Institutions, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Africa are set to be honoured at the Pacesetters International Awards (PIA), scheduled for September 25, 2026, in Nairobi.
The awards, organised by Jubilant Stewards of Africa, recognise businesses, institutions and professionals for achievements in areas including innovation, quality service, job creation and social impact.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Jubilant Stewards of Africa Executive Director Jared Oundo said recognising excellence helps strengthen institutions and support sustainable development across the continent.
"The Pacesetters International Awards celebrate organisations and individuals whose leadership, innovation and resilience are creating meaningful change across Africa. By recognising excellence, we encourage higher standards of performance, strengthen institutional credibility and inspire the next generation of business and public sector leaders. These awards are not only a celebration of achievement—they are an investment in Africa's future," said Oundo.
According to the organisers, the awards recognise organisations and individuals based on their economic and social impact rather than financial performance alone.
Winners will be selected through an appraisal process involving a public vote, benchmarking and a panel of judges.
The programme features organisations from across sub-Saharan Africa in categories including corporate leadership and corporate social responsibility, professional and education, road safety and healthcare.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam after receiving news of their anticipated nomination, Boredo Supplies Ltd Managing Director George Oredo said, "We are honoured to be considered among this year's nominees. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to innovation and creating positive impact for our customers and communities across Kenya."
According to the organisers, the awards recognise institutions and professionals for achievements in areas including economic growth, industrial development, financial inclusion, technological innovation, sustainable business practices and community impact.
Winners will be selected through what the organisers describe as an independent, merit-based evaluation process assessing leadership, governance, innovation, customer satisfaction, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and organisational impact.
"Being shortlisted is a testament to our mission of equipping young people with digital skills that drive innovation and employment across Africa," said MD Ken Mwenda of eMobilis Technology Training Institute.
According to the organisers, the 2026 nominations include organisations from the banking and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, education, agribusiness, information and communication technology, logistics, engineering, renewable energy, hospitality, real estate, entrepreneurship, media, public service and social innovation sectors.
The organisers said the nominees are drawn from at least 18 African countries.
The organisers said award recipients will be selected through an evaluation process that assesses organisational performance, innovation, governance, leadership, customer experience, sustainability initiatives and overall impact before the final winners are determined.
The shortlisted nominees include leading financial institutions such as Tanzania's CRDB Bank Plc, National Bank of Commerce (NBC) Tanzania, DTB Bank Kenya Limited, Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank PLC Uganda and NCBA Bank Kenya. Other notable nominees are Leakey Landscaping Solutions (Eldoret), Autoease Group, Low Farm Company, Port Town, Fairdeal Furniture Limited, among others.
