PALI Awards

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Two women during an award ceremony at the Pan-African Leadership Institute, with one woman presenting an award to the other, who is dressed in vibrant traditional African clothing, while a man in academic gown sits in the background.
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A man in graduation regalia receiving an award from a woman at a graduation ceremony.
Two women are standing together at an award ceremony, one woman is giving an award plaque to the other. The background features the logo of the Pan-African Leadership Institute.

Welcome to the PALI Global Awards! This prestigious annual award ceremony is dedicated to honoring the extraordinary achievements of PALI executive students, alumni and senior leaders around the world. It stands as one of the most esteemed and highly regarded recognitions on the African continent.

The PALI Global Awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions across various sectors, including leadership in business, politics, education, healthcare, the arts, and more. These awards serve as an opportunity to celebrate success, strengthen connections, and inspire all members of the PALI community and senior leaders around the world to strive for excellence and growth.

NOMINATE NOW

Nomination Process

The nomination process is integral to the success of the PALI Global Awards. Nominations must be submitted by a PALI Global Ambassador, Alumni, or Executive Student. Each nomination should include a clear rationale for why the nominee deserves recognition, supported by relevant documents like, media coverage, testimonials, publications, research articles, and letters of recommendation, among others.

The PALI Global Awards cover a broad range of categories that reflect the diversity and impact of leadership across sectors, including:

  • Global Award for Traditional Leadership
  • Global Award for Political Leadership
  • Global Award for Corporate Leadership
  • Global Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Global Award for Educational Leadership
  • Global Award for Non-Profit (Philanthropic) Leadership
  • Global Woman in Leadership Award
  • Global Award for Youth Leadership
  • Global Award for Religious Leadership
  • Global Award for Media and Creative Arts Leadership
  • Global Award for Diplomatic Leadership
  • Global Award for Healthcare Leadership
  • Global Award for Public Service Leadership
  • Global Award for Military Leadership
  • Kwame Nkrumah Award for Pan-African Leadership

  • The significance of the nominee’s contributions to their field and society at large.

  • The nominee’s ability to lead, inspire, and drive positive change.

  • The nominee’s creativity and ability to bring about meaningful advancements.

  • The sustained nature of the nominee’s contributions over time.

  • How well the nominee’s actions embody the core values of PALI.

Judging Criteria

These special PALI awards have been instituted by distinguished alumni of PALI to recognize exceptional leadership skills demonstrated by executive students during their PALI courses.

Special Awards

  • The JJRSF Leadership Award is a prestigious PALI Award generously sponsored by the Jesus Jireh Raffah Support Foundation (JJRSF), a renowned Christian humanitarian organization in Nigeria dedicated to investing in people’s lives across Africa for over 21 years. Founded by distinguished PALI alumni Air Vice Marshal Dr. Babatunde Phillips and Dr. Mrs. Mekafiye Phillips, JRSF’s passion for leadership development is exemplified through this award, which recognizes exceptional PALI executive students and encourages leadership growth and evelopment in Africa. By empowering outstanding PALI executive students from the continent, this award fosters a new generation of leaders equipped to drive positive change. PALI extends its deepest gratitude to JJRSF for instituting this impactful award. To learn more about JJRSF, please visit www.jjrsf.org

    Recipients of JJRSF Leadership Award at PALI:

    Rev. Albert Green Ulutorti (Nigeria)

    • Ambassador & Clergy of the Anglican Communion of Nigeria

    • Graduate of PALI Youth Leadership Professional Course 2023

    Hon. Margaret Fozia (South Sudan)

    • Senior Politician & County Commissioner of South Sudan

    • Graduate of Political Leadership Professional Course 2023

    Dr. Susan Chibanga (Zambia)

    • CEO, Agora Microfinance, Zambia

    • Graduate of the Personal MBA Course, 2024

Beneficiaries:

Dr. Grace Naa Ardua Nelson (Ghana)

Senior Executive, Novartis Ghana Ltd.
Graduate of Professional Women’s Leadership Course 2025

Mr. Agbenu Doe (Ghana)

Managing Partner, Jasford Legal Consult, Ghana
Graduate of Executive Leadership Course 2025

Mr. Maurice Sheunesu Makoni (South Africa)

Managing Director, RPS Switchgear SA (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Graduate of Executive Leadership Course 2025

  • The Audra Proctor Change Leadership Award is a prestigious PALI Award generously sponsored by Ms. Audra Proctor, a renowned Change Management expert and Managing Director of Changefirst Ltd, a leading European consulting firm providing innovative change management solutions to global organizations. As a PALI alumna, Ms. Proctor established this award to recognize exceptional senior women leaders who excel during their PALI course and demonstrate a proven track record of driving positive change in their communities. These leaders embody a commitment to continuous growth and serve as inspiring role models for women everywhere. PALI extends its deepest gratitude to Ms. Audra

Beneficiaries:

Ms. Dorcas Delali Kwao (Ghana)

Group HR Manager, EIB Network, Ghana
Graduate of Professional Women’s Leadership Course 2025

Ms. Sophia Kudjordji (Ghana)

Chief Corporate Communication Officer, Jospong Group of Companies, Ghana
Graduate of Professional Women’s Leadership Course 2025

Ms. Sonali Thakrar (Kenya)

Mental Health Advocate & Philanthropic Leader, Kenya
Graduate of Professional Women’s Leadership Course 2025