The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has opened nominations for its 2026 #UnstoppableAfricans campaign, a programme that will recognise entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers contributing to Africa’s economic growth.
The nomination window runs from July 15 to September 9, 2026, ahead of the Unstoppable Africa 2026 event scheduled to hold in New York from September 20 to 21.
The campaign will highlight individuals whose work is creating opportunities and driving progress across different sectors on the continent.
As part of the activities around Unstoppable Africa, GABI’s flagship event co-convened by the United Nations and African Union and organised by the UN Global Compact, the campaign will focus on five categories: Energy, Digital Transformation, Trade, Creative Industries and Sports.
Through the Energy category, GABI will recognise leaders working on solutions that improve access to sustainable and reliable energy. The Digital Transformation category will spotlight individuals advancing Africa’s digital economy through technology, innovation and infrastructure.
The Trade category will focus on people creating new economic opportunities, supporting regional trade and helping African businesses expand. Meanwhile, Creative Industries will recognise those building businesses across areas such as film, music, fashion, art and design.
The Sports category will highlight athletes, investors, administrators and innovators using sports to create jobs and develop new economic opportunities.
GABI said the campaign aims to bring more attention to business leaders and innovators whose contributions may not always receive global recognition.
Sanda Ojiambo, UN assistant secretary-general and CEO, and executive director of the UN Global Compact, said the initiative shows the importance of African entrepreneurs and businesses in global markets.
“With 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in Africa, the continent’s contribution to business, trade and investment continues to grow. Every day, African entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders are shaping industries, driving markets and strengthening economies.
“Through the Unstoppable Africans campaign, we want to recognise these changemakers, celebrate their achievements and provide a global platform to share their stories. We encourage people across Africa and around the world to nominate the individuals whose work deserves to be seen and recognised.”
Individuals can nominate themselves or others whose work is contributing to business, investment, innovation or economic opportunities across any of the five focus areas.
Interested individuals can submit nominations before the September 9, 2026 deadline. Following the close nominations, GABI will select five changemakers, one from each category, to feature in its #UnstoppableAfricans storytelling series ahead of Unstoppable Africa 2026.
The selected stories will be shared with business leaders, investors, policymakers and partners globally.
The event will take place at the Marriott Marquis in New York under the theme, “Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future.”
