Nairobi to Host Prestigious Pan-African Pacesetters International Awards in 2026
Leading institutions and professionals from across 18 African nations will gather in the Kenyan capital to celebrate excellence, innovation, and social impact.
Nairobi, Kenya, is set to host a significant gathering of Africa's most distinguished institutions, entrepreneurs, and professionals at the 2026 Pacesetters International Awards (PIA). This prestigious Pan-African recognition programme, scheduled for September 25, 2026, will bring together influential figures from government, business, academia, and diplomacy to celebrate excellence and transformative leadership.
Organised by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Public Benefit Organization with operations spanning Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, and other African nations, the annual awards distinguish organisations and individuals for their innovation, quality service, job creation, leadership, and positive social impact. Unlike many award programmes that primarily focus on financial metrics, PIA's evaluation process delves into wider economic and social contributions, ethical practices, and community service. Winners are determined through a comprehensive appraisal that includes public voting, benchmarking, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Dr. Jared Oundo, JSA Executive Director, emphasised the critical role of these accolades in strengthening African institutions and promoting sustainable development. “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,” Dr. Oundo stated.
The 2026 nominations reflect the continent's diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as banking, manufacturing, healthcare, education, agribusiness, ICT, renewable energy, hospitality, real estate, media, and social innovation. Nominees hail from at least 18 African countries, underscoring the programme's broad Pan-African scope and its commitment to acknowledging excellence beyond national borders, fostering economic integration and sustainable growth.
Among the notable institutions shortlisted for this year's awards are CRDB Bank Plc-Tanzania, DTB Bank Kenya Limited, NCBA Bank-Kenya, University of Nairobi, The Maasai National Polytechnic, and Mawego National Polytechnic. Other prominent nominees include Ramco Group, Kimisitu Investments-Kenya, Bidco Africa Limited, Mombasa Maize Millers Limited, Tembo Steels Uganda Limited, and Heritage Mabati Mills Limited-Kenya. Past awardees like Safaricom Plc, eMobilis Technology Training Institute, Nation Media Group, and Mwananchi Credit have also been featured on the platform, highlighting their sustained impact.
Nominees have expressed immense pride in their recognition. George Oredo, Managing Director of Boredo Supplies Ltd, speaking from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, remarked, “This recognition reflects our continued commitment to innovation and creating positive impact for our customers and communities across Kenya.” Similarly, Ken Mwenda, Managing Director of eMobilis Technology Training Institute, welcomed their shortlisting as a testament to their mission of equipping young people with digital skills that drive innovation and employment across Africa.
The awards gala, themed “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation and Transforming Africa,” will serve as a crucial platform for strategic networking, investment dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among decision-makers. The Pacesetters International Awards have evolved into a vital mechanism for recognising entities and individuals whose work is transforming industries, strengthening institutions, and improving livelihoods across the continent, thus fostering strategic partnerships that contribute to Africa's economic and social advancement, as reported by Kahawa Tungu.