Keypoints:
• Nominations for the inaugural DRC Elites Awards close on June 30, 2026
• Six categories will recognise business, investment, public sector and provincial leaders
• Awards will be held alongside the DRC Investment Forum in Kinshasa
ORGANISERS of the inaugural DRC Elites Awards have opened nominations ahead of an August ceremony in Kinshasa that aims to recognise individuals and institutions contributing to economic growth and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The awards, scheduled for August 28, 2026, seek to spotlight the business leaders, investors, public officials and innovators helping to shape the country’s economic future. Organisers say the initiative will provide a dedicated platform to recognise achievements that are driving development across key sectors of the Congolese economy.
Awards to spotlight economic progress
According to organisers, the initiative has been created to recognise the people and organisations helping to drive transformation across the country.
The launch comes amid growing foreign direct investment, expanding infrastructure projects and increasing entrepreneurial activity in the DRC. While the country continues to attract attention for its mineral wealth and strategic economic potential, organisers believe the individuals behind many of these developments have often received limited public recognition.
Unlike many traditional business awards programmes, the DRC Elites Awards will focus on achievements linked to broader economic and social transformation, including contributions in agriculture, energy, governance reform, investment promotion and community development.
Six categories announced
Nominations are open across six categories spanning the private sector, public service and civil society.
The Business Leader of the Year category will honour executives and entrepreneurs demonstrating strategic leadership, business growth and contributions to the country’s economic agenda.
A Woman in Leadership & Impact Award will recognise female leaders making significant social and economic contributions while helping create opportunities for future generations.
The Investor of the Year category will acknowledge investors whose financial commitments have supported infrastructure development, job creation and economic expansion within the Congolese market.
Organisers will also present the NextGen Entrepreneur of the Year award to an entrepreneur under the age of 35 who has demonstrated innovation, resilience and the use of technology to address local challenges.
Meanwhile, the Public Sector Leadership & Reform Award will recognise public institutions or officials who have implemented reforms aimed at improving transparency, governance and the business environment.
A sixth category, the Provincial Impact Award, will celebrate provinces or regional initiatives that have successfully attracted investment and promoted economic development beyond the capital city.
Awards linked to investment forum
The awards ceremony will take place alongside the DRC Investment Forum, bringing together investors, policymakers, business leaders and development stakeholders.
Organisers say the co-location of the two events is intended to create opportunities for dialogue between capital providers and the individuals leading transformative projects across the country.
‘We are not looking for titles. We are looking for tangible impact,’ a spokesperson for the awards organisers said.
‘The DRC is changing. These awards exist to prove it.’
Nominations will remain open until June 30, 2026.
Growing focus on investment
The DRC Investment Forum has emerged as one of the country’s leading investment platforms, promoting opportunities across sectors including agriculture, energy and mining.
According to organisers, the 2025 edition showcased nearly 50 investment-ready projects requiring more than $7bn in financing.
The 2026 forum is expected to build on that momentum by attracting international investors and fostering partnerships aimed at supporting long-term economic development.
With the introduction of the DRC Elites Awards, organisers hope to elevate the visibility of individuals and institutions helping to shape the country’s economic future while encouraging greater accountability, innovation and leadership across sectors.
How to apply
All nominations and further information are available at:
https://www.drcinvestforum.com/awards
