The 14th MarketingWorld Awards (MWA), Africa’s premier recognition platform for marketing and brand excellence, concluded in grand style at the distinguished Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, where leading brands, agencies, and marketing professionals were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the continent’s dynamic marketing and communications landscape.
Presented by MarketingWorld Magazine, a flagship publication of InstinctWave Group, this year’s ceremony reaffirmed MWA’s longstanding legacy as the definitive benchmark for creative excellence, strategic innovation, and consumer-focused brand leadership across Africa. For over a decade, MWA has celebrated the trailblazers whose bold ideas, resilient strategies, and forward-thinking execution have transformed markets and elevated African brands on the global stage
The 2025 edition lived up to its reputation as a vibrant showcase of outstanding marketing capabilities, revealing winners whose work continues to redefine how brands engage, inspire, and deliver value to consumers across diverse sectors.
Top Organisations Shine Across Competitive Categories
In the organisational categories, the awards highlighted powerhouse brands demonstrating excellence in customer experience, digital innovation, sustainability, and integrated marketing.
NMB Bank Plc (Tanzania) emerged as Best Bank in Customer Experience, reflecting its commitment to consumer-driven service enhancements. Jubilee Health Insurance earned the Healthcare Campaign of the Year award, while Ipsos Kenya took home Marketing Research Provider of the Year for its high-impact market intelligence solutions.
Public sector excellence was strongly featured, with the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency winning Excellence in Public Sector Marketing & Communications, and Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Airways both named among the Top 25 Africa Public Sector Brands of the Year.
Consumer goods and FMCG brands also recorded notable wins. BIDCO Africa dominated multiple categories, including Breakfast Cereal Brand of the Year for Fillows, Innovation in FMCG for Nuru Scrub Pads, Best New Product Launch for Gental Care Baby Pants, and Trusted Household Brand of the Year for Msafi. The company’s noodle brand, Noodies, also clinched Fastest Growing Noodle Brand of the Year.
Other major winners included:
- Britam – Innovative Insurance Brand of the Year and Innovative Insurance Product of the Year (Britam Connect)
- KCB – Digital Banking Relaunch of the Year for its revamped mobile app
- Magnate Ventures – Out of Home Agency of the Year
- Zeus The Agency – IMC Agency of the Year
- Citizen Digital – Best Digital Platform of the Year
- KETEPA – Tea Brand of the Year
- NCBA Bank – Sustainability Initiative of the Year for Change the Story
- EABL – Iconic Kenyan Brand of the Year for Tusker Lager
- SBM Bank Kenya – Women Empowerment Banking Initiative of the Year
- KRA – Public Engagement Campaign of the Year and CSR Excellence – Education & Community Impact for its Tenda Wema initiative
These wins illustrate the depth of innovation and brand stewardship across East Africa’s competitive landscape.
Individual Trailblazers Lead the Charge in Creative and Strategic Excellence
The individual award categories celebrated marketing and communications leaders whose visionary execution, industry expertise, and influence continue to drive brand transformation and organisational growth.
Among the top honourees were:
- Salma Shaban (TESPOK) – PR Professional of the Year
- Renee Makau (Royal Media Services) – Marketing Professional of the Year
- Caroline C. Rotich (Ketepa) – Commercial Excellence Leader of the Year
- Ann Nderi (NCBA Group) – Sustainability Personality of the Year
- Mr. Ibrahim Buwai (PenCom) – Public Sector Personality of the Year
- Sharon Arwa – The MWA Top TikTok Influencer Award
- Diane Korir (Britam) – Marketing Leader of the Year
- Martin Gitonga (Kenya Airways) – Digital Marketing Leader of the Year
- Magdalene Mwende Mulandi (SBM Bank) – Marketing Personality of the Year
- Monica Chege (Jubilee Health Insurance) – Marketing Trailblazer of the Year
- Chris Githaiga (Ipsos Kenya) – Research Personality of the Year
- Sylverius Ngaiza (Attwood Marketing) – Experiential Marketing Trailblazer of the Year
- Carol Wachira (Royal Media Services) – Digital Leader of the Year
- Floice Mukabana (KEPROBA) – Public Sector Marketing Woman of the Year
- Rosalind Gichuru (KCB Bank Group) – Marketing Icon of the Year
These industry leaders represent the creativity, commitment, and strategic brilliance that continue to elevate marketing standards across the continent.
MWA Continues to Elevate Africa’s Marketing Landscape
Commenting at the event, Mr. Akin Naphtal, Chief Executive Officer of InstinctWave Group and Group Publisher of MarketingWorld Magazine, expressed his enthusiasm:
“The 14th Marketing World Awards exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience in Africa’s marketing sector, showcasing brands and professionals who continue to redefine successful strategies amidst dynamic global challenges. It is not only a celebration but a powerful platform that amplifies unique voices and fosters healthy competition, driving marketing excellence across the continent.”
He further added,
“As the continent’s marketing ecosystem evolves, the MWA stands at the forefront, cementing its role in promoting sustainability, creativity, and leadership. We are proud to elevate organizations and marketing pioneers who deliver unmatched product value and inspire the next generation to enhance Africa’s footprint on the global stage.”
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