A pan-African leadership and networking platform CEOs Network Africa (CNA) has opened nominations for the 2026 CEOs Network Africa Awards and Gala Night.
The event is scheduled for 6 December 2026 at the Banquet Hall Presidential Villa State House Aso Rock Abuja in partnership with the SSA to the President on Arts Culture and Creative Economy.
Held under the theme ‘The Refiners of the Future’ the 2026 edition will bring together distinguished entrepreneurs business leaders investors policymakers innovators creatives and emerging changemakers shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s future.
The theme recognises individuals who refine systems advance ideas transform industries and create opportunities that will shape Africa’s next chapter of growth.
Speaking on the theme Alli-Bob Cinwon Founder of CEOs Network Africa 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 event is being held in partnership with the SSA to the President on Arts Culture and Creative Economy as part of a broader effort to strengthen engagement between young entrepreneurs the private sector and government.
Speaking on the partnership Ayomide Adeagbo the SSA to the President on Arts Culture and Creative Economy the Host and Headline Partner said: ‘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.’
The 2026 CEOs Network Africa Awards will recognise outstanding contributions across a wide range of sectors including business finance technology and innovation agriculture real estate creativity media governance social impact education sports and other areas contributing to Africa’s development.
The Awards Committee will be chaired by Ms. Pearl Ohanele. Commenting on the significance of the awards the committee chair said: ‘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.’
The 2026 CEOs Network Africa Awards and Gala Night will be an evening of recognition connection and high-level conversation bringing together influential voices from government business investment civil society and the creative and technology ecosystems.