Celebrating outstanding efforts to close the digital divide, this award honours a project, organisation or partnership that has significantly improved access to reliable, affordable connectivity in underserved or remote regions, contributing to social inclusion and digital empowerment.

Finalists:

• Avanti Communications
• Nokia Rural Connect
• Orange

This award recognises an individual or organisation at the forefront of artificial intelligence in Africa, demonstrating innovative thinking, real-world impact, and a commitment to using AI to drive inclusive, ethical, and transformative progress across industries and communities.

Finalists:

• Jean-Francois Arnod, CMO Orange (AI LLM Project)
• Mr. Veemal Gungadin - CEO, Mauritius Telecom
• Sandiso Sibisi - Director, COOi Studios

This award is dedicated to recognising and honouring network providers and services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and effort in ensuring connectivity for all.

Finalists:

• Mauritius Telecom
• Orange DRC
• Vodacom

This award recognises innovations of products or services that have disrupted traditional approaches, introduced novel solutions, and created tangible value for businesses and individuals in Africa.

Finalists:

• AXIAN Telecom
• Mastercard Community Pass
• Vertiv 360AI

This award honours exceptional leaders in Africa and their outstanding contributions in building teams, setting new standards, and delivering on a clear vision in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Finalists:

• Dejan Kastelic - CTO, Vodacom
• Dido wa Kalonji - CIO, First National Bank of Eswatini
• Michael Lazarus - CTO, Wonga South Africa

The Changing Lives Award is dedicated to recognising and honouring organisations and initiatives that are committed to improving lives across the continent.

Finalists:

• Rose Pola Pricemou - Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, Republic of Guinea
• SES and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)
• Vodacom Tanzania

This award seeks to honour the women who have made significant contributions to the fields of tech, media, and telecoms across Africa.

Finalists:

• Carla Wilby - Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Orca
• Ms Ennaifer Asma - Senior VP CSR, Orange Middle East & Africa
• Tshaamano Mabuba - Founder and CEO, Buddy Learning

This award acknowledges the transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.

Finalists:

• Mauritius Telecom
• PAYTOTA
• Vodacom

This award acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit, technological innovation, and potential impact of start-ups in driving growth, solving local challenges, and contributing to the advancement of Africa's tech ecosystem.

Finalists:

• Booi Industries (Pty) Ltd
• glu Mutual
• Lux Afrique Boutique

The Cybersecurity Leader of the Year Award honours exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in the cybersecurity field.

Finalists:

• Galeboe Mogotsi - CISO, University of the Witwatersrand
• Johnson Adeniken - CEO, Uridium Technologies
• Tim Theuri - CISO, M-Pesa Africa