Questions
Ten things people ask
If the answer you need is not below, write to awards@theisfforum.com and a person will reply.
- 01Who can be nominated?
- Any African company, institution or individual with cross-border operations. The nominee is headquartered in Africa or does most of its trading there, and is active in two or more countries. There is no restriction on sector, stage or nationality within the continent, and 18 categories across 5 sectors cover companies, individuals, institutions and government.
- 02Can I nominate myself?
- Yes, in every category, and a self-nomination is scored no differently from any other. Most people know their own numbers better than a third party does, which usually makes for a stronger entry.
- 03Is there a fee?
- No. Nothing is charged for nominating, for being shortlisted, or for winning. If anyone asks you to pay in connection with this award, tell us at awards@theisfforum.com — it did not come from us.
- 04How much does the form take?
- About ten minutes if you have the figures to hand. It asks for the nominee, your relationship to them, a short overview, the case for the award, and links that support it. You can nominate in one category at a time.
- 05How are finalists chosen?
- Every nomination is read by a regional screening panel that checks eligibility and verifies the claims against filings, funding records, regulator registers and market data. Entries that survive screening are scored by the independent panel against four tests: evidence, growth, depth abroad and durability.
- 06Who are the judges?
- The panel is drawn from investment, industry, academia and media. Judges serve one edition, are unpaid, declare their interests and stand down from any category where they hold one. The full panel is published on the award page before nominations close on 31 October 2026.
- 07When is the shortlist published?
- In November 2026, after nominations close on 31 October 2026 and screening finishes. Shortlisted nominees are told privately before the list goes up. Where a category draws too few verified entries to make a credible list, it is held over rather than filled.
- 08When are the winners announced?
- All 18 at the ISF Forum Gala on 28 November 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan. Results are sealed until the envelope is opened — nothing is briefed to press, partners or nominees beforehand.
- 09How do I attend the gala?
- A gala seat comes with a forum ticket, and tables of ten are booked directly with events@theisfforum.com. Finalists are invited and seated as guests. Seating is limited and partners hold a priority allocation.
- 10What does winning actually get you?
- The trophy, a permanent entry in the Hall of Distinction, and the name read out in front of the room the forum has spent two days assembling — founders, investors, bank and regulator leadership. The verification behind the award is the point: it is a claim someone else has checked.
Closes 31 October 2026
That is everything you need
The form takes about ten minutes. Nothing is charged at any stage.