The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) has officially begun its search for Unstoppable Africans—people whose ideas, leadership, and hard work are helping to grow businesses, create jobs, and transform communities across Africa.
The campaign invites nominations from July 15 to September 9, 2026, giving people across Africa and around the world the opportunity to nominate themselves or someone they believe deserves recognition. The initiative celebrates entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are making a real difference in their countries and across the continent.
The search is part of Unstoppable Africa 2026, GABI’s flagship event, which will take place in New York on September 20–21, 2026. The event is co-convened by the United Nations and the African Union and organized by the UN Global Compact.
This year’s campaign focuses on five important sectors driving Africa’s economic growth:
- Energy – Leaders creating reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions.
- Digital Transformation – Innovators using technology to improve lives, businesses, and digital infrastructure.
- Trade – Individuals helping businesses grow, increasing investment, and strengthening trade across Africa.
- Creative Industries – People building successful businesses in film, music, fashion, art, and design.
- Sports – Athletes, investors, administrators, and innovators using sports to create jobs and economic opportunities.
According to UN Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, Africa is home to many of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and its entrepreneurs and business leaders continue to drive innovation, trade, and investment. Through the Unstoppable Africans campaign, GABI wants to recognize these outstanding individuals and share their inspiring stories with the world.
Anyone can submit a nomination, whether for themselves or someone else who has made a positive impact through business, investment, innovation, or economic development in any of the five focus areas.
After nominations close on September 9, 2026, GABI will select five outstanding changemakers, one from each category. Their stories will be featured in the #UnstoppableAfricans storytelling campaign and shared with a global audience of business leaders, investors, policymakers, and development partners ahead of the Unstoppable Africa 2026 event.
People interested in attending Unstoppable Africa 2026 in New York are encouraged to register for the event before September. More information, nomination details, and event updates are available on the official GABI website.