The African Power & Energy Elites, an annual recognition platform presented by ESI Africa, part of the VUKA Group, has officially rebranded as African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects, broadening its focus to celebrate leadership and innovation across Africa’s wider infrastructure landscape.
The transformation reflects the growing interconnectedness of infrastructure sectors driving Africa’s socioeconomic development. While power and energy will remain core pillars of the initiative, the expanded platform will also recognise achievements across water, transport, digital infrastructure, sanitation, finance, and other critical sectors supporting sustainable growth across the continent.
Now in its 11th edition, the African Elites initiative has established itself as a leading platform highlighting professionals, organisations, and projects delivering measurable impact across Africa. Previous editions have featured utility executives, engineers, project developers, policymakers, financiers, emerging professionals, and infrastructure teams contributing to improved resilience, accessibility, and sustainability.
The newly rebranded African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects aims to build on this legacy by showcasing the people and projects shaping Africa’s next phase of infrastructure transformation.
Expanded Recognition Across Infrastructure
The 2026/2027 edition will recognise both established industry leaders and emerging professionals, alongside projects spanning multiple infrastructure categories, including:
Grid-connected and off-grid energy infrastructure
Smart and digital infrastructure solutions
Clean transportation across rail, road, aviation, and maritime sectors
Energy solutions for mining operations
Water supply and sanitation
Infrastructure finance and investment
Independent Advisory Board to Assess Nominations
All nominations will be evaluated by the African Infrastructure Elites Advisory Board, an independent panel of experienced infrastructure professionals responsible for ensuring transparency, credibility, and merit-based selection.
The Advisory Board comprises:
Chanda Nxumalo – Managing Director, Harmattan Renewables (South Africa)
George Aluru – Chief Executive Officer, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK)
Gordon Molefe – Founder & 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)
The board will assess nominations based on innovation, measurable impact, leadership, and the potential for solutions to be replicated across Africa.
Publication and Industry Recognition
Successful nominees will be featured in the African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects 2026/2027 publication and promoted through ESI Africa’s multimedia platforms, webinars, social media channels, industry events, and digital campaigns.
The initiative’s online library will continue preserving previous editions, documenting the professionals and infrastructure projects that have significantly influenced Africa’s power, energy, and infrastructure sectors over the years.
Nominations Open Until October
Organisations and individuals are encouraged to nominate industry leaders, colleagues, partners, emerging professionals, or impactful infrastructure projects demonstrating measurable results and scalable innovation.
Nominations for the 2026/2027 edition close on 2 October 2026.
The theme for this year’s edition, “Access and Affordability Empower Security for All,” highlights the importance of ensuring reliable and affordable access to energy, clean water, sanitation, and sustainable transportation as essential drivers of economic development, social well-being, and long-term resilience across Africa.
By expanding beyond the energy sector, the African Infrastructure Elites platform reinforces the growing importance of integrated infrastructure development in addressing Africa’s development priorities while recognising the leaders and projects making a lasting impact across the continent.
