DRC Elites Awards opens nominations as Kinshasa prepares to honour the architects of a new Congo

A quiet shift is underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Not in boardrooms alone, but in the rising visibility of those who are quietly rebuilding a nation. The inaugural DRC Elites Awards, set for 28 August 2026 in Kinshasa, aims to do something unusual: put names, faces, and track records behind the country’s economic transformation.

Beyond the gala: why this matters now

The DRC has seen rising foreign direct investment, infrastructure expansion, and a growing class of young entrepreneurs. Yet, until now, there has been no high-level, independent platform dedicated to recognising the individuals and institutions driving that progress.

The DRC Elites Awards aim to fill that gap. Unlike typical business awards, this initiative focuses on sectoral transformation; from energy and agriculture to public-private partnerships and social impact.

Six categories recognising the architects of a new Congo

Nominations are open across six core categories that span the private sector, public service, and civil society:

• Business Leader of the Year – For an executive or entrepreneur demonstrating strategic foresight, corporate growth, and ethical leadership while advancing the DRC’s national economic agenda.

• Woman in Leadership & Impact Award – Celebrating a female leader breaking barriers, driving social and economic change, and making a measurable impact on communities and the next generation of Congolese talent.

• Investor of the Year – Honouring an individual or institutional investor whose capital and confidence have catalysed significant development, including infrastructure, sustainable jobs, and new value within the Congolese market.

• NextGen Entrepreneur of the Year (under 35) – Recognising a young entrepreneur leveraging technology, creativity, and resilience to disrupt traditional industries and provide modern solutions to local challenges.

• Public Sector Leadership & Reform Award – Presented to a public official or institution that has spearheaded transformative reforms, improved the ease of doing business, and fostered a transparent environment for local and international investment.

• Provincial Impact Award – Recognising a province or provincial initiative that has demonstrated exceptional impact in driving investment and economic development outside Kinshasa.

Nominations are now open, with a final closing date of 30 June 2026. The awards are co-located with the DRC Investment Forum, creating a rare moment where capital meets recognition, and where investors, policymakers, and grassroots changemakers share the same stage.

“We are not looking for titles. We are looking for tangible impact,” said Vanessa Leyka, organiser of the awards. “The DRC is changing. These awards exist to prove it.”All nominations and further information are available at:➡ https://www.drcinvestforum.com/awards

Media Contact:

Hassan Leyka

Marketing, Media Support & Partnerships

Email: Hassan@drcinvest.com

About the DRC Investment Forum: The DRC Investment Forum is the premier annual platform dedicated to deploying capital, driving growth, and ensuring sustainability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It brings together international investors, businesses, and policymakers to forge sustainable partnerships and accelerate economic transformation across agriculture, energy, and mining. The 2026 edition builds on the success of the 2025 Forum, which showcased nearly 50 bankable projects requiring over seven billion dollars in investment.