Nigeria has been honoured with the Africa Signature Celebration Award 2026 by the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) in Turkiye, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI).

The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Business Angels Investors Week (WBAF), which convened investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, startup founders, academics and innovation leaders from across the world.

According to WBAF Executive Chairman, Baybars Altuntas, Nigeria received the Africa Signature Celebration Award for its remarkable commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, strengthening startup ecosystems, encouraging innovation and expanding financial inclusion throughout the continent.

In Europe, Belgium hosted the continent’s Signature Celebration, while the United States led activities across North America. In the Middle East, both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates delivered high-impact programmes that strengthened regional entrepreneurial cooperation.

Across Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Togo were selected to host Signature Celebrations, reflecting the continent’s growing role in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion.

The Kingdom of Bahrain received the prestigious Best Celebration of World Business Angel Investors Week 2026 award.

Nigeria was honoured with the Africa Signature Celebration Award 2026, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading hubs for startup development and early-stage investment.

Reacting to the recognition, Dr. Rosaline Adedoyin-Amangbo, WBAF Nigeria Country Chair, described the award as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and a reflection of the country’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial future.

“This recognition belongs to every Nigerian entrepreneur, innovator, investor, policymaker, and ecosystem builder who is transforming ideas into sustainable enterprises. Nigeria is increasingly being recognised as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation on the African continent. We remain committed to building stronger international partnerships, expanding access to investment opportunities and creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, jobs can be created, and inclusive economic growth can flourish as we look forward to WBAF Nigeria 2027,” she said.

Also commenting on the achievement, Wofai Samuel, Director of the 2026 World Business Angel Investors Week Nigeria, said, “Receiving the World Business Angels Investment Forum Africa Signature Celebration Award for 2026 is an honour with more responsibilities and I appreciate the exceptional collaboration between our speakers, partners, institutions, entrepreneurs, investors, staff and stakeholders who came together to deliver a programme that met global standards. We intentionally designed Nigeria’s celebration to foster meaningful dialogue, connect entrepreneurs with opportunities, and showcase the immense potential of our innovation ecosystem”.