AVCA 20th Anniversary Conference Awards

DEI Champion Award – This award recognises fund managers that don’t only talk about it, but demonstrate a sustainable and long-term commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in both their firm and portfolio companies, with rigorous standards and policies.

Shapeshifter Award – This award recognises best-in-class fund managers that demonstrate adaptability, resilience and ingenuity in navigating market shifts and macroeconomic uncertainty.

Beyond the Big Four Award – This award recognises fund managers that go beyond the grain by investing in African jurisdictions with limited visibility and investment activity or appetite.

Value Creation Award – This award recognises fund managers with comprehensive strategies that deliver long-term value and sustained portfolio company growth, bolstered by innovation, technology and commercial excellence.

Newcomer Award – This award recognises new fund managers established in the past half-decade that have made remarkable strides in fundraising or dealmaking because the newcomers today are tomorrow’s industry leaders.

All-Rounder Award – This award recognises institutional investors whose portfolios demonstrate excellent diversification and versatility, based on investment strategy, geography, manager experience, and fund size.

Shapeshifter Award – This award recognises best-in-class institutional investors that demonstrate adaptability and strategic foresight in their approach to allocation, portfolio management and risk mitigation for sustained growth and performance.

Enabler Award – This award recognises institutional investors that have consistently gone above and beyond to de-risk private capital in Africa and contribute to enabling other developmental and commercial investors to allocate capital to Africa.

DEI Champion Award – This award recognises institutional investors that don’t just talk about it, but also demonstrate commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in their firm and investment portfolios, with rigorous standards and policies.

Best Emerging Manager Supporter Award – This award recognises outstanding contributions by professional services firms that provide critical guidance to new industry entrants, thus empowering the next generation of industry leaders and enabling the growth of private capital in Africa.

Shapeshifter Award – This award recognises professional services firms that have enhanced their service offerings, embraced innovation and implemented client-centric approaches to stay ahead in a competitive and evolving market.

Thought Leader Award – This award recognises the leading voices shaping industry trends by promoting private capital in Africa through insightful, relevant, engaging and timely commentary on social and digital media channels.

AVCA 20 Champion Award – This award will honour an individual who has consistently and enthusiastically championed AVCA’s mission and contributed to the growth of private capital in Africa through their personal engagement with the industry. The winner will demonstrate what it means to be a bona fide AVCA ambassador and will be selected by the AVCA team.

Paving the Way Award – This award celebrates the visionary individuals who are actively shaping the future of Africa’s private capital ecosystem through dedicated mentorship, innovative leadership, and impactful knowledge-sharing with emerging industry professionals.

Climate Leader Award – This award recognises individual investors who are committed to raising climate consciousness and taking action by investing in climate adaptation and mitigation in Africa.

Breaking Barriers Investor Award – This award recognises individuals who have significantly advanced inclusivity and diversity in Africa's private capital industry, transforming challenges into opportunities for democratised participation.

NextGen Future Leader Award (Male) – This award recognises individuals who embody AVCA’s principles and industry ethics through their accomplishments, leadership qualities, and the impact they are making on their organisation and the wider industry.

NextGen Future Leader Award (Female) – This award recognises individuals who embody AVCA’s principles and industry ethics through their accomplishments, leadership qualities, and the impact they are making on their organisation and the wider industry.

ESG Champion Award – This award recognises organisations that demonstrate commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices in their investment strategies and operational tactics.

Ecosystem Enabler Award – This award is open to all industry actors, including non-governmental organisations and government agencies (excluding associations), who have played a pivotal role in advocating for private capital in Africa, driving impactful engagement across all levels of the ecosystem.