The prestigious Shinning Stars Africa Awards will be hosted in Rwanda for the first time, with the 2025/2026 edition set to take place in Kigali.
Previously, the continental awards ceremony was held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Shinning Stars Africa Awards recognize excellence across various sectors, including music, business, sports, arts, technology, and entrepreneurship. Nominations for this edition will open in January 2026 through the awards’ official website and social media platforms.
Voting will follow in February using digital platforms, while the grand awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2026 in Kigali.
Speaking about the preparations, the awards’ Director, Abitije Seraphin Elise, said organizers are ready to welcome participants from across Africa. “We have had enough time to prepare. Although preparations never truly end, we are at a good stage and ready to host guests from different countries,” he said.
Abitije highlighted that the awards serve as a networking platform, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and creating opportunities to share knowledge and experiences.
Past editions in South Africa attracted participants from countries such as Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Congo Brazzaville.
Rwanda was chosen due to its growing reputation as a hub for service-based business and international events.
Its image as a beautiful and business-friendly country played a key role in selecting Kigali as the host city.
Categories to be contested include Best Star Businessman/Woman, Best Star Young Achiever, Best Inspirational Man/Woman, Best Star Sports Personality, Best Star Actor and Actress, Best Star Agripreneur, Best Star Techpreneur, Best Star Male/Female Model, and Best Star Male/Female Artist, among others.
The upcoming event is expected to further position Kigali as a leading destination for major continental cultural and professional gatherings.
