Every winner at the Africa AI Future Awards starts with a nomination. Someone noticed their work and took a few minutes to put their name forward. That someone could be you. This guide walks through the process and shares a few tips for writing a nomination that does your nominee justice.
Before you start
Check that your nominee qualifies. The person or organisation must be based in Africa or directly impacting Africa through AI. That covers a wide range: a startup in Nairobi, a research lab in Lagos, a public agency in Kigali, or a team abroad whose AI work changes lives on the continent.
A few ground rules:
- Nominating is completely free. Vote bundles for the public vote are purchased separately, later.
- One nomination per form. If you want to nominate several people, complete a separate form for each.
- Nominations close when shortlisting begins. Submit early so your nominee is not left out.
- You can nominate yourself or your own organisation. Many great nominees are put forward by the people who know their work best.
Step 1: Choose the right category
Browse the award groups and categories on this site before you open the form. Read the description of each one and pick the category where your nominee's impact is clearest. If their work spans several areas, ask yourself: what would they most want to be known for? A focused nomination in the right category is stronger than a general one in the wrong place.
Step 2: Gather the details
The form asks for the nominee's details and yours. It helps to have these ready:
- The nominee's full name or organisation name, and how to reach them.
- Their country and, where relevant, the communities or sectors they serve.
- Links that show their work: a website, a product page, a publication or a social profile.
- A few concrete examples of what they have built or achieved.
Step 3: Tell their story well
The expert panel reads many nominations. The ones that stand out are specific. Instead of saying a nominee is "innovative" or "passionate", show it:
Describe the problem
What challenge does their work address? Who was affected before, and why did it matter? A clear problem makes the solution easier to appreciate.
Explain the AI in plain language
You do not need technical jargon. Say what the system does, who uses it and how it is different from what existed before. If it works in local languages or with local data, mention it.
Show the impact
Who has benefited, and how? Real outcomes carry more weight than ambitions. If you are not sure of exact figures, describe the change you have seen rather than guessing.
Mention responsibility
How does the nominee handle data, privacy and fairness? Thoughtful, responsible use of AI is part of what makes work worth celebrating.
A good nomination answers one question for the panel: why does this work matter for Africa?
Step 4: Submit and spread the word
Review your answers, submit the form and you are done. It is a good idea to let your nominee know you have put them forward, so they can watch for updates and prepare to rally support if they reach the public vote.
What happens next
When nominations close, the expert panel reviews every entry and selects the finalists. Finalists are then opened up to the public vote, where supporters cast votes using vote bundles. Winners are announced and celebrated at the gala in Nairobi on Friday, 13 November 2026.
Know someone whose work deserves the spotlight? Head to the nomination page and put them forward today.