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The Æfrotopia AWARDS
The International Black Economic Forum (IBEF) Æfrotopia Awards recognize individuals and organizations that do not accept the status quo and have invested in accelerating wealth creation to transform communities. Their contributions have a significant impact on the lives of communities. It is important to note that participants of the second edition of the forum requested these awards.
Submit a candidate or apply today !

The jury

The winners of the Æfrotopia Awards 2025 will be selected by a jury co-chaired by Mr. Chams DIAGNE (CEO and co-founder of Talent2Africa) and Ms. Mélanie VALCIN (President and CEO of Littératie Ensemble | United for Literacy).

Chams DIAGNE

CEO and co-founder of Talent2Africa and Co-chair of the Jury

Mélanie VALCIN

President and CEO of Littératie Ensemble | United for Literacy and Co-chair of the Jury

Award ceremony

The Æfrotopia Awards ceremony will take place on March 27th, 2025, as part of the 5th edition of IBEF, the annual forum bringing together Black innovators from around the world, which will be held on March 26 & 27, 2025, in Montreal.

Submit a candidate or apply today !

2022 Recipients

CRITERIA 

  1. Innovation and originality of the initiatives (projects): innovative approaches to institutional, financial, technological, technical or legal aspects for the economic and social development of the Black community (ies).
  2. Sustainability: lasting impact on the Black community(ies).

  3. Adaptability: Extent of the economic and social impact of the initiative (or project) on the Black community(ies).

  4. Interaction and Anchoring in the Black community(ies): Development of solid relationships, participation, involvement and support of the Black community(ies).

  5. Achievement of the targeted objectives with measurable results: jobs created or maintained; financial investment made in the community; problem solved relative to the socio-economic development of the Black community(ies).

  6. Long-term vision to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Black community(ies).

The categories 

leadership_politique

Political Leadership

This award highlights the work of an elected official or a civil servant who has contributed to the economic development of Black communities.

Candidates in this category must demonstrate:

  • Political leadership that goes well beyond the expectations of their role
  • A response to a need/issue/challenge within Black communities
  • A strategic approach (initiative, public policy, etc.) that surpasses standard practices
  • A large-scale impact on Black communities
  • Mobilization of the political sphere and Black communities
Æfrotopia

Æfrotopia

The Æfrotopia Award honors an individual who is setting the foundation for the economic future of Black communities by creating opportunities.

Candidates in this category must demonstrate:

  • An ambitious vision that strengthens the prosperity of Black communities, whether urban, rural, or diasporic
  • An approach focused on mitigating economic vulnerabilities
  • A commitment to ethical values in their approach
  • Innovation in problem-solving methods, either in part or in full, within the presented initiative
  • A large-scale impact on Black communities

Entrepreneurial Builder

 

This award recognizes an individual who contributes to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit within Black communities.

Candidates in this category must demonstrate:

  • A vision with an ambitious approach that stimulates the entrepreneurial spirit of Black communities
  • Innovation in problem-solving methods, either in part or in full, within the presented initiative
  • Ensuring significant representation of members from Black communities in political spheres and supporting those in office
  • Creating more opportunities to develop strategic alliances with the private sector to increase Black presence in decision-making spaces
sankore

Sankoré

This award recognizes an individual who has excelled in promoting science and technology within communities, while also valuing the indigenous knowledge of Black communities.

Candidates in this category must demonstrate:

  • Scientific innovation (idea, initiative, project, organization) that addresses a pressing need/challenge/issue within the communities
  • An entrepreneurial approach that embodies ethical values
  • The enhancement of indigenous scientific knowledge within Black communities
  • How the initiative incorporates concepts of sustainable development
  • A large-scale impact on Black communities

Foundations

This award is presented to organizations that have made a phenomenal contribution to the economic well-being of Black communities.

Candidates in this category must demonstrate:

  • The organization’s mission addresses a pressing need/challenge/issue within Black communities, and these communities are their target audience
  • Consideration of an intersectoral approach (gender, various minorities, etc.)
  • The initiative has the potential or has enabled the emergence of multiple projects aimed at improving the economic well-being of Black communities
  • How the initiative incorporates concepts of sustainable development
  • An approach that embodies ethical values
 
réalisation_d_une_vie

Lifetime Achievements

This award highlights the work of an individual whose entire career has been dedicated to the economic advancement of Black communities.

Candidates in this category must demonstrate:

  • Exceptional contributions throughout their life toward the economic improvement of Black communities
  • Sharing lessons learned with the next generation of Black leaders
  • The ability to mobilize and collaborate exceptionally with stakeholders and organizations within the communities
  • A large-scale impact on Black communities

Deadline 

The deadline is March 1st, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time).

Submit a candidate or apply today !

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