The new identity reflects the initiative’s evolving reach and its recognition of the interconnected people, projects and systems supporting Africa’s socioeconomic growth. While power and energy remain central to the platform, the African Infrastructure Elites will provide a broader space to recognise leadership, innovation and delivery across essential infrastructure sectors, including energy, water and transport.
Now entering its 11th edition, the annual African Elites initiative has built a strong legacy of showcasing the professionals and projects making a measurable contribution to the continent. Previous volumes have profiled utility executives, engineers, developers, financiers, policymakers, emerging professionals and project teams working to improve infrastructure access, resilience and sustainability.
The rebrand builds on this legacy while creating greater opportunity to tell the stories behind Africa’s infrastructure transformation.
The African Infrastructure Elites will continue to recognise both established leaders and rising stars, as well as projects across categories that include grid-tied and off-grid infrastructure, smart and digital solutions, clean transport (rail, road, air, shipping), energy at mines, water and sanitation, and finance and investment.
African Infrastructure Elites Advisory Board
Each nomination will be reviewed by the African Infrastructure Elites Advisory Board, a panel of experienced industry professionals responsible for assessing submissions on merit. The board’s independent vetting process plays an essential role in maintaining the credibility of the annual publication and ensuring that the selected people and projects demonstrate meaningful achievement, innovation and impact.
The Advisory Board includes:
Chanda Nxumalo – Managing Director, Harmattan Renewables, South Africa
George Aluru — Chief Executive Officer, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK)
Gordon Molefe — Founder and CEO, Business4U Consultants, Botswana
Ifey Ikoneu — Energy Policy, Markets & Regulation Consultant, Ghana
Suleiman Babamanu — Nigeria Program Director, RMI
Yolanda Mabuto — Managing Director, Divaine Growth Solutions, South Africa
Selected nominees will be featured in the African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects 2026/2027 publication and promoted through ESI Africa’s digital channels, multimedia platforms, webinars, social media campaigns and industry events.
The African Infrastructure Elites online library will also continue to provide access to previous editions, preserving a record of the individuals and projects that have shaped Africa’s power, energy and infrastructure landscape over the years.
Organisations and individuals are invited to nominate colleagues, partners, industry leaders, rising professionals or projects demonstrating tangible results and the potential to inspire or be replicated elsewhere in Africa.
Nominations for the 2026/2027 edition close on 2 October 2026.
This year’s theme, Access and Affordability empower security for All, speaks directly to one of Africa’s most pressing development imperatives. Reliable and affordable access to energy and power, clean potable water and sanitation, and sustainable and clean transport remains fundamental to economic growth, social wellbeing and long-term resilience.
Explore past volumes and submit a nomination: https://apo-opa.co/4xhe7UL
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.
About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is a leading multimedia publication delivering news, analysis, interviews and technical insight to professionals working across Africa’s power, energy, water and infrastructure sectors. www.ESI-Africa.com
About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and opportunities that drive meaningful development across Africa. Through its media platforms, conferences, exhibitions and industry networks, VUKA Group supports collaboration, knowledge sharing and sustainable growth across key economic sectors. https://WeAreVUKA.com
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