Next year, we are introducing the Communiqué Person of the Year award

This is an annual award to recognise an African living on the continent or in the diaspora whose work has profoundly impacted the creative economy.

In 2026, we’re launching a new annual award to recognise an African — living on the continent or in the diaspora — whose work has had a profound, demonstrable impact on the creative economy.

This is not a popularity contest. Candidates will be nominated, then independently screened by a team of judges appointed for their expertise and integrity.

There will be a long list and a short list before we make a final decision. No external voting. All decisions will be made in accordance with the highest editorial and ethical standards. Communiqué will appoint the selection committee and oversee the process.

Why we’re doing this

The creative economy across Africa is shaping culture, trade, and tech in ways the world (and the continent, especially) is only beginning to appreciate. Too often, the people building durable businesses, sustainable careers, and new distribution models are invisible in the conversation. We want to change that.

This award will:

• Spotlight founders, artists, creators and ecosystem builders whose work moves the needle and has a clear, discernible impact.

• Create a trusted annual record — a searchable archive of case studies, interviews and lessons from career-defining work. Much like our Offscript series and profile essays, but more targeted and on a larger scale.

• Incentivise outcomes over noise: we will celebrate impact, sustainability and leadership, not just reach. Again, this is not a popularity contest.

Why Communiqué is the right organisation to do this

Our work combines editorial rigour, research, events and a growing community of practitioners and decision-makers. That mix matters: awards require more than ceremony — they require trustworthy research, careful vetting, independent judgment and the ability to amplify the winner’s work to the audiences that matter.

In short, we possess all the tools — editorial independence, research capability, and convening power — to run a credible, high-quality award that the industry can trust.

In the coming weeks

We’ll publish the full nomination guidelines, selection criteria, and timeline in the coming weeks. If you are interested in being considered for the selection committee or would like to nominate someone once nominations open, please follow the instructions in our upcoming announcement.