Celebrating Excellence.
Connecting the World.
An African-born global institution dedicated to recognizing excellence, empowering future leaders, and connecting changemakers across continents. We honour the not-yet-famous — and amplify them until the world catches up.
Awardees Honoured
Countries Reached
Youths Hosted
2016 MAYA Awards Winners — A Snapshot of Our Archive
From Ibadan to Lagos, from Lagos to Africa, and now to the world.
Where Purpose Met Possibility
Every institution that endures begins with a question. Ours was simple: what if excellence was celebrated before it became famous?
In 2013, while countless young Africans were redefining industries, transforming communities, and inspiring hope, many of their stories remained untold. Recognition often arrived too late — or not at all. From KennyBlaq to Kiekie, from Seyi Tinubu to Kizz Daniel and over 200 more highflyers, we recognized them before they became the biggest names. We are usually the first award for many.
Today, the transition from Maya Awards Africa to MAYA AWARDS GLOBAL is more than a change of name — it is a declaration of intent. Africa gave us our beginning, and the world is now part of our journey.
Three Pillars. One Philosophy of Recognition.
MAYA Awards Global is built on three pillars that work together: we find excellence, we amplify it, and we preserve it as legacy.
Recognition
Honouring outstanding young Africans across creative, cultural, and impact-driven fields. We identify excellence early — often before the world has noticed — and we make sure it is seen.
Amplification
Using storytelling and platforms to extend their voices beyond borders. Recognition without amplification is incomplete; we ensure every honouree reaches audiences that can accelerate their work.
Legacy
Preserving a living archive of African youth excellence. We are not just awarding success; we are institutionalizing youth excellence for generations to study, emulate, and surpass.
How we choose who we honour
Our nominations are built largely on the CVC Standard. Every nominee is measured against three filters that separate signal from noise — and that is why a MAYA recognition carries weight.
Creativity
Originality of thought, boldness of execution, and a body of work that breaks new ground in its field.
Visibility
Demonstrable public presence and impact — the nominee's work is seen, felt, and experienced by a meaningful audience.
Credibility
A track record of integrity, consistency, and trust earned from peers, community, and the broader public.
Eight Focus Areas, One Continental Mission
We celebrate and build across the domains that define a thriving society — empowering young leaders, builders, and changemakers wherever they are.
A Decade of Numbers That Tell a Story
Since 2013, MAYA Awards Global has grown from a bold idea into a continental platform — and now a global institution. Every number below represents a story, a name, a future that was recognised before the world caught up.
Countries Reached
Awardees Honoured
Global Speakers Hosted
Youths Hosted
Partners
Digital Reach
Projects Commissioned
Press, Videos & Publications
The latest from MAYA — announcements, interviews, press releases, and downloadable resources for partners and media.
Press ReleasePresidential Endorsement Announcement
VideosThe Launchpad Edition — Official Trailer
InterviewsFounder's Message: The Global Chapter
PublicationsA Decade of Excellence — Retrospective
Videos2016 Awards Night — Full Highlights
DownloadsCVC Standard — Nomination Guide
Build the Next Chapter of Excellence With Us
Governments, corporations, NGOs, universities, foundations, embassies, and media — there is a partnership category designed for your institution.
Trusted by leading institutions and brands
Featured Stories & Youth Spotlight
Long-form stories from the MAYA editorial desk — founder's voice, philosophy, youth spotlight, and behind-the-awards features.
From Maya Awards Africa to MAYA Awards Global: Why the World Is Now Our Stage
The transition from Maya Awards Africa to MAYA AWARDS GLOBAL is more than a change of name. It is a declaration of intent — a commitment to celebrating excellence wherever it exists.
Recognition Is Not a Reward — It Is a Catalyst
Many see recognition as the reward for success. We see it as the catalyst for greater impact. When excellence is visible, it becomes attainable.
The CVC Standard: How We Choose Who We Honour
Our nominations are built largely on the CVC Standard — Creativity, Visibility, and Credibility. Here is what each pillar really means.
What Our Honourees & Partners Say
“MAYA was one of the first platforms to take youth in public service seriously. That early recognition gave me a louder voice and a broader network to do more for my community. They saw leadership in young people before it was fashionable.”
Ready to Celebrate Excellence Together?
Whether you are nominating a changemaker, exploring a partnership, or covering MAYA in the press — we would love to hear from you. Every great movement begins with a conversation.