Dr. Una Osili
Philanthropic Scholarship & Research Award
Presented at AfroBall
Advancing Africa Awards
Every year at AfroBall Indy we honor individuals and organizations whose work moves Africa forward, through leadership, innovation, education, culture, heritage and community. That includes work that connects African Americans and the wider diaspora with the continent.
Past honorees
Those who lead the way.
2026
Building Tomorrow
Education & Empowerment Award
Shadreck Kamwendo
Community Impact Award
2025
Keynect Global
Heritage & Tourism Award
2024
Emil Ekiyor
Innovation Award
Patricia Musariri
Entrepreneurship Award
Patchwork Indy
Community Impact Award
Nyah Vululleh
Youth Empowerment Award
2023
Dr. Toby Malichi
Economic Development & Social Entrepreneurship Award
Jane Beaman
Innovation & Technology Advancement Award
Categories
What we recognize.
Leadership & Governance
Exemplary leadership and good governance by individuals or organizations that have contributed to sustainable development, democracy and peace in Africa.
Innovation & Technology
Groundbreaking technologies or innovative solutions that have positively changed communities or industries in Africa.
Environmental Sustainability
Significant work in conservation, climate change mitigation or sustainable resource management in Africa.
Healthcare & Well-being
Exceptional contributions to healthcare services, systems or policies that improve the well-being of African communities.
Education & Empowerment
Efforts to promote accessible, inclusive, quality education, with a focus on empowering marginalized or underprivileged groups in Africa.
Social Entrepreneurship
Visionary entrepreneurs whose business models address social or environmental challenges while creating lasting economic value in Africa.
Art, Culture & Heritage
Artists, cultural practitioners and organizations that preserve, promote and celebrate Africa's cultural heritage, diversity and artistic expression.
Heritage & Tourism
Individuals and organizations that celebrate and share African heritage, both in Africa and across the diaspora. This includes heritage travel, hospitality, storytelling and cultural exchange that reconnect African Americans and the wider diaspora with the continent and benefit the communities that host them.
Community Impact
Grassroots initiatives, nonprofits and social enterprises making a significant positive difference in their local communities through projects or programs in Africa.
Youth Empowerment
Young leaders, change-makers and activists driving positive change in their communities or across the continent.
Lifetime Achievement
Individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of Africa, with significant and lasting contributions to its development and progress.
Philanthropic Scholarship & Research
Scholars and researchers whose work has advanced the study and measurement of philanthropy and charitable giving, producing the data, tools and policy insight that shape how the field understands generosity worldwide.
Nominate
Who qualifies.
- Individuals, organizations or initiatives with a significant, demonstrable impact on the development and advancement of Africa.
- Work, projects or initiatives that focus on African development, in Africa or across the diaspora.
- A proven record of excellence, innovation or dedication in their field.
- Ethical practices and integrity in their actions and contributions.
- A history of engaging with African communities, organizations or institutions, directly or through partnerships.
- A strong commitment to cultural understanding, exchange or collaboration between Africa and the diaspora.
- Self-nominations are welcome, with references or testimonials to support the application.
- Willingness to serve as an ambassador for the Advancing Africa Awards, promoting collective effort toward a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Africa.
Nominations close July 31, 2027
Awards are presented at AfroBall Indy on October 9, 2027.
Submit a nominationQuestions? Write to hello@indyblackprofessionals.org.