The Future Awards Africa 2026 nominees have been announced, bringing together young Africans recognised for their work in entertainment, technology, business, journalism, governance, fashion, sports and other fields.
The awards have built a reputation for spotlighting young people whose work is shaping industries and communities across the continent. This year’s nominees include names from several African countries, reflecting the awards’ reach beyond Nigeria and the range of talent emerging across the continent.
The 2026 nominations cover 28 categories, spanning creative industries, public service, innovation, advocacy, education, agriculture, health, sustainability and community development. Kenyan, Ghanaian, Botswanan and Moroccan nominees feature alongside Nigerian candidates, highlighting achievements across national borders.
The list includes established and emerging figures in music, film, literature, digital media and sport, as well as people working in areas such as law, entrepreneurship, education and energy. The Young Person of the Year and Creative Excellence categories also recognise individuals whose work has attracted attention across different fields.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 2026. The organisers have published the nominations on the official Future Awards Africa website, where readers can find further information about the 20th edition.
Below is the complete list of nominees as provided for the 2026 edition.
Photography
Agbaje Halimah, Daniel Msirikale, Oluwatosin Junaid, Chidubem Praise Nmeka and Stephen Tayo Ajibare.
Technology and Innovation
Odunayo Eweniyi, Maxwell Opondo, Charles Mfouapon, Wendy Okolo and Yanmo Omorogbe.
Music
Nikita Kering (Kenya), Shodade Solomon Segun (Shoday), Idris Lawal Oluwadamilare (Oshamo), Samuel Damilare (Abefe) and Amalachukwu Okonkwo Chantell (Amma).
On-Air Personality
Claudia Naisambwa Leshoomo (Kenya), Joey Akan, Kanyinsola Olukoya, Nina Shaban (Kenya) and Onyinyechi Aderibigbe.
Entrepreneurship
Iretidayo Zaccheaus, Keyinde and Taiwo Smith, Esther Uzodinma, Olamidun Ogundoyin and Adeola Adeyemi (Diiadem).
Governance
Emma Inamutila Theofelus, Rinsola Abiola, Abideen Olasupo, Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa and Khalil Nur Khalil.
Advocacy and Activism
Aisha Hamman, Habib Sheidu, Violet Ejiata, Joshua Okoduwa and Oluwaseun Ikusika.
Law
Dr Stanley U. Nweke-Eze, Taiwo Aromolaran, Maryam Dan-Habu, Oluwafunke Adeoye and Temijuopelo Alufa.
Technology and Innovation
Justina Nwokedi, Chiemela Ebere, Martins Okechukwu, Elizabeth Chibuzor and Chiemela Anosike.
Education
Princess Natasha Momoh, Monalisa Agbata, Israel Oyedare, Jennifer Jonathan and Gloria Babarinde.
Journalism
Onyinyechi Obaroh Obaroh, Adesola Abisoye, Omolola Afolabi, Emmanuel Onwuka and Riyah Abdul.
Agriculture
Chy Nwakanma, Titilayo Aisha Damilola, Funmilayo Famuyiwa, Chioma Aniagolu and Adaeze Ruth Okonmah.
Professional Service
Fatou Jeng, Faith Emmanuel, Abraham Mbuthia, Ifeoluwa Ebiseni and Iheakachi Nwabueze.
Sports
Letsile Tebogo (Botswana), Ashleigh Plumptre, Tobi Amusan, Emmanuel Wanyoyi (Kenya) and Nene Joy Ojo.
Art
Blessing Ejiroghene Adewale, Echezona Ogudu, Rahmal Houssig (Morocco), Anthony Azekwoh and Tioluwa Yoloye.
Literature
Damilare Kuku, Fatima Bala, Eloghosa Osunde, Somtochukwu Ihezue and Peter Okonkwo.
Community Action
Daniel Ajala, Damilola Feyide, Oyinkansola Akinbiyi, Deborah Aderogba and Mordecai Orimiladeye.
Health and Wellness
Dr Princess Akawor, Mobolaji Ajayi, Dr Cassandra Akinde, Kiki Diorgu and Faith Adewale.
Fashion
Goodnews Emmanuel, Fisayo Longe, Prudent Gabriel Peterson, Esther Yonkor and Desirée Iyama.
Film
Eniola Korty Olanrewaju, Abdulazeez Greene, Ogechi Chikezie, Damilare Adeeso, Jigar Ganatra and Ogheneyerhovwo Nana.
Content Creation (Comedy)
Aderonke Adepoju, Daniel Ekpe (Akwaman), Folagade Banks, Destiny Ogie Osarewinda (Dezny) and Crazy Kennar (Kenya).
Content Creation (Lifestyle)
Tobe Ugeh, Wode Maya (Ghana), Eric Gugua, Adenike Tejuoso and Chef T.
Acting
Bolaji Ogunmola, Teniola Aladese, Uche Montana, Rosman Sunshine and Taye Arimoro.
Young Person of the Year
James Popoola, Abdul Azeez Abdulyekeen, Taiwo Aromolaran, Deborah Johnson and Nora Awolowo.
Creative Excellence
Laetitia KY (Abidjan), Akintunde Ikudayisi Ikudayisi, Emmanuel Whajah, Kendo Grant and Ijeoma Mathew.
Performing Arts
Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe (Ibquake), Hafsat Abdulllahi, Victory Ashaka, Kingfahd Ibitoye and Diana Modeme.
Energy and Sustainability
Charlot Magayi, Brian Gadisi, Chiemela Anosike, Damilola Hamid Balogun and Oyinkansola Owoyemi.
With nominees spanning creative work, public service, entrepreneurship and community initiatives, the 2026 edition places a wide range of young African achievers in the spotlight. The November ceremony will bring the nomination process to its next stage, with winners to be determined through the awards’ official procedures.
For the official announcement and further details, visit The Future Awards Africa website.
