ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 21, 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the leading pan-African platform dedicated to promoting economic leadership, Builders of the African Economy, is taking a major step in its history.
For two decades, the event has recognized the women and men who actively contribute to Africa’s economic transformation. For this special edition, an exceptional category
was established to recognize African countries whose outstanding public policies and sectoral dynamics have significantly contributed to the economic and social development of their country and the African continent. Following deliberations by an independent jury of recognized experts, the winners were selected based on rigorous criteria, including:
- The impact of public policies;
- Economic performance;
- Strategic sectoral advances;
- The contribution to African integration.
The event thus reaffirms its mission: to value and promote excellence, encourage good practices and contribute to building a high-performing and competitive Africa.
Michel Russel Lohoré, founding president of the Builders of the African Economy, stated: “For two decades, we have been highlighting the women and men who are making a remarkable contribution to the transformation of the continent’s economy. But this year, drawing on our 20 years of experience on the ground, which gives us considerable legitimacy, we wanted to go further. For this edition
Given the exceptional circumstances, we have decided to take a further step: recognizing, in a special category, countries that have made significant progress in strategic sectors, under the leadership of leaders whose public policies have had a significant impact on economic and social development. Because beyond businesses, it is also public policies, national visions, and strategic decisions that shape our economies in a lasting way. Africa is not just the economic showcase of the future. We want to show that the continent also has leaders who possess both vision and action. These tangible achievements deserve to be celebrated. We wish to emphasize that this initiative is independent, based on objective criteria, and overseen by a jury of recognized experts and journalists from several countries. Our ambition is not political. We intend to highlight performance dynamics and encourage high-impact achievements. We warmly congratulate these committed leaders and strongly encourage them to persevere on this path.
Valentin Mbougueng, a journalist specializing in international and development issues and president of the jury, added: “This time, there will be states among the winners, in a special Top Builders category. These are countries that have implemented effective public policies with a strong impact both within their own borders and across Africa. Performance criteria, investment levels, and results were all taken into account in selecting the winners. To carry out its work, the pan-African jury of more than twenty members relied on benchmark rankings from international and sub-regional organizations, as well as several recognized specialized publications, and the on-the-ground expertise of its members, all seasoned African journalists and experts in various fields of development and finance. The jury’s verdict reveals a dynamic and better-governed Africa that is moving forward, strengthened by its physical and human resources, and driven by leaders determined to succeed. It is a message full of hope for Africa.”
The awards list revealed winners in eleven key sectors and three special segments.
The list of winners is as follows:
- Mines: Democratic Republic of Congo
- Agriculture: Ivory Coast
- Education, training and employment: Seychelles
- Health and pharmacy: Morocco
- Infrastructure: Egypt
- Technologies, AI and innovation: Kenya
- Energy: Algeria
- Industries and services: South Africa
- Tourism and Hospitality: Tanzania
- Creative and cultural industries: Nigeria
- Environment and green development: Morocco
Special prizes were awarded to:
- Namibia for gender equality and women’s empowerment;
- In Ghana for the return of African diasporas and regional integration;
- Morocco also won the Special 20th Anniversary Prize for Builders of the African Economy, which recognizes the country that has undergone the greatest transformations.
The winning countries will be honoured at the gala evening of the 20th anniversary of the Builders of the African Economy, which will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in Abidjan.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for the Africa Economy Builders Forum Awards
About the Builders of the African Economy
Created in 2006 by Michel Russel Lohoré, journalist, communicator, event promoter, the Builders of the African Economy have positioned themselves as a leading platform for recognizing women, men and companies resolutely committed to the prosperity of the continent.
The Builders of the African Economy celebrate African entrepreneurial and managerial elites, businesses, successful economic institutions, international investors, talents from the African diaspora and multinationals that distinguish themselves through their investments for the progress of Africa.
Over the past 20 years, this forum has recognized more than four hundred economic players, including:
Mo Ibrahim, Samuel Esson Jonah, Robert Beugré Mambé, Patricia Poku-Diaby, Sidi Ould Tah, Daniel McKorley, Jean Kacou Diagou, Louisa Madiako Mojela, Strive Masiyiwa, Alain Yao Kouadio, Samuel Dossou-Aworet, Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Said Ibrahimi, Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Pierre Atépa Goudiaby, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Ralph Mupita, Kanayo Awani, Gervais Koffi Djondo, Rosa Whitaker, Issad Rebrab, Didier Acouetey, Nana Bouba Djoda.
