Previous Forums & Gala Highlights
3rd Edition, Forum // 3rd Edition, Videos
Friday : 24th April 2026. Time : 12.30 - 17.30
Theme : Changing The Narratives, Celebrating Change Makers
Check out the Awardees for 2026
Venue : Finnkino Kinopalatsi, Helsinki (Pääsali) Kaisaniemenkatu 2, 00100 Helsinki
Event Details & Program Outline : Read More...
Students 25 euros ...Ticket
Regular Discount 45 euros ...Ticket
Sponsorship ...Ticket
High Level Business Forum during the Gala on 24th April 2026
Panelists, Investors and Honorees are below
Honorees, Business Delegates and Investors
Date: Friday, 24 April 2026
Time: 12:30 – 17:30
Venue : Finnkino Kinopalatsi, Helsinki (Pääsali) Kaisaniemenkatu 2, 00100 Helsinki
12:30 – 13:00 | Red Carpet & Media Interviews
Red carpet arrivals
Media interviews by Max
Photography & press coverage
13:00 – 13:10 | Opening Musical Performance
Monique Seka – Opening Song (Official opening of the event) - Live Performance 1
Flag procession and costume procession by Hey Beauty Collection Finland during the Live Performance by Monique Seka. Artist costume designed by Hey Beauty Collection Finland
13:10 – 13:25 | Opening Ceremony
Opening prayer / cultural welcome
Welcome address by Lord Mayor Rohey Malick (Lord Mayor of Banjul City)
Introduction of the Awards Theme : Host, Mputu Hemaa Nana Abena Enyimba II (Cecilia N. Quarshie)
13:25 – 13:45 | Cultural Display & Flag Procession
Cultural performances representing participating countries
Live music performance by Jizzle , International Artist from the Gambia
Simultaneous flag procession symbolizing unity, diversity, and shared narratives
13:45 – 14:05 | Recognition of Distinguished Guests
Introduction of Guests from Africa by Mr. Alhagie MS Jabbi
Introduction of Guests from Finland & the Nordics by Mputu Hemaa Nana Abena Enyimba II
14:05 – 14:20 | Musical Performance
Sparky (The Gambia) – Live Performance 2
Jizzle (The Gambia) - Live Performance 3
14:20 – 15:05 | Nordic Africa Business Forum Panel Discussion
Theme: Advancing Nordic-Africa Partnerships Towards Agenda 2030 & Agenda 2063
Theme : Interactive dialogue on strategic partnerships, cross-border opportunities, and sustainable development
Panelists representing are Business leaders, investors, and policymakers
Moderator : Professor Samuel Jacob Abbey : UN Diplomat / E.D and CLO , Jagils Education Center, USA
Joseph Kusaga : Renowned Tanzania Investor
Lord Mayor Rohey Malick : Lord Mayor of Banjul
Dr Patrick Essien : Deputy Director of Mining (Environmental Protection Authority, Ghana
Eric Adangba : CEO of Ahoko Rent, Ivory Coast
Plamena Cherneva : Founder & CEO of Wonder Coders & Co Founder of the Nordic Women in Tech Awards
Honorable Landing B Sanneh : Mayor and Chairman in Gambia
Romial Kenmogne : K Business Consulting and RK IMMO-FINANZ, Germany
15:05 – 15:20 | Live Band Performance
Booking Reading by Dr. Samuel Jacobs-Abbey
El Doxa Band – Live Performance 4
15:20 – 15:35 | Musical Performance
Monique Seka – Live Performance 5
15:35 – 15:50 | Special Guest Address
Keynote Address on leadership, impact, and changing global narratives
A confirmed Representing Ambassador in Europe (TBA a week to the event)
A confirmed Government Official & Politician from Ghana (TBA a week to the event)
15:50 – 16:50 | Prestigious Global Awards Ceremony
Award presentations to be issued by Sponsors
Honoring change makers from Africa , USA , Europe and the Nordics (Awardees for 2026)
Official photo moments of Honorees
16:50 – 17:00 | Musical Performance
Sparky (The Gambia) – Live Performance 6
17:00 – 17:15 | Magazine Launch
Launch of the next 10 magazine editions
Group photo with award recipients and dignitaries
17:15 – 17:25 | Live Band Performance
El Doxa Band – Live Performance 7
17:25 – 17:30 | Vote of Thanks & Closing Remarks
Appreciation to partners, guests, performers, and awardees by H.E Ousainou Darboe, Former Vice President of the Gambia / Mr. Mboge Saidykhan , Chairman of UDP Diaspora (US Resident)
Official close of the awards ceremony by Honourable Landing Sanneh, Mayor and Chairman from Gambia
Closing Performance by Monique Seka : Live Performance 1
Flag procession and costume procession by Hey Beauty Collection Finland during the Live Performance by Monique Seka. Artist costume designed by Hey Beauty Collection Finland
COST : Individuals pays their own dinning
Exclusive private dinner with international guests, dignitaries, and partners
Closed-door networking and high-level conversations
Venue: By Invitation
Celebration continues with an exclusive After-Party Experience
Extended live performances by Sparky (The Gambia) for night lovers
Music, networking, and social celebration in a relaxed atmosphere
The awards segment celebrates transformative leadership, diplomatic excellence, and entrepreneurial achievements that strengthen relations between Africa and the Nordic region.
7 Award Categories:
The Ousainou Darboe Statesmanship Award – Recognizing exceptional political leadership and statesmanship. (Named after the former Vice President of the Gambia on 21st September 2025 in the presence of His Excellency ANM Ousainou Darboe)
The Nana Kodwo Addae II Crown of Legacy Award – A distinguished honour established in recognition of the living legend and influence of Nana Kodwo Addae II for exemplary recipients.
The Africa Diplomatic Excellence Award – Recognizing diplomats promoting strong bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The Global Leadership Legacy Award – Honoring top-level executives or government officials shaping global partnerships.
The Women in Diplomacy and Leadership Award – Changing Narratives – Celebrating women leaders redefining diplomacy, governance, and corporate influence across continents.
The Africa Global Excellence in Innovation Award – Empowering Sustainable Growth– Recognizing entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators whose work strengthens Africa's position and partnership in the wider International community.
The Global Influential Impact Award – Celebrating Visionaries in Music, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship and Ambassadorship - Honour leaders with global influence on the world stage and inspire cross-continental collaboration
Nordic–Africa Sustainable Investment Award
Innovation & Digital Transformation Award
Green Economy & Climate Impact Award
Diaspora Economic Bridge Builder Award
Youth & Emerging Leader Award
Education & Skills Partnership Award
Cross-border collaboration
Measurable impact
SDG alignment
Scalability & innovation
Entertainment for our upcoming events ;
On 12th April, 24th April and 6th June 2026