“This award category recognises professionals whose work drives research excellence, strengthens scholarly communication, advances open and inclusive access to information, and builds resilient knowledge ecosystems at institutional, national, and regional levels,” reads the citation for this award.
Recipients are distinguished by their leadership in developing sustainable knowledge infrastructures, fostering collaboration, mentoring emerging scholars, and amplifying the visibility and impact of African scholarship in addressing pressing societal and developmental challenges.”
The award was formally presented on 29th April, 2026 during the SCECSAL Cultural Evening and Awards Ceremony in Livingstone, Zambia, held alongside the XXVII SCECSAL Conference. The event brought together leading scholars, practitioners, and professionals from across the region, underscoring the importance of excellence and collaboration in advancing the field.