GLCF AWARDS 2026: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, LEADERSHIP AND REGIONAL IMPACT ACROSS THE GREAT LAKES
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — 4–5 DECEMBER 2026
As the Great Lakes Corridors Forum (GLCF) prepares to bring together leaders from government, business, finance, infrastructure, logistics, trade and investment, the GLCF AWARDS 2026 will provide a distinguished platform to recognize organizations, institutions and individuals whose work is contributing to the transformation of regional trade, investment and connectivity.
Under the overarching theme “FROM NATIONAL VISIONS TO REGIONAL VALUE CHAINS”, the GLCF Awards will highlight achievements that go beyond national borders and contribute to stronger corridors, more efficient markets and deeper regional economic integration.
RECOGNIZING THE PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS DRIVING REGIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Across the Great Lakes and East and Central African region, companies, public institutions, investors, entrepreneurs and development partners are playing an increasingly important role in connecting markets and creating new economic opportunities.
From ports and transport networks to manufacturing, mining, financial services, technology, logistics and infrastructure, these actors contribute to the movement of goods, capital, people, knowledge and opportunities across borders.
The GLCF Awards 2026 will provide an opportunity to bring these achievements into the spotlight.
The Awards are designed not simply as a celebration, but as a recognition platform for leadership, innovation, investment, resilience, connectivity and measurable regional impact.
TEN CATEGORIES CELEBRATING REGIONAL EXCELLENCE
The GLCF Awards 2026 will recognize outstanding contributions across 10 award categories, reflecting the diversity of sectors shaping the future of the Great Lakes corridors.
The categories will cover areas including:
- Trade & Regional Integration
- Logistics & Supply Chain Excellence
- Infrastructure Development
- Investment & Capital Mobilization
- Transport & Corridor Connectivity
- Manufacturing & Industrial Transformation
- Mining & Responsible Resource Development
- Innovation, Technology & Digital Transformation
- Public Sector Leadership & Institutional Impact
- Regional Business & Economic Leadership
Each category is designed to recognize concrete contributions and initiatives that demonstrate relevance to regional economic development.
FROM RECOGNITION TO REGIONAL IMPACT
The GLCF believes that recognition can play an important role in encouraging institutions and businesses to pursue higher standards of performance and greater regional collaboration.
The Awards therefore seek to highlight initiatives that demonstrate more than commercial success.
Particular attention will be given to achievements that contribute to:
Regional connectivity.
Trade facilitation.
Investment mobilization.
Infrastructure development.
Market access.
Job creation.
Innovation.
Economic resilience.
Cross-border cooperation.
Regional value-chain development.
Through this approach, the GLCF Awards will connect individual achievements to the broader economic transformation taking place across the region.
AN INDEPENDENT NOMINATION AND JURY PROCESS
The GLCF Awards will operate through a structured nomination and evaluation process.
Nominations may identify companies, institutions, public-sector organizations, investors, entrepreneurs and individuals whose work demonstrates significant contribution to the development of regional corridors and markets.
An independent GLCF Awards Jury will review the nominations according to the criteria established for each category.
The jury structure is designed to bring together experienced voices from relevant sectors while maintaining a professional and credible evaluation process.
THE GRAND GALA
The GLCF Awards will culminate in a distinguished GRAND GALA, bringing together senior government representatives, business leaders, investors, diplomatic representatives, development partners and distinguished guests.
The evening will provide a formal setting to celebrate the achievements of the region’s leading contributors while creating opportunities for networking and strategic engagement.
The GLCF GRAND GALA will be presented as a VIP BLACK-TIE EVENING, reflecting the international character and ambition of the Great Lakes Corridors Forum.
Beyond the presentation of awards, the evening will provide a platform for relationships, partnerships and conversations that can continue beyond the Forum.
A PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF REGIONAL LEADERS
The GLCF Awards also seek to recognize a new generation of leaders who are contributing to the evolution of Africa’s regional economy.
Entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and institutions are developing new solutions to longstanding challenges in transport, logistics, trade, finance, technology and infrastructure.
Their work demonstrates that regional integration is not only a government objective or an institutional agenda.
It is also being built every day by businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and communities operating across borders.
CONNECTING CORRIDORS, CAPITAL AND MARKETS
The GLCF Awards form part of the wider vision of the Great Lakes Corridors Forum: to create a platform where corridors, capital and markets can connect.
The Forum brings together stakeholders from across the Great Lakes and wider African economic landscape to move discussions toward practical opportunities, investment partnerships, business relationships and regional value creation.
The Awards complement this mission by recognizing those already contributing to this transformation.
THE GLCF AWARDS 2026
The GLCF AWARDS 2026 will therefore stand as a celebration of achievement, but also as a statement of ambition.
A stronger regional economy requires efficient corridors.
Efficient corridors require infrastructure.
Infrastructure requires investment.
Investment creates businesses and industries.
And businesses and industries create value chains that connect nations and markets.
The GLCF Awards will celebrate the people and institutions helping to build that chain.
FROM NATIONAL VISIONS TO REGIONAL VALUE CHAINS.
CONNECTING CORRIDORS, CAPITAL AND MARKETS ACROSS THE GREAT LAKES.
GLCF AWARDS 2026 — DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA | 4–5 DECEMBER 2026