The 2026 Africa Trade Awards created the first Roll of Honour for a recognition platform built around demonstrated contribution to Africa's trade and industrial landscape.
Recognition extended across five tiers, reflecting the different ways in which economic transformation is built.
At continental leadership level, recognition included Prof. Benedict Oramah and Afreximbank.
Industrial and strategic value-chain recognition extended to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Elsewedy Electric, Aspen Pharmacare, Bakhresa Group and OCP Group.
Markets, capital and enterprise recognition included Africa Global Logistics, Flutterwave, Rwanda, Trade and Development Bank, Ethiopian Airlines and Patricia Poku-Diaby.
PAPSS was recognised for its contribution to trade infrastructure and systems, while Gervais Koffi Djondo received distinguished recognition for his long-term contribution to African enterprise and integration.
Taken together, the Roll of Honour demonstrates that African trade is not built by one sector. It depends on interconnected systems of production, finance, logistics, infrastructure, policy and enterprise.
