AFRICA MSME Growth Awards 2026

County that has created the most effective environment, programmes and procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses.

County demonstrating exceptional support for youth entrepreneurship, startups, skills, incubation and employment creation.

County providing outstanding opportunities, financing, procurement, accessibility and market access for enterprises owned by persons with disabilities.

County that has enabled MSMEs to access affordable finance, county funds, credit guarantees, financial literacy and investment.

County investing in entrepreneurship training, technical skills, incubation, mentorship and business development services.

The county with the strongest overall ecosystem for MSME creation, survival, growth and competitiveness. Flagship award — Winner, 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up recognised.

County that has opened markets, trading spaces, exhibitions, fairs and procurement opportunities for local MSMEs.

County that demonstrates exemplary inclusion of MSMEs in county procurement, including AGPO and transparent tender opportunities.

County helping businesses access national, regional and international markets, exhibitions, exports and cross-border trade.

County providing markets, industrial sheds, workspaces, roads, utilities and other infrastructure that enables businesses to operate and expand.

County creating an enabling ecosystem for farmers, processors, manufacturers, cooperatives and agricultural value-chain MSMEs.

County demonstrating exceptional support for local manufacturing, cottage industries, Jua Kali enterprises and industrialisation.

County using technology, digital platforms, innovation hubs, e-commerce and digital skills to accelerate MSME competitiveness.

County supporting climate-smart businesses, circular economy enterprises, renewable energy, waste management and green jobs.

County with the strongest integrated ecosystem supporting women, youth, PWDs, informal businesses, startups and underserved entrepreneurs.

Recognises an outstanding woman-led enterprise demonstrating growth, employment and community impact.

For an entrepreneur aged within the Awards-defined youth bracket who has built a successful enterprise.

Recognises an outstanding entrepreneur with a disability or an enterprise demonstrating exceptional inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Celebrates experienced entrepreneurs who continue to create economic value.

For a promising entrepreneur showing exceptional potential.

For an enterprise transforming livelihoods within its community.

For an MSME whose business model deliberately creates opportunities for underserved groups.

Recognises Africa's top-performing micro enterprise for outstanding growth and impact.

Recognises Africa's top-performing small enterprise for outstanding growth and impact.

Recognises Africa's top-performing medium enterprise for outstanding growth and impact.

For the MSME demonstrating the strongest year-on-year growth.

For an early-stage business showing exceptional promise.

For a family-owned enterprise demonstrating sustained excellence and succession planning.

For an outstanding franchise operation within Africa's MSME ecosystem.

For an MSME excelling through digital-first operations and tools.

For an MSME applying technology in a genuinely innovative way.

For an MSME innovating in financial technology or services.

For an outstanding online-first retail or trading business.

For an MSME applying AI or other emerging technology to its operations or products.

For an outstanding enterprise in the creative or digital media economy.

For an organisation building Kenya's innovation ecosystem for MSMEs.

For an organisation expanding MSME access to financial services.

For a bank, SACCO or fintech providing outstanding MSME financing.

For an investor or fund driving MSME growth capital.

For an MSME demonstrating strong long-term business sustainability.

For an organisation advancing financial literacy among MSMEs.

For an MSME that has shown exceptional resilience through business challenges.

For an MSME that has scaled effectively through growth capital.

For an MSME excelling in exporting Kenyan goods or services.

For an MSME with outstanding performance in local markets.

For an MSME excelling on e-commerce marketplaces.

For an MSME excelling in agribusiness and value addition.

For an outstanding manufacturing MSME.

For an MSME excelling in supply chain management.

For an MSME successfully trading across the EAC and beyond.

For an MSME creating outstanding employment opportunities.

For an organisation advancing MSME skills development.

For an organisation running an outstanding apprenticeship programme.

For a training institution delivering outstanding enterprise development training.

For an incubator delivering outstanding support to growing MSMEs.

For an individual or organisation providing outstanding MSME mentorship.

For a programme converting youth skills into successful enterprise.

For a SACCO delivering outstanding support to MSMEs.

For a government body delivering outstanding MSME support.

For a business association delivering outstanding value to its MSME members.

For a corporate organisation partnering effectively with MSMEs.

For an NGO, CSO or INGO delivering outstanding MSME development impact.

For a bank or financial institution partnering effectively with MSMEs.

The ultimate ecosystem award, recognising the institution that has made the most significant contribution to MSME growth.