The second edition of the Thamani Africa Awards has officially opened nominations, setting the stage for a continental celebration of women making waves in their respective fields.
Following a debut that primarily focused on local impact, the awards have significantly expanded their scope, casting a wide net across East, Central, West, Southern, and North Africa.
This strategic growth aims to spotlight women whose influence transcends borders, from grassroots community champions to boardroom powerhouses.
The awards will feature 29 competitive categories, recognising excellence in diverse fields including leadership, governance, humanitarian work, sports, arts, and fashion.
The nomination process is designed to be inclusive; candidates may submit their own entries, or members of the public can nominate women whose work deserves a spotlight.
Beyond the competitive categories, the event will confer eight honorary accolades reserved for regional legends.
Each of the four African blocs will see two distinguished women honoured for their lifetime achievements and trailblazing contributions to society.
The momentum for this year’s expansion draws directly from the success of the inaugural ceremony.
Held on Mother’s Day (May 11, 2025), the previous edition celebrated a diverse array of leaders.
High-profile winners included Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Kenyan MP Njeri Maina, who received the “Voice of Reason” award.
Other standout honorees from the debut year included Tanzanian actress and influencer Wema Sepetu, who took home the Social Influencer (East Africa) title, and Hanifa Farsafi, recognised for her impactful community contributions.
These milestones set a high bar for the 2026 awards, which seek to continue documenting stories of resilience and creating cross-regional networks that outlive the gala night.
The timeline for the awards carries deep symbolic weight. Nominations are set to close on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
The culmination of the search will take place on May 10, where the winners will be unveiled during a prestigious gala dinner.
The ceremony falls once again on Mother’s Day, an honour to the foundational and transformative roles women play across the continent.