The Youth in Africa Awards (YIAA) has announced an exciting expansion of its categories to celebrate Africa’s vibrant creative economy, which generated an estimated USD 3.5 billion in 2024.
The prestigious awards, led by Amb. Sarah Munyi, President of Youth in Africa, will now feature four new categories dedicated to recognizing artistic and creative excellence across the continent.
The new categories include Best Artist in Africa, Best New Artist in Africa, Best Content Creator in Africa, and a Lifetime Achievement Award honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on Africa’s creative industry.
These additions mark a significant milestone for YIAA, underscoring the awards’ commitment to fostering innovation and spotlighting the immense talent within Africa’s creative sector.
Speaking on the announcement, Amb. Sarah Munyi emphasized the importance of the creative industry to Africa’s youth.
“The creative economy is not just entertainment; it’s a powerful driver of employment and innovation for our young people. By adding these categories, we aim to celebrate talent while creating a platform for African creatives to shine on the global stage,” she said.
Nominations Now Open
YIAA has officially opened nominations, inviting individuals and fans to put forward their favorite artists, emerging talent, and innovative content creators from across the continent. Interested participants can submit their names or nominate others by sending entries to [email protected]
Key dates for this year’s awards include:
Nominee List Release: October 13, 2025
Nomination Closure: November 4, 2025
Awards Ceremony: November 22, 2025, at the National Assembly (Parliament) of Comoros in Moroni.
The ceremony is expected to be a glittering celebration of African creativity, continuing YIAA’s tradition of rotating across major African cities. Since its inception, the awards have been hosted in Nairobi, Kenya (2021), Accra, Ghana (2022), Durban, South Africa (2023), and Goma, DRC (2024). This year’s event in Comoros will be the first time the island nation hosts the continent-wide awards.
Spotlighting African Creativity
With the inclusion of these categories, YIAA is set to attract even greater participation from Africa’s creative community. The Best Artist and Best New Artist awards will celebrate both established and rising voices, while the Best Content Creator category will highlight digital innovation in a rapidly evolving space. The Lifetime Achievement Award will serve as a tribute to pioneers who have paved the way for future generations of African creatives.
Amb. Munyi encouraged young people across Africa to seize this opportunity: “We look forward to seeing the incredible work of African creatives. This is your chance to be recognized, to inspire others, and to showcase Africa’s brilliance to the world.”
As the countdown to November begins, the Youth in Africa Awards promise to be a defining moment for the continent’s creative industry—an arena where talent, innovation, and passion converge.
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