Cape town: The African Power and Energy Elites platform, hosted on WeAreVUKA.com, has officially rebranded itself as the African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects. This new identity marks a significant transformation in the platform's scope, reflecting its evolving reach and its recognition of the interconnected systems supporting Africa's socioeconomic growth. Although power and energy continue to be central to the platform, the African Infrastructure Elites will now offer a broader arena to acknowledge leadership, innovation, and delivery across essential infrastructure sectors, including energy, water, and transport.
According to African Press Organization, the initiative, now entering its 11th edition, has established a legacy of showcasing professionals and projects that contribute measurably to the continent. Previous editions have profiled utility executives, engineers, developers, financiers, policymakers, emerging professionals, and project teams committed to improving infrastructure access, resilience, and sustainability. The rebranding builds on this legacy while providing more opportunities to narrate the stories behind Africa's infrastructure transformation.
The African Infrastructure Elites will continue to honor both established leaders and rising stars, as well as projects across categories such as grid-tied and off-grid infrastructure, smart and digital solutions, clean transport (rail, road, air, shipping), energy at mines, water and sanitation, and finance and investment.
Each nomination will be meticulously reviewed by the African Infrastructure Elites Advisory Board, a panel comprised of experienced industry professionals tasked with assessing submissions on merit. This independent vetting process plays a crucial role in maintaining the credibility of the annual publication and ensuring that selected individuals and projects demonstrate meaningful achievement, innovation, and impact.
The Advisory Board includes industry experts such as Chanda Nxumalo, Managing Director of Harmattan Renewables in South Africa; George Aluru, CEO of the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK); Gordon Molefe, Founder and CEO of Business4U Consultants in Botswana; Ifey Ikoneu, an Energy Policy, Markets and Regulation Consultant in Ghana; Suleiman Babamanu, Nigeria Program Director at RMI; and Yolanda Mabuto, Managing Director of Divaine Growth Solutions in South Africa.
Selected nominees will be featured in the African Infrastructure Elites: People and Projects 2026/2027 publication and promoted through ESI Africa's digital channels, multimedia platforms, webinars, social media campaigns, and industry events. The African Infrastructure Elites online library will also continue to provide access to previous editions, preserving a record of individuals and projects that have shaped Africa's power, energy, and infrastructure landscape over the years.
Organisations and individuals are encouraged to nominate colleagues, partners, industry leaders, rising professionals, or projects that demonstrate tangible results and the potential to inspire or be replicated elsewhere in Africa. Nominations for the 2026/2027 edition will close on 2 October 2026.
This year's theme, "Access and Affordability Empower Security for All," addresses one of Africa's most critical development imperatives. Reliable and affordable access to energy and power, clean potable water and sanitation, and sustainable and clean transport are fundamental to economic growth, social wellbeing, and long-term resilience.