The awards aim to recognize Somali-led enterprises and professionals driving growth in sectors including business, finance, telecommunications, healthcare, education, logistics, energy, real estate, manufacturing, hospitality and professional services.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 18 – Kenya is set to host the second edition of the East Africa Somali Awards on 5th April 2026, with nominations now open for individuals, businesses and institutions across East Africa.
The awards aim to recognize Somali-led enterprises and professionals driving growth in sectors including business, finance, telecommunications, healthcare, education, logistics, energy, real estate, manufacturing, hospitality and professional services.
Categories this year include Business of the Year, Startup of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Bank of the Year, Best Telecommunications Company of the Year, Best Private Hospital of the Year and CEO of the Year, among others.
Other categories cover Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Excellence in Leadership Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as recognition for transport, insurance, microfinance, oil and petroleum, construction, agro-business, media, humanitarian services and specialized medical practice.
Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud, CEO and Founder of the East Africa Somali Awards, said the initiative is designed to offer a credible platform for regional recognition.
“The East Africa Somali Awards is a platform to showcase the excellence, innovation and resilience of the Somali community across East Africa. We want to spotlight businesses and individuals who are not only succeeding, but also transforming economies and creating opportunities,” he said.
“By opening nominations, we are inviting the public to take part in recognizing those who are shaping trade, finance, technology and social impact in the region. These awards are about celebrating progress and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”
Last year’s inaugural edition of the awards in Nairobi brought together business executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders from Kenya, Somalia and the wider region.
The event recognized Somali-led businesses in sectors such as real estate, finance, telecommunications, healthcare and hospitality, highlighting their role in regional trade and job creation.
Organizers noted that Somali-led businesses have a growing presence in Kenya and across East Africa, contributing to trade expansion, investment growth and job creation.
Nominations for the 2026 edition are now open, with entries being accepted across all listed categories ahead of the April ceremony. https://easomaliawards.com/awards/