Category 01
Green Innovation Award
Recognizing innovative products, and practices in horticulture that advance climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and the growth of Africa's green economy.
Earth Stewards Award 2026
Honouring the Visionaries Growing Africa's Green Future
From restoring forests and protecting biodiversity to advancing Green Literacy, influencing policy, and transforming communities, the Earth Stewards Award celebrates the individuals and organizations creating lasting environmental impact across Africa.
Presented by
About the Award
Recognizing Those Who Leave the Earth Better Than They Found It
Every thriving forest begins with a single seed. Every movement begins with one person who chooses to act.
The Earth Stewards Award is the flagship recognition programme of the Africa Horticultural Circle (AHC), established to celebrate Africa's environmental pioneers.
It honours individuals, institutions, governments, businesses, innovators, and communities whose work is restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, advancing Green Literacy, growing plants and flowers, and shaping a greener future for generations to come.
Why the Earth Stewards Award Exists
Celebrating the People Behind Africa's Green Transformation
Across Africa, remarkable individuals and organizations are cultivating plants and flowers, restoring degraded landscapes, protecting biodiversity, transforming green spaces, educating communities, influencing environmental policy, and developing innovative solutions to the continent's most pressing environmental challenges.
Too often, these contributions go unnoticed.
The Earth Stewards Award exists to change that.
By celebrating exceptional environmental leadership, the award shines a spotlight on the people and institutions whose work is strengthening horticulture, floriculture, conservation, Green Literacy, and sustainable development, inspiring collaboration and encouraging a new generation of environmental stewards.
Because every tree planted… Every Crop and flower planted...
Every ecosystem restored…
Every community empowered…
Every innovation developed…
Every policy strengthened…
…brings Africa one step closer to a greener future.
Award Categories
Category 02
Green Literacy & Education Award
Honouring individuals and institutions advancing Green Literacy through knowledge transfer that strengthens environmental education, sustainable gardening, and practical learning in the growing of edible, ornamental, medicinal, and healing plants, public sensitisation, and training.
Category 03
Plant Species Discovery, Conservation & Cultivation Award
Celebrating excellence in the discovery, preservation, restoration, propagation, and cultivation of indigenous, endangered, medicinal, ornamental, and economically important plant species that safeguard Africa's biodiversity and natural heritage.
Category 04
Best Green Living Activist (Individual/Group)
Honouring individuals or groups driving green living through sustained activities in gardening and growing, supported by meaningful partnerships and recognised measurable impact within their communities.
Category 05
Government and Private Organizations Championing Policies that Support the Creation, Protection & Adoption of Green Spaces and Tree Planting
Recognizing governments and private organizations that develop, support, and actively implement policies and initiatives that promote tree planting, the creation, adoption, and protection of gardens and green spaces, and the sustainable practices that contribute to healthier, greener communities.
2026 EARTH STEWARDS AWARDEES
THE WINIHIN JEMIDE ESA PRIZE OF HONORABLE MENTION
John Favour
2026 ESA WINNERS IN EACH CATEGORY
Category 01
Christian AdohGreen Innovation Award
Category 02Ododoola Oyewo (Global Voiz)Green Literacy & Education Award
Category 03
Alitta Ansu-KattaBest Green Living Activist
Category 04
Abueng LeepilePlant Species Discovery, Conservation & Cultivation Award
Category 05
Green-Up GambiaGovernment and Private Organizations Championing Policies that Support the Creation, Protection & Adoption of Green Spaces and Tree Planting
Recognition & Award Benefits
Every level of recognition comes with an opportunity to be celebrated, supported, and connected to the growing movement of environmental leadership across Africa.
Overall Winner
The Winihin Jemide ESA Prize
10 recognition benefits
- 9 Month Mentorship
- 1 year Board Advisory Position on AHC
- Letter of Recommendation with "Outstanding Capacity Clause"
- Award Plaque
- Certificate of Excellence
- Joint Cover Feature in Gazia Magazine
- Joint Cover Feature in Bloom Digital Magazine owned by Ghana Garden and Flower Movement
- Interview Opportunities on a TV or Radio Show
- Spot on our Website
- 1 year membership of AHC
First Place Winners
9 recognition benefits
- 9 Month Mentorship
- Letter of Recommendation with "High Potential Clause"
- Award Plaque
- Certificate of Distinction
- Joint Cover Feature in Gazia Magazine
- Joint Cover Feature in Bloom Digital Magazine owned by Ghana Garden and Flower Movement
- Interview Opportunities on a TV or Radio Show
- Spot on our Website
- 1 year membership of AHC
1st Runners-Up
6 recognition benefits
- 9 Month Mentorship
- Letter of Honorable Mention
- Certificate of Exceptional Merit
- Display Badge
- Spot on our Website
- 1 year membership of AHC
2nd Runners-Up
5 recognition benefits
- 9 Month Mentorship
- Certificate of Exceptional Merit
- Display Badge
- Spot on our Website
- 1 year membership of AHC
Semi Finalists
4 recognition benefits
- 9 Month Mentorship
- Certificate of Commendation
- Spot on our Website
- 1 year membership of AHC
All Other Nominees
4 recognition benefits
- Certificate of Participation
- Access to Town Hall Meetings
- Spot on our Website
- 1 year membership of AHC
ESA Jury Panel
Guided by Africa's Leading Green Experts
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