ICA–Africa launches inaugural Cooperative Excellence Awards 2026
With nominations ongoing, voting will commence on May 1 and close on June 1, ahead of the announcement of winners on June 11.
KAMPALA, April 1, 2026 — The International Cooperative Alliance Africa [ICA–Africa] has unveiled the Cooperative Excellence Awards 2026, the first continent-wide platform dedicated to recognising outstanding leaders, organisations and innovations shaping Africa’s cooperative movement.
Nominations opened on April 1 and will run until May 1, with cooperators and stakeholders invited to submit candidates who have made a tangible impact in their communities. With nominations ongoing, voting will commence on May 1 and close on June 1, ahead of the announcement of winners on June 11.
The awards ceremony will take place during the 12th Technical Committee of the Africa Ministerial Cooperative Conference [TCAMCCO], scheduled for June 9–11 at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence Maputo in Maputo, Mozambique.
Award categories
The awards span a broad range of categories aimed at highlighting excellence and innovation across the cooperative sector:
Top 50 Most Influential Cooperative Leaders in Africa
This category recognises transformative leaders who have built, scaled or reformed cooperative institutions to deliver lasting impact. Early nominees include Leonard Okello- CEO of The Uhuru Institute for Social Development [Uganda], George Y. Ombado-ACCOSCA [Kenya], Dr Hassan Gamaliel-CUA Ghana, Eva Njuguna-NCBA Investment Bank, Kenya.
Others so nominated in this category are; Dr Rose Karimi Kiwanuka-ICA–Africa, Jean Bosco Iyacu-Access to Finance Rwanda, Ron Osman Omar-African Union Commission, Ethiopia, James Oirere -NCBA Investment Bank, Kenya, and Temitope Akin Fadeya-Central Bank of Nigeria].
Top 50 Most Innovative Cooperatives in Africa
Recognising cooperatives that are driving innovation and transformation, Uganda’s Gomi Multipurpose Cooperative is among those nominated so far, alongside others from Kenya and Zambia.
Top 30 Youth Cooperative Entrepreneurs (Under 35)
This category honours emerging leaders building innovative cooperative enterprises. Among the early nominees is Ugandan Mark Bukusuba of Bunawona SACCO, alongside peers from Kenya and Zambia.
Top 20 Climate-Resilient Cooperatives
Awarding cooperatives advancing sustainability and climate adaptation, early nominees include Uganda’s Kigarama People’s SACCO, Gomi Multipurpose Cooperative, and Alito Farmers Cooperative.
Top 100 Women in Cooperative Leadership
This category celebrates women driving gender equity and excellence in cooperative governance and advocacy. Fortunate Akanyihayo of Nyakibale Development SACCO is among the early nominees, alongside candidates from Kenya, Malawi, Senegal and Botswana.
Top 20 Cooperative Digital Transformation Leaders
Recognising pioneers in digital innovation, early nominees include Cynthia Wandia, Kiiru Muhoya, James Muchira and Kenneth Odhiambo (Kenya), as well as Ghana’s Hassan Gamaliel.
Top 30 Cooperatives Driving Financial Inclusion
This category highlights institutions expanding access to financial services. Nominated entities include Bunawona SACCO [Uganda], ACCOSCA, KCS SACCO [Kenya], allWomen.africa Network [Kenya], and Mudi SACCO [Malawi].
Top 30 Agricultural Cooperatives by Impact
Focusing on food security and farmer livelihoods, nominees include Uganda’s Alito Farmers Cooperative and Gomi Multipurpose Cooperative.
The ICA–Africa Cooperative Excellence Awards are expected to become a flagship initiative, shining a spotlight on best practices and inspiring the next generation of cooperative leaders across the continent.
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