Welcome to the story of the 2026 African Marketing Confederation Awards, held on 24 September at the Radisson Blu Mosi‑Oa‑Tunya Livingstone Resort in Zambia. The event honoured the continent’s most creative marketing work under the theme Africa Rising Through Marketing Leadership, Brand Power and Value Creation. Stanbic IBTC Bank took the top honor as Brand of the Year, and its Together4ALimb initiative earned Campaign of the Year and Best Cause‑Related Campaign. African brands shine as the ceremony celebrates the continent’s best marketing talent. You will see how these projects illustrate the power of purposeful marketing across Africa.
The Together4ALimb program has helped 250 children living with limb loss in Nigeria since its launch in 2015. The bank has invested more than ₦1 billion to date, allocating ₦375 million to education trusts. Partnerships with Total Health Trust and Ifean Health provide prosthetics and ongoing care. A digital platform called Steps by Stanbic IBTC invites community members to join virtual awareness walks. African brands shine by blending immediate health support with long‑term educational opportunities, creating lasting change for each child. You will notice how the initiative showcases sustainable impact and community involvement.
In the cause‑related arena, Airtel Malawi secured second place for Nzeru Connect, a digital inclusion effort that offers free internet and ICT equipment to schools while zero‑rating key educational platforms. Third place went to Ethiopia’s Velocity Marketing for The Hangout, a networking series that brings business leaders, founders, professionals and creatives together and showcases emerging enterprises. African brands shine through such initiatives, expanding access to education and fostering new entrepreneurial voices. You will see how these projects use technology and community building to broaden opportunities across the continent.
The ceremony highlighted the conference’s focus on practical strategies for African brands to compete in a fast‑changing global market. Delegates and speakers explored ways to shape the continent’s commercial future through leadership and value creation. AMC president Matongo Matamwandi praised Together4ALimb for pairing immediate physical support with sustained education, noting the added reach made possible by digital participation. African brands shine as the discussions link marketing expertise with broader economic growth and social inclusion. You will sense how the dialogue connects strategic thinking with real‑world impact.
The 2027 Africa Commerce Convergence Summit will be hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with more than 1 200 delegates expected. The event will be co‑led by the Ethiopian Marketing Professionals Association, ICT Association Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Logistics and Supply Chain Management Professionals Association. A new entity, the Federation of African Creative Economies (FACE), will be integrated into the programme, emphasizing digital transformation, artificial intelligence, fintech, e‑commerce and creative sectors. African brands shine as the new structure aims to generate cross‑border collaboration and new business opportunities. You will find how this integration supports sustainable growth and innovation.
Rwanda secured the right to host the 2028 summit, announced two years in advance to allow thorough preparation. The AMC’s Committee of Presidents chose this early approach to give the host nation ample time for planning and resource allocation. African brands shine as the early announcement enables deeper strategic groundwork and stronger partnerships. You will note that this forward‑looking strategy reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and stronger continental connections. The upcoming programme will cover digital transformation, artificial intelligence, fintech, e‑commerce and creative economies, with a clear emphasis on practical cross‑border initiatives.
The gathering in Livingstone left a lasting impression of Zambian hospitality and the natural wonder of Victoria Falls. Delegates expressed enthusiasm for the momentum built over the conference days and for the future collaborations on the horizon. African brands shine as the awards showcase marketing’s power to drive measurable social impact, strengthen brand positions and open new economic pathways. You can feel the optimism that the continent’s marketing community carries forward, ready to explore innovative solutions and shared growth.