In towns and cities across Africa, young people are quietly solving problems that affect daily life. They are building climate solutions, improving health access, shaping stronger communities and using ideas rooted in lived experience. This year, four of those young Africans have seen their work recognised far beyond their borders, earning places among the 20 finalists for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. Alongside them, three African communicators have been shortlisted for the newly introduced Patsy Robertson Award, marking a strong African presence across both honours.
Out of 977 applications submitted from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states, only 20 finalists were selected after a rigorous two stage judging process led by 57 adjudicators from across the Commonwealth. The number of applications rose sharply from just over 800 in 2024, reflecting growing youth engagement and competition. For Africa, the final list includes Ainomugisha Shifra of Uganda, Nduku Louis Tebi of Cameroon, Stephen Ogweno of Kenya and Sylvester Weekes of Sierra Leone. Their selection signals both individual excellence and the wider impact of African youth driven development work.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognise young people who lead sustainable initiatives that advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The finalists include social entrepreneurs, climate champions, health advocates and innovators who are responding to real challenges in their communities. Over the past decade, the awards have also served as a gateway to international networks and funding, helping young leaders grow their work beyond local borders.
The Commonwealth Secretary General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, congratulated the finalists and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to youth leadership. She said:
“At the Commonwealth Secretariat, we believe that young people must be at the forefront of shaping solutions. Their research, innovation and voice are essential to the future we are trying to build. A future where these young leaders are empowered to tackle poverty, fight for climate justice, advocate for education and bring hope to communities in need across our 56 nations. We are committed to recognising, nurturing and celebrating these young changemakers by creating platforms such as the Youth Awards that spotlight their potential on a global stage.”
Africa’s finalists and why this recognition matters
For the four African finalists, the awards bring more than visibility. Each finalist will receive a £1,000 grant, a trophy and a certificate, while five regional winners will earn an additional £2,000. One finalist will be named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year and receive a total of £5,000. These resources are designed to help young leaders scale their impact and strengthen the sustainability of their initiatives.
The presence of African finalists reflects the continent’s growing role in youth led development across climate action, health, innovation and social enterprise. Their work shows how local solutions can contribute to global goals, particularly in communities that are often underrepresented in international decision making spaces.
Beyond individual recognition, the awards also strengthen partnerships between the Commonwealth Secretariat, development organisations and youth networks. Building on the momentum of the 2023 and 2025 editions, the 2026 ceremony will highlight how accredited organisations and partners support youth led change across regions.
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Youth Advisor, Sushil Ram, emphasised the broader significance of the awards process. He said: “Across the Commonwealth, young people continue to prove their value as leaders, innovators and changemakers. They are tackling complex global challenges with imagination, resilience and a strong sense of purpose, often creating solutions where none had existed before. While we proudly celebrate this year’s winners, we also recognise the 977 young people who applied and are also making an impact in their communities and beyond.”
Three African voices shortlisted for the Patsy Robertson Award
A major development in the 2026 awards is the introduction of the Patsy Robertson Award for Outstanding Communications Skills. This new category recognises young communicators who are shaping the media landscape through ethical storytelling, innovation and a commitment to free expression, inclusivity and democracy. Of the six finalists selected globally, three are African. They are Fawaz Adebisi of Nigeria, Felicity Akwa of Nigeria and Maria Maina of Kenya.
The award was established by the Commonwealth Association in honour of its founding Chair, the late Patsy Robertson, a respected journalist and advocate for women in media. The Commonwealth Journalists Association partnered in the judging process and offered shortlisted finalists complimentary membership, opening access to a global journalism network and professional development opportunities.
Max Gaylard, Chair of the Commonwealth Association, said: “As we celebrate the finalists of the Patsy Robertson Award, we honour Patsy’s legacy by shining a light on the exceptional talent of young communicators across the Commonwealth. These emerging journalists and media professionals go beyond reporting important stories; they are helping to shape more informed, inclusive and resilient democratic societies.
The Commonwealth Association is delighted to partner with the Commonwealth Secretariat to recognise these talented finalists and to celebrate the vital contribution young communicators are making to public life.”
The Patsy Robertson Award winner will receive a trophy, certificate and £1,000 cash prize. More importantly, the award underscores the growing influence of youth led media in driving accountability and social change across the Commonwealth.
The winners of the regional awards, the Patsy Robertson Award and the overall Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will be announced on 11 March 2026 during a special ceremony hosted by Hon Shirley Botchwey at Marlborough House in London. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations observed across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe and the Pacific.
As the countdown begins, the recognition of these seven Africans across both award categories stands as a reminder that impactful leadership is not defined by age, geography or scale, but by commitment, purpose and the courage to act where it matters most.
