On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the leading pan-African platform dedicated to promoting economic leadership, the Africa Economy Builders Forum Awards (Les Bâtisseurs de l,Économie Africaine) is reaching a major milestone in its history.
For two decades, the event has recognized the women and men who actively contribute to Africa’s economic transformation. For this special edition, an exceptional category has been established to recognize African countries whose remarkable public policies and sectoral dynamics have significantly contributed to the economic and social development of their country and the African continent.
Following deliberations by an independent jury of recognized experts, the winners were selected based on rigorous criteria, including:
- The impact of public policies;
- Economic performance;
- Strategic sectoral advances;
- Contribution to African integration.
The event thus reaffirms its mission: to value and promote excellence, encourage best practices, and contribute to building a high-performing and competitive Africa.
Michel Russel Lohoré, founder and president of the Africa Economy Builders Forum Awards, stated: « For two decades, we have been highlighting the women and men who are making a remarkable contribution to the transformation of the continent’s economy. But this year, drawing on our 20 years of experience on the ground, which gives us considerable legitimacy, we wanted to go further. For this exceptional edition, we decided to take a new step: recognising, in a special category, countries that have made significant progress in strategic sectors, under the leadership of leaders whose public policies have had a significant impact on economic and social development. Because beyond businesses, it is also public policies, national visions, and strategic decisions that shape our economies in a lasting way. Africa is not just the economic showcase of the future. We want to show that the continent also has leaders who have a sense of vision and action. These tangible achievements deserve to be celebrated.” We wish to emphasise that this initiative is independent, based on objective criteria, and overseen by a jury of recognised experts and journalists from several countries. Our ambition is not political. We intend to highlight performance dynamics and encourage high-impact achievements. We warmly congratulate these committed leaders and strongly encourage them to persevere in this direction.»
Valentin Mbougueng, a journalist specialising in international and development issues and president of the jury, added: «This time, there will be states among the award winners, in a special Top Builders category. These are countries that have implemented effective, high-impact public policies both within their own borders and across Africa. Performance criteria, investment levels, and results were all taken into account in selecting the winners.To carry out its work, the pan-African jury of more than twenty members relied on benchmark rankings from international and sub-regional organisations, as well as several recognised specialised publications, and the on-the-ground expertise of its members, all seasoned African journalists and experts in various fields of development and finance. The jury’s verdict reveals a dynamic and better-governed Africa moving forward, strengthened by its physical and human resources, and driven by leaders determined to succeed. It is a message full of hope for Africa. »
The awards ceremony revealed winners in eleven key sectors and three special segments.
The list of winners is as follows:
- Tourism and Hospitality: Tanzania
- Industries and Services: South Africa
- Creative and Cultural Industries: Nigeria
- Technology, AI and Innovation: Kenya
- Infrastructure: Egypt
- Agriculture: Ivory Coast
- Health and Pharmaceuticals : Morocco
- Education, Training and Employment: Seychelles
- Mining: Democratic Republic of Congo
- Energy: Algeria
- Environment and Green Development: Morocco
Special awards were given to:
- Ghana for the Return of African Diasporas and Regional Integration;
- Namibia for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment;
- Morocco, which also received the 20th Anniversary Special Award for the Africa Economy Builders Forum Awards, recognizing the country that has undergone the greatest transformation.
The winning countries will be honored at the gala evening for the 20th anniversary of the Africa Economy Builders Forum Awards, which will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
