Hospitality Awards Africa (HAA) has held its 2026 edition on 24th October at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel in Ikeja, Nigeria, celebrating outstanding achievements in Africa’s hospitality and tourism industry.
According to thebftonline, that milestone reinforced the awards’ vision as a truly Pan-African movement.
The 2026 edition continued this journey in Lagos, Nigeria, Africa’s economic hub, a global business destination and one of the continent’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
The eighth edition, themed “Recognising Excellence. Celebrating Achievement. Inspiring the Future”, promises to be more than an awards ceremony.
The event convened Africa’s hospitality leaders, tourism authorities, investors and change-makers to celebrate excellence, forge partnerships, exchange ideas and shape the future of the industry.
Beyond recognition, the event provided invaluable networking and inspiration, equipping participants with insights to drive the next chapter of Africa’s hospitality journey.
Ambassador Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles, and the highly respected tourism personality Amb. Ikechi Uko, were recognised for their outstanding leadership, distinguished service, and significant contribution to the Hospitality and Tourism industry in Africa.
Amb. Ikechi Uko, a seasoned travel promoter, consultant, and publisher of ATQ Magazine, has been instrumental in positioning Nigeria and West Africa on the global tourism map. Since launching the Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos in 2005, he has built it into the largest gathering of travel and tourism professionals in West Africa. The event attracts over 3,000 delegates annually, fostering business opportunities, cultural exchange, and partnerships across the continent and beyond.
Ambassador St.Ange has received a large number of Awards, Recognitions and Accolades for his work in the field of tourism and continues to be a sought after speaker at International Conferences on tourism, aviation and the blue economy.
A Pan-African movement
Hospitality Awards Africa is a leading Pan-African initiative dedicated to recognising excellence, leadership and innovation across the hospitality and tourism industry.
Since its inception in Ghana, the awards have expanded across the continent, honouring the individuals and organisations driving Africa’s hospitality future.
Executive Director of HAA, Eugene Vidzro, touching on the event, emphasised that Hospitality Awards Africa has grown into a continental platform that reflects the strength and diversity of Africa’s hospitality industry.
He reiterated that the decision to host the 2026 awards in Nigeria is a strategic one, reflecting the awards scheme’s core principle of rotational hosting across the continent.
After six consecutive and successful years in Ghana, it made its first stop in Lomé, Togo, and is now about to make its second stop in Nigeria, underscoring a commitment to showcasing Africa’s diverse and rich hospitality sector.
The move to Nigeria is also a testament to the organiser’s belief that excellence in hospitality is found in every corner of the continent.
