Across the continent, a new generation of founders, engineers, researchers and public servants is putting artificial intelligence to work on problems that matter here: how farmers plan a season, how a clinic reads a scan, how a small business finds its customers, how a city moves its people. Much of that work happens quietly. The Africa AI Future Awards exist to bring it into the light.
Organised by KEOnline, a Kenyan digital media and events company, the awards spotlight and reward the innovators, founders and institutions driving Africa's digital transformation, across every sector and in every corner of the continent. Our vision is simple: a future where African AI talent is recognised, celebrated and empowered to lead on the global stage.
Why awards, and why now?
Recognition changes things. A trophy on its own does not build a product or train a model, but the visibility that comes with it does open doors. It puts a founder in front of investors who had never heard of them. It helps a research team make the case for funding. It tells a young developer in a smaller town that the work they are doing is seen, and that it counts.
Africa is not waiting for AI to arrive from somewhere else. It is being built here, in local languages, on local data, for local realities. Celebrating that work now, while the industry is still taking shape, helps set the standard for what African AI should look like: practical, inclusive and responsible.
Who the awards are for
The awards are open to people and organisations based in Africa, or directly impacting Africa through AI. That includes, among others:
- Founders and startups building AI-powered products and services.
- Researchers and academics advancing AI knowledge with an African focus.
- Corporates and institutions using AI to transform how they serve customers and citizens.
- Public sector teams applying data and automation to public services.
- Educators and community builders growing the next generation of AI talent.
Browse the award groups and categories on this site to find where a nominee fits best. If someone's work spans several areas, choose the category where their impact is clearest.
From nomination to gala night
The journey has four stages, and everyone can take part in at least one of them.
1. Nominate
Anyone can put forward a deserving person or organisation using the nomination form. Nominating is completely free. One form covers one nominee, so complete a separate form for each person or organisation you want to recognise.
2. Shortlist
An expert panel reviews the entries and selects the finalists in each category. Nominations close when shortlisting begins, so it pays to submit early.
3. Public vote
Once the finalists are announced, the public gets its say. Supporters browse the nominees, pick their champion and cast votes using vote bundles. Every vote counts, and you can vote as many times as you like.
4. Gala night
Winners are crowned at a grand gala in Nairobi on Friday, 13 November 2026 at the Argyle Grand Hotel. It is an evening to celebrate the winners in person, meet the people shaping African AI and enjoy a night that belongs to the builders.
The future of AI in Africa will be written by the people building it today. These awards are our way of saying: we see you.
How you can get involved
There are three easy ways to be part of this year's awards:
- Nominate someone whose work deserves recognition. It takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
- Vote for the finalists you believe in, and share their profile with your network.
- Join us on the night by getting a ticket to the gala in Nairobi.
Keep an eye on this news page for updates on nominations, the shortlist, voting and the gala itself. We will also share stories about the ideas and the people shaping AI across the continent. Welcome to the Africa AI Future Awards.