The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) is set to host the 2026 African Awards for Marketing Excellence on 28 March 2026 at the prestigious MUSON Centre, Lagos, bringing together Africa’s top marketing, communications, and business leaders under one roof.
The annual ceremony has evolved into a key platform for recognising outstanding marketing campaigns while fostering dialogue, collaboration, and professional growth across the continent’s marketing ecosystem.
Global Standards, Local Impact: ADVAN Introduces International Panel of Judges
For the first time, the 2026 edition will feature an international jury, reflecting ADVAN’s commitment to global best practices and enhancing the credibility of award evaluations. The panel includes:
- Mounir Jazouli – Chief Communications & Institutional Relations Officer, Bank of Africa, Morocco
- Brian Yuyi – CEO, Marketing Association of South Africa
- Emmanuela Milne – Research Consultant, Revelator Research Inc., USA
These global experts will join a distinguished local panel of judges drawn from academia and industry, including:
- Bolajoko Dixon-Ogbechi, Professor of Marketing & Decision Sciences
- Aderemi Ademilua, Covenant University Business Management Department
- Abidemi Junaid, Director & Lead, Creative Domain, Kantar
- Toruka Osadunkwu, Director, Marketing Heritage Limited
- Zion Rufus, VP Communications & Events, ADMARP
According to ADVAN, blending local and international expertise ensures a rigorous, transparent, and credible evaluation process, reinforcing confidence in the awards’ outcomes.
Recognising Marketing Excellence Across Africa
Now widely regarded as a flagship platform for marketing recognition in Africa, the ADVAN African Awards celebrate campaigns that demonstrate creativity, strategic execution, and measurable impact across diverse industries.
The 2026 ceremony will feature a keynote address by Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of T2Mobile, who will share insights on emerging marketing trends, digital innovation, and the opportunities shaping Africa’s marketing landscape.
In addition to campaign awards, ADVAN will honour three industry leaders for business growth and leadership excellence:
- Olusegun Alebiosu, MD & CEO, First Bank of Nigeria
- Girish Sharma, CEO, Guinness Nigeria
- Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria
Driving Innovation, Networking, and Growth
ADVAN emphasises that the awards aim to go beyond recognition. They are designed to inspire innovation, strengthen professional networks, and drive sustainable growth within Africa’s marketing and communications sector.
With the inclusion of international judges, high-profile keynote speakers, and industry leader recognitions, the 2026 ADVAN African Awards for Marketing Excellence will set a new benchmark for celebrating marketing ingenuity across the continent.
