The prestigious Labadi Beach Hotel was ablaze with recognition of excellence, as the 14th edition of the Marketing World Awards (MWA) honoured the brightest brands and most visionary leaders shaping the marketing and communications industry across West Africa.
The award ceremony, held on November 27, 2025, recognised over 50 organizations and individuals for their exceptional contributions and groundbreaking campaigns over the past year.
The event served as a powerful testament to the dynamic growth and resilience of the region’s marketing sector, celebrating winners across diverse categories, including banking, FMCG, public sector, and digital media.
Shamima Muslim, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the President of Ghana, bagged Social Impact Communicator of the Year in a powerful recognition of statecraft that inspires change.
Absa Bank Ghana dominated the banking categories, sweeping Best Banking Brand in Sustainability, Most Impactful Brand Campaign of the Year (“Your Story Matters”), and seeing its Marketing & Corporate Relations Director, Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, honoured as Marketing Icon of the Year.
Standard Chartered Bank secured Best Bank in Digital Marketing, Marketing Team of the Year, and Excellence in Thought Leadership (Women Empowerment), while Fidelity Bank Ghana was crowned Financial Brand of the Year.
In the FMCG arena, Unilever Ghana PLC claimed Most Innovative FMCG Brand and saw its CEO, Chris Wulff-Caesar, named Business Transformation Leader of the Year. Pepsodent Charcoal took Oral Care Brand of the Year and its “Talk to the Dentist” initiative won the coveted Social Impact Award, with Vaseline crowned Skin Care Brand of the Year.
Public-sector institutions delivered a powerful showing: DVLA Ghana was named Public Sector Brand of the Year (Transportation & Licensing), and its CEO, Julius Neequaye Kotey, received Stakeholder Engagement Leader of the Year. Ghana Water Company Ltd, Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, SSNIT, and Ghana Free Zones Authority all claimed top public-sector brand honours in their respective sectors.
Hospitality royalty Labadi Beach Hotel walked away with Luxury Hotel Brand of the Year, with Managing Director David Eduaful named Marketing Trailblazer of the Year. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was voted Premium Smartphone Brand of the Year.
The night belonged as much to individuals as to institutions. Esi Mills-Robertson (Fidelity Bank), Asiedua Addae (Standard Chartered), Henry Nii Dottey (UBA Ghana) and Shamima Muslim (Office of the President) were among the standout personal honours, alongside TikTok sensations Quecy Official and Akonoba who jointly received MWA Top TikTok Influencer of the Year.
Nigeria’s marketing and advertising industry also swept major agency and leadership awards.
Lagos-based FPL Nigeria dominated the out-of-home category, clinching Out-of-Home Agency of the Year while its visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lanre Ashaolu, was named OOH Personality of the Year for his trailblazing leadership in transforming outdoor advertising.
Intense Digital lived up to its name by securing the prestigious Digital Marketing Agency of the Year title, underlining its dominance in the fast-evolving digital space.
Promasidor Nigeria delivered a standout performance, sweeping two major individual honours: Category Manager Donatus Ukpai was crowned Marketing Personality of the Year (Nigeria), while Media and Equity Manager Olawande Meyungbo took home Digital Marketing Leader of the Year.
Other big winners included Brands Optimal, which was recognised as Brand Experience & Activation Company of the Year, with its CEO Otis Ojeikhoa, honoured as Experiential Marketing Trailblazer of the Year. Anietie Udoh, Director of Marketing at MARKETING EDGE Publications, rounded off the night by receiving the Marketing Advocate of the Year award.
In his keynote address, Akin Naphtal, Chief Executive Officer of InstinctWave and Group Publisher of MarketingWorld Magazine, set the tone for the evening, stating:
“It is an honour to gather once again to celebrate the brilliance, creativity, and resilience that continue to shape the marketing and communications landscape in West Africa. Tonight, we recognise not just success stories, but the people and brands who have dared to think differently, innovate boldly, and set new standards in a rapidly evolving industry.
Over the years, the Marketing World Awards has earned its place as a benchmark for excellence, a platform that honours iconic brands, visionary leaders, and high-performing organisations that consistently deliver exceptional consumer value.
Mr Naphatal continued “Today, I am proud to say that MWA stands as a truly continental recognition platform, championing marketing excellence across Africa’s vibrant markets, even as the east African edition of the MWA will gear up for next week in Nairobi Kenya.
As we celebrate tonight, we must also reflect on where our industry is heading. The world of marketing is changing faster than ever. Artificial Intelligence is redefining how brands connect, analyse, and communicate.”
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