose literary work, including Unspoken Heroes: The Resilience of Firstborn Siblings, contributes to conversations around resilience, emotional intelligence and social awareness.

In Sierra Leone, Mr. Bai Bai Sesay, Editor of the Independent Observer, received the Media Excellence Award for editorial leadership, credible journalism and public-interest reporting.

Dr. Kennedy Momanyi Bosire of Kenya received the Arts & Cultural Heritage Excellence Award for his contribution to preserving African cultural heritage through the Ekegusii Encyclopedia Projects, cultural advocacy, environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship

Women leaders were prominently represented among the 2026 honourees.

Amb. Dr. Wirba Stephanie Kininla, PhD, Cameroon, Global President of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network, received the Women Renaissance Leadership Award. Her work spans women’s empowerment, child protection, mental health, gender equality and community development.

Amb. Jecinta Nyambura Nyathira of Kenya received the Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Award for her work through Amani Gold, using enterprise and skills development to empower women and youth, support vulnerable communities and create sustainable livelihoods.

Celebrating Cxtraordinary Lifetime Contributions

Some honours recognised not simply a particular achievement but decades of service and institution-building.

Prof. Dr. Maggie Kigozi of Uganda received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her distinguished contribution to economic development, investment promotion, entrepreneurship and women’s leadership. Her leadership roles have included President of Business & Professional Women (BPW) Uganda, Director of Crown Beverages Limited, and consultant to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Kenya’s Prof. John S. Akama, PhD, Founding Vice-Chancellor of Kisii University, also received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of academic leadership, scholarship, research, institution-building, mentorship and contribution to tourism education and development.

Another distinguished Kenyan scholar, Prof. Emeritus Ratemo W. Michieka, PhD, EBS, FKNAS, Chancellor of Tharaka University and President of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS), received the Lifetime Achievement Award. His legacy includes serving as founding Vice-Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and contributing extensively to scientific research, environmental management, higher education and institutional development.

A Celebration of Africa’s Present and Future

Taken together, the 50 honourees presented a compelling portrait of Africa’s leadership landscape. They came from different countries, professions and generations, but were united by a common thread: the determination to use knowledge, leadership, creativity, service and enterprise to improve lives.

From a science teacher developing practical inventions to a vice chancellor transforming higher education; from peacebuilders working with young people to entrepreneurs opening pathways to economic opportunity; from healthcare professionals improving access to specialised care to writers and publishers preserving African stories—the honourees demonstrated that Africa’s transformation is being driven from many fronts.

The awards therefore went beyond recognition. They represented an affirmation that meaningful African leadership deserves to be documented, celebrated and amplified.

For Scholar Media Group Africa, this is at the core of the SMEGAFRICA mission: to use media, knowledge platforms, conferences and recognition to spotlight people and institutions contributing to Africa’s progress.

Looking Ahead to Uganda in 2027

As the curtains came down on the second edition, Scholar Media Africa announced that the 3rd Annual International Scholar Media Africa Conference and SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2027 will be held in Uganda.

The announcement signals the continued evolution of the conference from a Kenyan gathering into a truly continental platform that moves across African borders and creates opportunities for leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, creatives, policymakers, media practitioners and young people to connect, collaborate and reimagine the continent together.

The Uganda edition will build on the momentum of Nairobi 2026 while continuing the broader mission of empowering minds, celebrating excellence, igniting meaningful ideas and strengthening partnerships capable of driving inclusive African growth.

Congratulations to the 2026 Honourees

Scholar Media Africa warmly congratulates all 45 individuals and organisations honoured at the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2026.

Their achievements remind us that Africa’s future is not merely something to be anticipated, it is something being built every day by courageous educators, visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, healthcare professionals, peacebuilders, creatives, journalists, scholars, community champions and young people.

As SMEGAfrica looks ahead to Uganda in 2027, the message from Nairobi remains clear: Africa has the talent, ideas and leadership to transform its future. What is needed is the courage to recognise it, connect it, invest in it and give it the platform to flourish.

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