African Ovation Awards

About the African Ovation Awards

The African Ovation Awards was first organised in Freetown in 2016, at the Freetown International Conference Centre. Over the years, the awards seek to honour individuals and institutions for their tremendous contributions to the socioeconomic growth and human development of Sierra Leone.

Since 2016, the annual African Ovation Awards have acknowledged and celebrated exemplary leadership and best practices in both the public and private sectors. Honourees must have a significant and positive impact on advancing the social livelihoods and economic development of Sierra Leone. Honourees are selected because they demonstrate professionalism and the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and leadership.

Objectives of the Awards

The Awards identify and recognize individuals and institutions in both the public and private sectors based on a basket of quantitative and qualitative criteria with a focus on growth, outstanding performance over the years, leadership spirit, innovation, dedication to excellence and resilience (best practices, sustainability and vision).

Outstanding individuals are being recognised for their commitment to outstanding leadership in their field, career growth, and demonstrated professionalism, exceptional performance, and innovation in their profession.

Selection Criteria 

In its decision-making, the Organising Committee considers the follow criteria:

• An Individual Honouree must have been engaged in professional  services or  development work for five or more years in a professional capacity;
• An Individual Honouree must have a university degree and a professional qualification.
• An Individual Honouree shall be between the ages of 30 years and 59 years; 
• An Organisation or Corporate Awardee must be presently engaged in social or economic development work; 
• An  honouree must not have been engaged in any criminal act or convicted or  found guilty of any unprofessional or unethical behaviour,  crime or  corrupt practice(s) in any court of law, either at home or  abroad;
• The winners must agree to take part in publicity generated by the organisers. 

Rationale of the African Ovation Awards

The African Ovation Awards were established to recognize outstanding and trend-setting men and women and institutions who are dedicated to excellence, and at the same time contributing to the political, social and economic development of Sierra Leone. Every year, the finalists and honourees celebrate their achievements with their families and friends, colleagues, and the public at a prestigious awards ceremony and banquet dinner organised in their honour.

Organised annually by African Ovation Media Ltd. in collaboration with our strategic partners across the country and abroad, the event creates an environment where the outstanding honourees receive a standing ovation from high-profile personalities, senior executives, diplomats, dignitaries, and the media. This year’s awards and recognition ceremony will be presented at a black-tie banquet dinner and red carpet reception at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, 25^th April 2026, at 6:00 pm.

The awards ceremony is a national platform to celebrate outstanding excellence and best performance in Sierra Leone. We believe being named an African Ovation Awards finalist is a huge honour and worth celebrating, and as such, we respectfully require that All honourees attend to receive this recognition.

Additional information about the Awards ceremony, including dress code, individual and group ticket prices, can be downloaded below.  

How to Contact Us

If you require additional information, please email us at awards@africanovation.com or WhatsApp or call us at 07649-7908.

You can also reach the awards Coordinator via email +232-7649-4376 or via email at catherine.george@africanovation.com