Awards. The award scheme is to recognize 50 African trailblazers who made significant impacts in their respective fields, leading the way in science and technology, finance, sports, and entrepreneurship.

This year’s event is the inaugural ceremony, and the nominees were selected by Dashboard Africa Research Institute and some freelance journalists to ensure integrity. Haja Bangura was nominated alongside Senegalese International, Sadio Mane, and many other Africans across the continent.

The event is scheduled to take place on May 1, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is the current Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi and her professional life has been great over the years.

In 2012, she became a Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. In her position, she serves as Chair of the interagency network, UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action).

As a human and women’s rights campaigner and democracy activist, she has fought corruption and impunity – notably as coordinator and co-founder of the Campaign for Good Governance and executive of the National Accountability Group.

She has been instrumental in advocating for the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM). She served most recently as Minister of Health and Sanitation for the Government of Sierra Leone and was previously Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the second woman in Sierra Leone to occupy this position.

However, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and advanced diplomas in insurance management from the University of London and Nottingham University.

LIST: Top 50 African Trailblazers Awards nominees released

The inaugural Afri50 Trailblazer Awards will take place on May 1, 2023, in Johannesburg, South Africa, coinciding with Workers Day. The event will recognize 50 African trailblazers who have made a significant impact in their respective fields, leading the way in science and technology, finance, sports, and entrepreneurship.

The nominees for the Afri50 Trailblazer Awards were selected by Dashboard Africa Research Institute and a select group of freelance journalists to ensure the highest level of integrity. The nominees are from various African countries, including Djibouti, The Gambia, Togo, and Mauritania, among others.
The Afri50 Trailblazer Awards have invited several dignitaries to attend the event, including heads of state, former heads of state, vice presidents, diplomats, and other notable personalities. The presence of these dignitaries underscores the importance of the Afri50 Trailblazer Awards in recognizing the achievements of African trailblazers and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Their presence is a testament to the significance of the event in promoting African excellence and development.

Find the list of the nominees below:

1.    Sadio Mane – Senegal Football, Community Development
2.    Rasha Kelej – Egypt , Women Empowerment
3.    Ambassador Dr. Edd Branson – Zimbabwe, Citizen Diplomacy And Investment
4.    Mamadou Kwidjim Toure – Mali African Empowerment
5.    Victorie Tomegah Dogbe – Togo , Prime Minister
6.    Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy) – Nigeria, Music
7.    Catherine Mahugu – Kenya, Entrepreneur
8.    Caroline Abel – Seychelles ,Finance
9.    Mamokgethi Phakeng – South Africa , Education
10.    Talib Bensouda – The Gambia, Community Development
11.    Sangu Delle – Ghana , Investments, Clean Water
12.    Makda Dejene – Ethiopia , Activist
13.    Dr Monde Muyangwa – Zambia, Administrator
14.    Dr. Ashatu Kijaji – Tanzania  ,  Academic  And Politician
15.    Rebecca Enonchong – Cameroon, Tech Entrepreneur
16.    Othman Laraki – Morocco – Genomics
17.    Emma Theofelus – Namibia , Minister, Youth Activist
18.    Wanuri Kahiu – Kenya, Film
19.    Titi Akinsami – Nigeria , Digital Policy
20.    Fifi Peters – South Africa, Financial Journalist
21.    Abdallah Bin Bayyah – Mauritania , Islamic Scholar
22.    Saulos Chilima – Malawi, Entrepreneur & Vice President
23.    Lydie Hakizimana -rwanda, Education
24.    Fatoumata Ba – Senegal , Tech Entrepreneur
25.    Jito Kayumba – Zambia , Investment Advisory

26.  Sibu Mabhena – South Africa , Media
    27.    Priscilla Tatenda Matsambire – Zimbabwe , Clothing, Finance
    28.    Miriam Chabi Talata – Benin , Vice President
    29.    Zainab Bangura – Sierra Leone, Diplomat
    30.    Kemo Bojang – The Gambia , Youth Activist
    31.    Lydia Nsekera – Burundi , Sports
    32.    Rokia Traoré – Mali Activist
    33.    Regina Sikalesele Vaka – Botswana, Finance
    34.    Delphine Djiraibe – Chad , Lawyer
    35.    Zineb El Rhazoui – Morocco Journalist
    36.    Halima Aden – Somalia Activist
    37.    Anita Annet Among – Ugandan Speaker Of Parliament
    38.    Thando Hopa – South Africa, Model, Lawyer
    39.    Waris Dirie – Somalia, Author, Activist
    40.    Tiguidanke Camara – Guinea, Mining
    41.    Souad Abderrahim- Tunisia, Mayor Of Tunis
    42.    Jeanine Mabunda Lioko – DRC, Politician
    43.    Oluwasen Ayodeji Osowobi – Nigeria , Stand To End Rape
    44.    Maaza Mengiste – Ethiopia, Author
    45.    Stella Nyanzi – Uganda Human Rights Activist
    46.    Amina Ali Nkeki – Nigeria  ,  Women’s Rights
    47.    Dileita Mohamed Dileita – Djibouti, Politics
    48.    Noella Elloh – Cote D’ivoire, Environmental Photographer
    49.    Khaled Shady – Egypt , Software Developer
    50.    Jacky Ido – Burkina Faso , Actor