Scale Without Borders Award · Inaugural edition
18 awards for the work that crossed the border
18 categories across 5 sectors, judged on results already delivered rather than on promise. Presented at the ISF Forum Gala in Ibadan.
Nominations close 31 October 2026
Gala 28 November 2026 · International Conference Centre, Ibadan
The award
A record of what has already been built
African companies now operate across borders as a matter of course — a fintech licensed in three markets, a logistics firm running five, a policy written in one country that changed trade in a region. Very little of that work is recorded anywhere.
The Scale Without Borders Award exists to record it. Entries are assessed on revenue, reach, headcount and market evidence that can be checked. Nothing is awarded for intention.
How judging works18 categories · 5 sectors
Where the work is counted
One nomination, one category. Eligibility and criteria for each are set out in full.
Companies & Growth
- Scale-Up of the Year
- SME Crosser of the Year
- Most Disruptive Entrant
Technology & Innovation
- Fintech of the Year
- Digital Infrastructure Award
- Cybersecurity & Trust Award
- Tech for Good Award
- AI & Deep Tech Award
Individuals
- Founder of the Year
- CEO of the Year
- Young Leader of the Year
- Woman in Business Award
Institutions & Ecosystems
- Investor of the Year
- Bank of the Year
- Ecosystem Builder of the Year
Public Sector
- Sovereign Impact Award
- Regulator of the Year
- Policy Innovation Award
From nomination to stage
Four steps, in the open
01
Nominate
Anyone may nominate, including yourself. One form, one category, evidence attached. Nominations close 31 October 2026.
02
Verification
Every entry is checked against public filings, funding records and market data. Claims that cannot be verified are not carried forward.
03
Shortlist
A panel drawn from operators, investors and policy sets the shortlist. Names are published in November 2026.
04
The Gala
Winners are announced live at the ISF Forum Gala on 28 November 2026 at the ICC Ibadan. No results are released beforehand.
The night
Announced on one night, in one room
The 18 winners are read out at the ISF Forum Gala on 28 November 2026, closing the two days of the forum at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan. Nothing is briefed to press in advance.
Nominations open
Someone you know has done the work
The form takes about ten minutes. Self-nominations are accepted and are judged no differently.