The 2026 Africa Soft Power (ASP) Summit concluded in Nairobi with a memorable Gala and Awards ceremony that celebrated three exceptional women whose contributions have transformed Africa’s cultural, sporting and creative landscape: Bolanle Austen-Peters, Faith Kipyegon and the late Koyo Kouoh.

More than a night of recognition, the gala served as a tribute to individuals whose work has strengthened Africa’s influence on the global stage through storytelling, excellence, institution-building and cultural leadership.

Austen-Peters received the ASP Architect of Culture Award in recognition of her pioneering role in transforming African storytelling into a thriving creative industry. Through institutions such as Terra Kulture, BAP Productions and the Terra Academy for the Arts, she has spent over two decades building platforms that nurture talent, create employment and expand the reach of Nigerian culture beyond national borders.

From acclaimed productions such as Saro the Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Moremi the Musical, 93 Days, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and House of Ga’a, Austen-Peters has consistently demonstrated that African stories can achieve commercial success while preserving their authenticity. Her work underscores the belief that culture becomes a powerful force when supported by strong institutions, professional training and sustainable creative ecosystems.

The ASP Gold Standard Award was presented to Faith Kipyegon, whose extraordinary achievements have cemented her place among the greatest athletes in African history. Raised in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Kipyegon’s journey from running barefoot to school to becoming a multiple Olympic champion and world record holder reflects the values of discipline, resilience and excellence.

With Olympic gold medals from Rio, Tokyo and Paris, alongside multiple world titles and record-breaking performances in the 1,500 metres, 5,000 metres and mile events, Kipyegon has become a global symbol of African excellence. The award recognised not only her sporting achievements but also the consistency and determination that continue to inspire millions across the continent and beyond.

The evening’s most emotional moment came with the posthumous presentation of the ASP Creative Legacy Award to Koyo Kouoh, one of Africa’s most influential curatorial voices.

Throughout her career, Kouoh dedicated herself to creating spaces where African art could flourish on its own terms. Through the establishment of RAW Material Company in Dakar, she built a vibrant intellectual and creative hub for artists, writers and curators across the continent.

Her leadership at Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town further elevated contemporary African art on the global stage, while her landmark exhibition, When We See Us, broadened international conversations around Black identity, representation and artistic memory.

Kouoh’s appointment in 2024 as Artistic Director of the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia marked a historic achievement as the first African woman to hold the role. Although her passing in 2025 cut short that chapter, her legacy continues to shape institutions, inspire artists and redefine how African art is presented to the world.

Award presentations reflected the summit’s commitment to bringing together leaders from diverse sectors. H.E. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, presented the Architect of Culture Award to Austen-Peters. The Managing Director of National Bank, George Odhiambo, presented the Gold Standard Award, received on behalf of Kipyegon by her coach, Patrick Sang. The Creative Legacy Award was presented by Renaissance Capital Chairman David Kinyua and received by Neneh Diallo on behalf of Kouoh.

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the gala reinforced the central message of the Africa Soft Power Summit: that Africa’s global influence grows strongest when culture, sport, business, media and institutions work together to build a shared vision of progress. Through the achievements of Austen-Peters, Kipyegon and Kouoh, the evening showcased the transformative power of African leadership, creativity and excellence.