… Unveils New “Beyond Applause” Vision Focused on Youth Growth, Leadership and Enterprise.
The 11th edition of MAYA AWARDS AFRICA will officially hold on August 11, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria, in a landmark edition strategically aligned with the global celebration of International Youth Day.
As the platform marks over a decade of celebrating excellence, impact, creativity, leadership, and innovation across Africa, the organizers have announced a bold new direction for the brand under the theme: “BEYOND APPLAUSE”.
The new positioning reflects the evolution of MAYA AWARDS AFRICA into a broader institution committed not just to recognition, but to the advancement of African youths through enterprise, mentorship, leadership engagement, visibility, collaboration, and transformational conversations.
Speaking on the new direction, Convener of the platform, Ademola Ajibola, described the 11th edition as a defining moment in the history of the brand.
According to him, the future of youth-focused platforms must extend beyond celebrations and become intentional ecosystems that inspire opportunities, shape narratives, connect influential people with emerging talents, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of young Africans.
The 2026 edition will feature keynote speeches and strategic sessions from some of Nigeria’s leading voices in governance, business, and national development, including Dr. Zaccheus Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service; Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; High Chief Habeeb Okunola, Founder and President of CINI Holdings; and Senator Abdul Azeez Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State, alongside other notable personalities expected to be announced.
Organizers say the event will incorporate conversations around youth leadership, entrepreneurship, governance, economic growth, innovation, and the future of African opportunities, while also creating stronger networking and mentorship engagements for participants across sectors.
With Abuja set to host the landmark gathering, MAYA AWARDS AFRICA 11 is expected to attract an influential mix of policymakers, entrepreneurs, business executives, media personalities, development stakeholders, creatives, investors, and young leaders from across the continent.
The organizers have also hinted at several new initiatives and collaborations expected to further establish the platform as one of Africa’s leading youth-focused institutions. More announcements regarding nominees, partnerships, speakers, and event activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
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