SPICY AWARDS 2026
Competition Timelines
Nominations → Jury → Summit → Gala
SPICY AWARDS 2026
From Entriesto Celebration.
A clear journey from nominations and public engagement through jury deliberation to the Spicy Circle Summit & Awards Gala.
THE JOURNEY
Competition Timeline
Nominations → Jury → Summit → Gala
01
31 January
Entries Open
The official call for entries and nominations opens.
Submission Period
31 January – 30 March
Individuals and organizations submit nominations across all Spicy Awards categories.
02
Stage 1
Stage 1: Ones to Watch
30 April
The Ones to Watch shortlist is announced.
- Top 3 nominees are selected in each award category.
- Selected nominees are invited to participate in the Ones to Watch Video Challenge.
- Participation in the video challenge is optional, but required for those wishing to take part in the People's Choice public vote.
Opportunity
Opt into the Ones to Watch Video Entry, showcasing your impact, story, and vision.
03
Stage 2
Stage 2: Official Award Nominees
30 May – 28 June
The official Award Nominees are announced.
- Three nominees per category are confirmed.
- Ones to Watch videos are published.
- Public engagement campaign begins.
04
🗳️ Public Voting
30 June – 30 August
The People's Choice Public Vote is open.
Members of the public watch the shortlisted Ones to Watch videos and vote for their favourite nominees.
Important
Voting is based exclusively on the published Ones to Watch videos.
05
👩⚖️ Jury Deliberation
August
While public voting is underway, the independent jury completes the final evaluation using the Spicy Awards STARS assessment framework.
Public voting contributes to the People's Choice Award, while jury scoring determines the official category winners.
06
Final Celebration
Spicy Circle Summit & Awards Gala
w/c 6 September
The celebration includes:
- Spicy Circle Summit
- Networking & Partnership Sessions
- Awards Gala Dinner
- People's Choice Award Presentation
- Announcement of the Spicy Awards Winners
- Celebration of Africa's grassroots changemakers
AT A GLANCE
Competition Timeline
| Date | Competition Stage |
|---|---|
| 31 January | Entries Open |
| 30 March | Entries Close |
| 30 April | Stage 1: Ones to Watch Announced (Top 3 per category) |
| 30 May – 28 June | Stage 2: Official Award Nominees Announced & Videos Published |
| 30 June – 30 August | Public Voting (Based on Ones to Watch Videos) |
| August | Final Jury Deliberation |
| w/c 6 September | Spicy Circle Summit & Spicy Awards Gala Dinner |
SPICY AWARDS 2026