18 November 2026 | Rooftop on Bree
Africa Tech Festival Awards
The Africa Tech Festival Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful tech achievements across the continent. The evening brings together Africa’s tech leaders, pioneers and change-makers to honour groundbreaking digital transformation and recognise the individuals and organisations shaping the future of African technology.
2026 Awards Timeline
Here is the timeline for the 2026 Africa Tech Festival Awards!
Key information:
- The shortlist will consist of the top candidates per category and will be decided by our expert panel of judges.
- The finalists will be sent to our judges, who will determine the winners.
- The winners will be announced live at the ceremony in Cape Town on 18 November.
2026 Award Categories
Connectivity Solution of the Year
Innovation in Network Infrastructure & Solutions
Telecom Innovation Award
Outstanding Achievement in Telecommunications Technology
AI Leader of the Year Award
Recognising Visionary Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Innovation & Strategy
Most Impactful AI Solution Award
Most Impactful AI Solution Addressing Societal Challenges
Innovation Startup of the Year
Celebrating Breakthrough Innovation & Disruptive Technology
Cybersecurity Innovation Leader of the Year
Rising Star in Cyber Innovation
Data Centre Innovation Award
Outstanding Advancement in Data Centre Design, Infrastructure and Emerging Technology
Cloud Transformation Project of the Year
Most Successful Cloud Migration & Modernisation Initiative
Enterprise Digital Transformation Leader of the Year
Recognising Visionary Leadership in Organisation-Wide Digital Innovation
Fintech Innovation Leader
Spearheading the Future of Finance
Women in Tech Leadership Award
Visionary Female Executive Shaping the Future of Tech
Innovation for Impact Award
Recognising Iplementation for Social, Economic and Environmental Value with Real-World Outcomes
Rewind: Last Years 2025 Award Winners
Innovation for Impact Award
This award recognised innovations of products or services that have disrupted traditional approaches, introduced novel solutions, and created tangible value for businesses and individuals in Africa.
2025 Winner: Mastercard Community Pass
Telco of the Year Award
This award is dedicated to recognising and honouring network providers and services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and effort in ensuring connectivity for all.
2025 Winner: Vodacom
CXO of the Year Award
This award honoured 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.
2025 Winner: Dejan Kastelic - CTO, Vodacom
Changing Lives
The Changing Lives Award is dedicated to recognising and honouring organisations and initiatives that are committed to improving lives across the continent.
2025 Winner: SES and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI)
Female Innovator of the Year Award
This award seeks to honour the women who have made significant contributions to the fields of tech, media, and telecoms across Africa.
2025 Winner: Asma Ennaifer - Senior VP CSR, Orange Middle East & Africa
Cybersecurity Leader of the Year Award
The Cybersecurity Leader of the Year Award honoured exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in the cybersecurity field.
2025 Winner: Tim Theuri - CISO, M-Pesa Africa
Fintech Innovation of the Year Award
This award acknowledged the transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
2025 Winner: Vodacom
Startup of the Year Award
This award acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit, technological innovation, and potential impact of startups in driving growth, solving local challenges, and contributing to the advancement of Africa's tech ecosystem.
2025 Winner: Booi Industries (Pty) Ltd
AI Leader of the Year
This award recognised 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.
2025 Winner: Jean-Francois Arnod, CMO Orange (AI LLM Project)
Connectivity for All
Celebrating outstanding efforts to close the digital divide, this award honoured 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.
2025 Winner: Orange