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CEOs Network Africa (CNA) has opened nominations for its 2026 Awards and Gala Night, scheduled for December 6 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, State House, Aso Rock, Abuja.
The event, themed “The Refiners of the Future,” is being organised in partnership with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
According to the organisers, the awards will bring together entrepreneurs, business executives, investors, policymakers, innovators, creatives and emerging leaders shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s economic and social development.
The theme recognises individuals and organisations driving innovation, transforming industries, strengthening institutions and creating opportunities for sustainable growth across the continent.
The Founder of CEOs Network Africa, Alli-Bob Cinwon, said the initiative was designed to celebrate people whose ideas and actions were contributing to Africa’s future.
He said, “The future is shaped by those willing to refine what exists, reimagine what is possible, and create what comes next. The Refiners of the Future are building stronger institutions, creating opportunities, challenging conventional thinking, and turning ambition into meaningful progress.”
The organisers said the partnership with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy was aimed at strengthening engagement among young entrepreneurs, the private sector and government.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayomide Adeagbo, who is the event’s host and headline partner, said the awards would spotlight emerging and established leaders making significant contributions to Africa’s development.
“Across Nigeria and Africa, a new generation of leaders is redefining progress. They are transforming industries, creating opportunities, influencing culture, and opening doors for others. This year, we are bringing these voices together to recognise the work shaping what comes next,” Adeagbo said.
The awards will recognise outstanding contributions across several sectors, including business, finance, technology, innovation, agriculture, real estate, media, governance, education, sports, social impact and the creative industry.
The Awards Committee will be chaired by Pearl Ohanele, who said the initiative would highlight individuals with the vision and courage to drive meaningful change.
“The Refiners of the Future are those with the courage to improve what exists while imagining what does not yet exist. Recognising them is about drawing attention to the ideas and actions shaping the future we want to build,” Ohanele said.
The gala night is expected to feature prominent figures from government, business, investment, civil society, technology and the creative industry for an evening of recognition, networking and discussions on Africa’s development.
CNA boasts 39,000 young entrepreneurs
CEOs Network Africa is a pan-African leadership and networking platform connecting entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, investors, policymakers and emerging leaders across the continent.
The organisation said it had a network of more than 39,000 registered young entrepreneurs across Africa, with a focus on leadership development, business networking, mentorship, recognition and engagement between the private sector and government.
Its members, honourees and alumni include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Olori Atuwatse III; Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; comedian Brain Jotter; Adanna Adaka; Sadiq Saminu Geidam, popularly known as Abuja Car; and chef Hilda Baci.
The organisers said the 2026 edition would sustain the organisation’s commitment to identifying, celebrating and connecting individuals and ideas contributing to Africa’s growth.
