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African Prize for Development, Innovation and Social Impact

P A D I S S W I S S A W A R D S

Celebrating African Excellence in the Service of the Continent's Development...

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Hotel Alpha Palmiers, Lausanne – Switzerland

The ceremony begins in

189

Days

12

Hours

30

Minutes

45

Seconds

Call for applications open until July 31, 2026 • Invitation-only ceremony

They already support African excellence

The African Prize for Development, Innovation and Social Impact

10+
Countries represented
8
Award categories
10+
Jury members
1st
Edition 2026

Born from a collective reflection by several solidarity think tanks, the PADIS SWISS AWARDS brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds: communicators, journalists, academics, social workers, financial analysts, tax consultants and trainers.

This award relies on the expertise of competence centers such as ACCI Holding and CIPINA Switzerland, as well as the support of partner media. It aims to identify, celebrate and reward the builders of Africa in their diversity and their civic and societal commitment, and above all to foster the creation of powerful networking for the outreach of their activities in Africa and around the world.

Collier
Necklace
Médaillon
Medallion

Powerful networking

A platform for business opportunities and North-South and South-South connections.

Support

Mentoring, expertise, fundraising and networking for laureates.

"The PADIS SWISS AWARDS aims to make history among prizes and distinctions, in order to attract other promising initiatives. It carries the strong ambition to add an original touch to an award that rewards a vision: that of solidarity-based development founded on innovation."
Learn more

Charles Oulounehe TEHI General Commissioner – PADIS SWISS AWARDS
Célébration
Saturday, October 10, 2026

Ceremony Program

Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Hotel Alpha Palmiers, Lausanne

10h - 12h 2h
Networking

B2B Meetings

Business exchanges between entrepreneurs, investors and partners.

Business Area
Partnerships

Signing of partnership agreements

Officialization of new strategic agreements.

Reception Room
Distinction

PADIS Swiss Award Trophy Ceremony

First wave of awards (special categories).

Main Hall
12h - 19h 7h
Break

Lunch break and free time

Free
19h - 00h 5h
Gala

Gala Distinction Dinner

Charles Oulounehe TEHI
Charles Oulounehe TEHI
General Commissioner

Speeches, awards ceremony, artistic performances and cocktail.

Ballroom

Download the full program

Get the details of the evening in PDF format or add the event to your calendar

Innovation & Development

Prize Category

Technological and social innovation

  • Projects with high technological impact
  • Innovative solutions for sustainable development
  • Startups and innovative companies
  • Criteria: originality and scalability
  • Technical support after distinction

Social & NGOs

Prize Category

Societal and humanitarian impact

  • NGOs and non-profit associations
  • Social projects with measurable impact
  • Community development initiatives
  • Criteria: sustainability and inclusion
  • Mentoring and capacity building

Call for applications open until July 31, 2026!

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Our partners and sponsors

They support African excellence

Ready to Celebrate African Excellence?

Join the builders of Africa and sustainable development actors. Apply to be distinguished during the 1st edition of the PADIS SWISS AWARDS and join an exceptional network.

10
Countries represented
8
Award categories
25
Jury members
1
1st Edition 2026

Call for applications open until July 31, 2026

Submit your application before the deadline. Winners will benefit from a business opportunities platform and personalized support.

Secure applications • Confidential processing • Organized by ACCI Holding & CIPINA Switzerland

They support African excellence

Discover the messages of personalities committed to sustainable development and innovation in Africa

Charles Oulounehe TEHI

"The PADIS SWISS AWARDS aims to make history among prizes and distinctions. Our vision: to promote a winning Africa, far from clichés, and offer a platform of business opportunities to the builders of the continent."

Jean-Marc Drev

"ACCI Holding is proud to carry this award that recognizes civic and societal commitment. Our experience in organizing international events has shown us the importance of highlighting African talents."

Marie-Claude Favre

"For more than two decades, CIPINA Switzerland has been working for cultural and economic rapprochement. PADIS perfectly embodies this vision of a dynamic and innovative Africa on the international scene."

Dr. Mamadou Koné

"This award is unique because it rewards not only individual success, but also collective impact. The candidates we evaluate demonstrate exceptional transformational leadership."

Amina Diallo

"As a media partner, we witness PADIS's commitment to highlight initiatives that sustainably change communities. An essential initiative for Africa."