The 2026 Africa Tourism Leadership Awards have recognised African destinations, public institutions, businesses and industry leaders across tourism, hospitality, aviation, sustainability, media and entrepreneurship.
Source: Supplied
The awards were presented during the eighth Africa Tourism Leadership Forum in Polokwane, Limpopo. The programme recognises tourism leadership and innovation across Africa, with an emphasis on leadership, sustainable tourism practices and policymaking.
2026 category winners
1. Championing Sustainability Award: Hafeni Afrika Tourism Group – Namibia
2. Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award: Nairobi – Kenya
3. Outstanding Accommodation Facility Award: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara – Zambia
4. Outstanding Africa Tourism Media Award: Channel Africa – South Africa
5. Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award: VistaVoyage Travel Group – Kenya
6. Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award: Ethiopian Airlines – Ethiopia
7. Progressive Policies Award: Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife – Kenya
8. Women in Leadership Award: Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry – Zimbabwe
9. Destination Africa – Lifetime Award: Minister Rebecca Miano, Kenya Minister of Tourism and Wildlife
The awards span destination development, business tourism, accommodation, aviation, media, entrepreneurship, sustainability and tourism policy.
Youth innovation spotlight
The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge was also featured in the programme, providing a platform for young entrepreneurs and start-ups to develop tourism-related solutions and gain industry visibility, mentorship and partnership opportunities.
Namibian entrepreneur Octavius Maketo’s Ubuntu Aquatics CC won the 2025 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge. Its aquaponics-based tourism concept combines sustainable food production, water efficiency, education and visitor experience.
The full results were:
1. Winner: Octavius Maketo – Ubuntu Aquatics CC
2. 1st Runner-Up: Brenda Kakungulu Asasira – Bris Agro Safaris (U) Limited
3. 2nd Runner-Up: Leon Chaperuka – Eastville Chemakuti Sustainable Ecotourism Travels
4. Top 5: Bruno Komurubga – CHUNZI Technologies
5. Top 5: Lillian Mumbi – Eco Tourism Digital Passport
The projects across the Top 5 reflect agri-tourism, sustainable ecotourism, digital solutions and travel technology.
Limpopo youth edition
The Limpopo Youth Innovation Challenge provided a provincial platform for young tourism entrepreneurs and innovators to present ideas focused on local opportunity, enterprise development and the future of the visitor economy.
The results were:
1. Winner: Pfano Nefale – Ahipfunaneni South African Campaign (Pty) Ltd
2. 1st Runner-Up: Ntokoto Leon Hobyani – Pfukaloop
3. 2nd Runner-Up: Vele Funanani Ayanda
4. Top 5: Vuledzani Ramukosi – Elite Travel Empire
5. Top 5: Innocant Vhonani Mudalamo – Exhibit Tourism and Recreation Agency
The organisers said the Top 5 represent a growing pipeline of youth-led tourism enterprises in Limpopo, with opportunities for further development through mentorship, market access, supplier development, investment readiness and future Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Youth Summit platforms.
The awards recognise activity across the continent’s visitor economy, from tourism policy and destination development to aviation connectivity, hospitality, media, entrepreneurship, sustainability, technology and youth enterprise.
The eighth Africa Tourism Leadership Forum was held in Polokwane, Limpopo, alongside the 2026 awards.
