Organisers of the EMY Africa Awards have announced Saturday, November 21, 2026, as the date for the 11th edition of the annual ceremony. The event will take place at The Palms Convention Centre in Accra.

The announcement, shared by EMY Africa, confirms that the awards will once again honour individuals whose work continues to shape the African continent. The ceremony is described as an evening in distinguished company, focused on recognising achievements across multiple sectors and giving those contributions the public platform they merit.

The EMY Africa Awards began in 2016 under the original name Exclusive Men of the Year. Founded by Ghanaian entrepreneur Kojo Soboh through his company Carbon AV, the platform was established to celebrate outstanding contributions by men and, over time, expanded to include influential women.

It has grown into one of the continent’s recognised platforms for honouring leadership, excellence and impact in business, culture, sports, public service, technology, agriculture, health, media and the creative industries.

Nominations for the 11th edition closed on September 11, 2026. Categories include Ultimate Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Brand of the Year, Actor of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Man of the Year in Music, Designer of the Year, Man of the Year in Sports, Diasporan Award, Media Excellence Award, Young Achiever awards for both male and female recipients, Continental Icon Award, Humanitarian Award, and several specialised honours covering technology, health, business, agriculture, style, mentorship and corporate excellence.

Previous editions have recognised a wide range of figures. Past honourees include former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, business leaders such as Sir Sam Jonah and Tony Elumelu, sports legends Abedi Pele and Azumah Nelson, and international personalities including Stevie Wonder.

At the 10th anniversary ceremony held in November 2025, Sir Sam Jonah received the Ultimate Man of the Year (Man of the Decade) award. Other recipients that year included Afi Amoro as Woman of the Year and Rev. Dr. Chris Tsui Hesse for Lifetime Achievement.

Choice of Location

The choice of The Palms Convention Centre for the 2026 edition places the event at one of Accra’s newer multipurpose venues. Located within the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, the centre offers a large fully carpeted hall and outdoor space capable of accommodating substantial formal gatherings. The venue has hosted a range of conferences, cultural events and high-profile functions since its opening.

Organisers have positioned the awards as more than a single-night celebration. EMY Africa also produces a magazine, hosts symposiums and organises related networking activities aimed at documenting and promoting African excellence. The awards process combines input from a faculty of professionals with public engagement in certain categories, reflecting an effort to balance expert assessment with broader recognition.

The November 21 date continues a pattern of holding the main ceremony in the latter part of the year. The 10th edition took place on November 22, 2025. With nominations already closed, attention now turns to the shortlisting and final selection process ahead of the awards night.

For many observers, the EMY Africa Awards serve as a periodic record of individuals whose work has produced measurable influence. The platform has maintained a focus on positive contributions and leadership examples across the continent and the diaspora. The upcoming 11th edition is expected to follow this established approach while incorporating the production standards associated with the event’s growth over the past decade.

Further details regarding ticket sales, broadcast arrangements, performers and the full list of nominees are expected to be released in the coming weeks. As preparations advance, the November 21 date at The Palms Convention Centre stands as a confirmed point on Ghana’s and the continent’s cultural calendar.

The organisers have invited the public to mark their calendars for an evening dedicated to recognising sustained achievement. In the period between the close of nominations and the ceremony itself, the focus remains on refining the programme that will present the next cohort of honourees to a wider audience.