Emmanuel Agida International (EAI) has officially opened nominations for the 100 Under 40 Young Achievers Awards, a continental recognition platform designed to honour Africans under the age of forty who are making significant impact across key sectors including business, technology, governance, finance, energy, and the creative industry.
The award initiative seeks to spotlight young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs whose work is contributing meaningfully to socio-economic development across Africa and its diaspora. Through the platform, organisers aim to celebrate measurable achievements, highlight ethical leadership, and amplify the stories of young Africans shaping the future of the continent.
According to the organisers, the awards are intended to recognise individuals who are not only excelling in their respective industries but are also demonstrating innovation, resilience, and commitment to community transformation.
Speaking on the initiative, the Convener of the awards, Emmanuel Agida, said the programme was created to ensure that exceptional young Africans receive credible recognition for the work they are doing in different sectors.
“For too long, the global narrative about Africa’s young people has often focused on struggle and limitations,” Agida said. “The 100 Under 40 Young Achievers Awards is about changing that narrative by highlighting the remarkable individuals under forty who are building businesses, shaping policy, creating opportunities, and transforming communities.”
He explained that the platform is designed to showcase the achievements of young Africans whose leadership and enterprise are driving development and inspiring others.
“This recognition platform is about identifying the giants already walking among us,” he said. “Across Africa and the diaspora, there are young leaders doing extraordinary work in technology, governance, business, energy, finance, and the creative sector. These awards aim to bring their stories to the forefront.”
The awards will recognise excellence across a wide range of sectors, including entrepreneurship and business leadership, technology and innovation, governance and public service, finance and investment, energy and sustainability, as well as the creative and cultural industries.
Organisers emphasised that the nomination process is open to the public and designed to be transparent and merit-driven. Nominations can be submitted by individuals, institutions, or third parties, and self-nominations are also accepted.
Following the nomination stage, shortlisted candidates will be required to provide supporting documentation to validate their achievements and contributions.
According to the organisers, nominees will be evaluated through a rigorous selection process conducted by an independent committee. The evaluation will be based on four key criteria: impact and innovation, leadership and integrity, sustainability and scalability, and contribution to development.
“The credibility of the awards is extremely important to us,” Agida said. “Our goal is to ensure that the recognition is strictly merit-based and that every individual honoured truly represents excellence and measurable impact.”
The final list of recipients will be ratified by an independent advisory board to ensure fairness, transparency, and diversity in the selection process.
Members of the public are also encouraged to participate by voting for their preferred nominees through the official nomination portal.
Agida noted that public participation is an important part of the awards process because it allows communities to support and amplify the work of individuals making a difference.
“We want Africans everywhere to be part of this journey,” he said. “By nominating and voting, people can help spotlight individuals whose work deserves wider recognition.”
Recipients of the 100 Under 40 Young Achievers Awards will receive official recognition during the Achievers Summit 2026, where award plaques and medals will be presented to honourees.
Winners will also gain access to the 100 Under 40 Achievers Network, a platform created to foster collaboration, mentorship, and strategic partnerships among young leaders across Africa.
Beyond the awards ceremony, recipients will benefit from increased visibility through national media coverage and brand exposure through Emmanuel Agida International and its media partners.
The Achievers Summit 2026 is scheduled to hold on August 12, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos, bringing together young leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa.
The grand Award Gala and Dinner Night will take place on August 13, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, where the official award trophies will be presented during a black-tie event attended by distinguished guests and industry leaders.
