Nominations Now Open: African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026

Africa’s energy and water sectors are at a turning point, with innovators driving sustainable solutions to address critical challenges like energy access and clean water shortages. The African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026, now in its landmark 10th edition, is calling for nominations to celebrate the changemakers transforming lives and infrastructure across the continent. This prestigious platform, fondly known as The Elites, is not just an awards programme; it’s a symbol for visibility, credibility, and connection in Africa’s power, energy, and water industries. With a nomination deadline of September 28, 2025, now is the time to nominate individuals, projects, and organisations making a real impact. From off-grid solar solutions to AI-driven utilities and community-led water initiatives, this is your chance to spotlight excellence. Read on to learn why this initiative matters, what’s new for 2025/2026, and how you can get involved.

Why The Elites Matter: Addressing Africa’s Energy and Water Challenges

Across Africa, millions still lack access to reliable electricity and clean water, creating systemic barriers to development. The Elites platform, hosted by ESI Africa, brings attention to the innovators tackling these challenges head-on. Whether it’s through renewable energy projects, smart digital solutions, or groundbreaking water sanitation systems, The Elites highlights those who are powering Africa’s sustainable future. As Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief of ESI Africa, puts it:

“The Elites is not an awards-based programme. It’s a respected platform for visibility, credibility, and connection. We’re calling on all stakeholders to help recognise excellence where it’s happening.”

By nominating a leader or project, you’re helping to amplify stories of innovation and impact, inspiring others to drive change in Africa’s energy and water sectors. READ ALSO:

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What’s New in 2025/2026: Expanded Categories for a Dynamic Landscape

The 10th edition of The Elites introduces updated categories to reflect the rapidly evolving energy and water sectors. These categories are designed to capture the diversity of innovation across the continent, from grassroots initiatives to large-scale infrastructure projects. Here’s what’s on offer:

Leadership & Rising Stars: Honouring visionary executives, technicians, and emerging talent driving progress.
Grid-tied & Off-grid Projects: Recognising solutions that expand energy access, from utility-scale to remote communities.
Smart & Digital Solutions: Celebrating AI-driven utilities, digital grids, and tech innovations.
Clean Mobility & Energy at Mines: Highlighting sustainable transport and energy-efficient mining solutions.
Water & Sanitation Innovations: Showcasing projects that improve access to clean water and sanitation.
Finance & Investment Models: Acknowledging innovative funding strategies that fuel growth.

These categories are open to individuals and organisations across the value chain, including executives, developers, entrepreneurs, utilities, and more. Self-nominations are encouraged, and organisations can also sponsor features to align their brand with Africa’s top energy and water stories.

How to Nominate: Your Chance to Make a Difference

Nominating a leader or project for The Elites is simple and impactful. Here’s how you can get involved:

Submit Your Nomination: Use the official Google Form to nominate an individual, project, or organisation.
Learn More: Visit ESI Africa – The Elites 2025/2026 for detailed information.
Deadline: All submissions must be received by September 28, 2025.

All nominations are reviewed by a trusted Elites Advisory Board, which evaluates submissions based on innovation, relevance, and impact. This rigorous process ensures that only the most transformative contributions are recognised.

Recognition for Selected Elites: Unparalleled Visibility

Those selected as Elites will receive unparalleled exposure, positioning them as leaders in Africa’s energy and water sectors. Benefits include:

Editorial Feature: A dedicated feature in a respected industry magazine (print and digital formats).
Event Exposure: Visibility through ESI Africa, VUKA Group events, and digital campaigns.
Professional Video Interviews: In-depth interviews with project leads and industry pioneers.
Social Media Promotion: Reach thousands across Africa and globally through targeted campaigns.

This recognition not only celebrates excellence but also promotes connections and inspires further innovation across the continent.

Why Nominate? Be Part of Africa’s Sustainable Future

The African Power & Energy Elites is more than a recognition platform; it’s a movement to drive progress in Africa’s energy and water sectors. By nominating a project or leader, you’re helping to:

Highlight Innovation: Showcase solutions like off-grid solar, clean mobility hubs, and community-led water projects.
Inspire Action: Share success stories that motivate others to tackle Africa’s challenges.
Build Connections: Create opportunities for collaboration and investment in sustainable initiatives.

With millions still lacking access to basic utilities, your nomination can spotlight the changemakers closing these gaps and reshaping Africa’s infrastructure.

Nominate by September 28, 2025.

Don’t miss your chance to honour the people and projects powering Africa’s future. Submit your nomination for the African Power & Energy Elites 2025/2026 by September 28, 2025, and help celebrate the innovators driving sustainable change.

Nominate Now: Click here to submit.
Learn More: Visit ESI Africa

Join the movement to recognise excellence and build a brighter, more sustainable future for Africa. Let’s power progress together!