2026 · Categories
Read the eligibility line before you start. One nomination goes into one category; entering the wrong one is the most common reason an otherwise strong submission is set aside.
Submit a nominationThe company that achieved the most remarkable, verifiable cross-border growth. We look for revenue expansion, geographic reach, team scaling, and demonstrable market leadership across two or more African markets.
EligibleCompanies incorporated in Africa, operating in two or more countries, with at least 3 years trading history.
The small or medium-sized business that punched above its weight and successfully crossed borders. Growth is measured relative to size — this category celebrates the bold, not just the biggest.
EligibleSMEs under 250 employees, incorporated in Africa, with active cross-border operations.
The company that entered a new market and fundamentally changed the rules. Disruption must be demonstrable — incumbents challenged, pricing changed, behaviours shifted.
EligibleCompanies that entered at least one new African market in the past 24 months with measurable impact.
The financial technology company most actively powering cross-border transactions, lending, insurance, or financial infrastructure across African markets.
EligibleRegulated or registered fintech companies operating across at least two African markets.
For the company building the invisible backbone — cloud, connectivity, payments rails, logistics tech, or developer tools — that enables everyone else to scale across borders.
EligibleTechnology companies whose primary product enables other businesses to operate cross-border.
The company building Africa's security layer — protecting businesses and consumers from fraud, breaches, and identity theft as commerce scales across borders.
EligibleCybersecurity, identity verification, fraud prevention, or compliance technology companies operating across African markets.
Technology solving a real social problem — health, agriculture, education, climate, water — at cross-border scale. Impact must be measurable, not aspirational.
EligibleFor-profit, non-profit, or hybrid organisations deploying technology for social impact across at least two African countries.
Applied artificial intelligence or deep technology that has moved from lab to market and is demonstrably improving outcomes across African borders.
EligibleCompanies that have commercialised an AI or deep technology solution across at least two African markets.
The individual founder whose personal vision and leadership defined what cross-border African business looks like in 2026. This is about the human being who built it — and what they gave to the ecosystem.
EligibleFounders, co-founders, or founding CEOs of African companies with active cross-border operations.
The executive who took an existing organisation to new markets with clarity, courage, and commercial results. Leadership, strategy, and execution — all three must be present.
EligibleCEOs and Managing Directors of African companies that expanded cross-border operations in the past 24 months.
The under-35 founder or executive who has already delivered proven cross-border impact — not potential, but results. The one who made everyone else take note.
EligibleIndividuals aged 35 or under as of 1 January 2026, with cross-border business achievements.
The female founder or executive who is redefining what African cross-border enterprise looks like — and making it impossible for anyone to ignore the talent that has always been there.
EligibleFemale-identifying founders, co-founders, and executives of African companies with cross-border operations.
The VC, PE firm, or angel investor whose capital and conviction most enabled African businesses to scale across borders. We look at portfolio impact, not just deal volume.
EligibleInvestment firms and individuals who have made and supported cross-border investments in African businesses.
The financial institution most actively financing African cross-border commerce — through trade finance, lending, treasury, or market infrastructure that moves capital across borders.
EligibleCommercial banks, development finance institutions, and financial services groups operating across African markets.
The accelerator, incubator, hub, university, or institution that most enabled other businesses to cross borders — through capital, networks, training, or infrastructure.
EligibleOrganisations whose primary mandate is to support and develop other businesses across African markets.
The government that created the most enabling environment for cross-border trade, investment, and business growth. Judged on concrete policy action, not intention.
EligibleNational governments, state governments, and ministries. Nominations may be submitted by business associations, chambers of commerce, or private sector bodies.
The regulatory body that removed the most friction from cross-border business — through licensing reform, interoperability, or regulatory sandboxes that unlocked new markets.
EligibleSector regulators, central banks, and government agencies with a regulatory mandate.
A specific policy, law, or regulation — not an institution — that unlocked meaningful cross-border opportunity at scale. The award recognises the policy itself and those who championed it.
EligibleAny enacted policy, legislation, or regulatory framework introduced in the past 36 months with demonstrable cross-border business impact.
Applies to every category
The nominee must be headquartered in Africa or run the majority of its operations there.
Every nomination must carry evidence of cross-border activity that can be checked independently.
The nominator must have direct knowledge of the work being put forward.
Self-nominations are accepted in every category and are judged no differently.
A nominee may be entered in more than one category, but each entry is submitted separately.
Closes 31 October 2026
Around ten minutes, and you can attach evidence as links.