Nominations open for 13th Digital Impact Awards Africa

HiPipo has opened nominations for the 13th Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA), inviting entries from across the continent and around the world to recognise organisations and individuals using technology to expand access to services.

Nominations opened on 10 August and close at 11:59pm East African time on 18 September, the Kampala-based organisation said. Entries may be submitted from anywhere, provided the nominee can show relevant impact in Africa.

This year’s programme features 30 competitive categories, up from 18 in 2025. They span digital financial services, commerce, transport, energy and climate, health, agriculture, government services, connectivity, artificial intelligence, education and leadership.

HiPipo said digital financial services remained central to the awards, with recognition for fintech, digital banking, microfinance innovation and digital payments. The 2026 edition also expands categories tied to agriculture, healthcare, energy and public-service delivery.

On artificial intelligence, the organisers said they would prioritise measurable results over novelty, recognising solutions that address economic and social challenges rather than technology for its own sake.

The top competitive prize is Digital Brand of the Year, awarded to the organisation judged strongest across innovation, adoption, customer experience, trust and measurable economic or social impact.

Nomination is free and open to the public, businesses, governments and development organisations, HiPipo said. Self-nominations are accepted. Each submission covers one nominee in one category, and nominators are asked to provide verifiable evidence of impact, such as people reached, transactions enabled or jobs created.

Eligible entries will be reviewed by the DIAA Secretariat and jury before the official nominees are announced.

HiPipo, which launched the awards in 2014, frames them around its “Include Everyone” philosophy and what it calls “maximising the digital dividend” through digital and financial inclusion. The programme has previously drawn backing from partners including the Gates Foundation and the COMESA Business Council.

Last year’s edition, held at the Kampala Serena Hotel alongside the Digital and Financial Inclusion Summit, saw MTN Uganda, MTN Mobile Money, Centenary Bank and Standard Chartered Bank among the biggest winners.

Nominations can be submitted through the DIAA website until 18 September.