The CEOs Network Africa has unveiled one hundred and thirty-six finalists across seventeen award categories for its 2025 Gala and Dinner Night, following an outstanding response of more than fifteen thousand nominations from across the continent.
The event is scheduled for December fourteenth at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, NASS Complex, Abuja, where leading innovators, policymakers and entrepreneurs will gather to celebrate excellence and emerging leadership in Africa.
According to the Awards Committee, the volume and quality of submissions reflected the growing depth of talent, innovation and creativity within Africa’s youth population.
The committee noted that each nomination presented a compelling narrative of resilience, ingenuity and societal impact, making the final selection process extremely demanding and requiring weeks of detailed scrutiny and robust deliberations.
It added that the diversity of entries demonstrated the breadth of young Africans who are redefining leadership across sectors and shaping the continent’s future.
The awards span agriculture, sustainability, fashion, emerging startups, arts, entrepreneurship, finance, sports, hospitality, law, entertainment, digital influence, governance, real estate, social impact, technology, innovation and media.
Organizers explained that the program aims to honour young leaders whose work is driving transformation in their industries and creating positive change within their communities.
This year’s theme, centred on Africa’s resilient reinvention, highlights the continent’s current moment of transition, marked by new ideas and bold leadership. The founders of the network said the celebration recognizes individuals who are not only responding to change but actively shaping it through innovation, governance and social progress.
They emphasized that the surge in nominations signals a rising wave of youthful leadership committed to reforming systems, challenging limitations and inspiring a future generation of changemakers.
The 2025 Gala Night is expected to attract distinguished guests from government, business and policy institutions, reflecting the broad support for the platform’s mission.
Organizers said the night will celebrate individuals whose contributions continue to redefine leadership, enterprise and creativity across modern Africa.
