It is time to celebrate the bold leaders and innovative projects that deliver progressive power, energy, and water impact where it matters most.

Nominations are open for the 10^th edition of the African Power & Energy Elites: People and Projects (fondly known as The Elites). This prestigious annual initiative recognises the individuals and innovations that are redefining how electricity and water are generated, distributed, consumed, and accessed across the continent.

Why nominate?

The Elites honours trailblazers—from start-up founders to utility leaders, off-grid innovators to project financiers—who are making real change. It highlights those helping to close the energy and water access gap, as well as those who are improving the systems already in place.

This is your chance to:

• Recognise success and inspire others across the continent
• Showcase replicable solutions that tackle real-world challenges
• Celebrate innovation and leadership in emerging technologies, policy, financing, and delivery

Who should be nominated?

We’re looking for nominations across the power, energy, and water value chains, from generation to distribution and everything in between.

Categories include:

• Leadership & Rising Stars – Recognise executives, engineers, technicians and young professionals (in terms of active years in the industry) driving change
• Grid-tied and Off-grid Projects – From large-scale utility projects to micro rural electrification initiatives for any type of technology
• Smart & Digital Solutions – Innovations in data, metering, and system optimisation, such as grid control centres or water quality management systems
• Clean Mobility & Energy at Mines – Sustainable transport and industrial solutions
• Water & Sanitation – Integrated solutions that optimise resources and infrastructure
• Finance & Investment – Funding models unlocking infrastructure and access

Whether you are part of a successful team, know someone making an impact, or have launched a game-changing project, we want to hear from you. Self-nominations are welcome.

How to submit nominations

Submitting a nomination is simple. You can enter via:

• Google Form
• Email

Strong submissions clearly outline achievements, impact, replicability, and innovation. Every nomination is reviewed by the African Elites Advisory Board—a panel of respected industry experts—who evaluate entries purely on merit.

Nomination Deadline: 28 September 2025

What’s in it for successful nominees?

The selected Elites benefit from:

• Credibility through inclusion in a respected industry publication
• High-impact exposure via the ESI Africa global reach
• Networking opportunities at webinars and in-person events like Enlit Africa
• Industry recognition through The Elites’ social media campaign

Join the movement

The Elites sponsorship packages are also available for organisations wishing to align their brand with Africa’s most inspiring energy stories, giving direct access to an elite network of peers and policy influencers.

The African Power & Energy Elites is more than a publication; it’s a movement. A platform that unites visionaries working towards a more sustainable, equitable energy and water future for Africa. Nominate someone today and be part of celebrating the people and projects lighting up Africa.