The organizers of the prestigious Pyne Awards Africa, The Pyne Hospitality Company has announced a landmark partnership with Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) to unveil the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in Travel, Hospitality & Tourism.
This first-of-its-kind global recognition will spotlight trailblazers of African descent who are shaping the future of tourism, hospitality, aviation, destination marketing, and global travel experiences.
From industry executives and policymakers to innovators, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors, the list will celebrate excellence, impact, and influence across continents.
Set against the backdrop of the Pyne Awards Africa 2026 in Maputo, Mozambique, the initiative aligns with this year’s theme, “True to Excellence,” reinforcing a shared vision to elevate African and diaspora contributions to global tourism on the world stage.
“This partnership with MIPAD represents a defining moment, not just for Pyne Awards Africa, but for the global tourism ecosystem. This is not just a list. It is a coordination layer for the people shaping how the world travels, where it invests, and how Africa and its diaspora are experienced globally. We are not just highlighting influence, we are aligning it.” said the Founder of The Pyne Hospitality Company, Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu .
She added, “Beyond recognition, this initiative will serve as a strategic coordination platform, identifying and convening the leaders shaping global travel flows, tourism investment, and hospitality infrastructure across Africa and the diaspora”.
Through curated engagements at Pyne Awards Africa, UNGA in New York, and MIPAD’s global convenings, honorees will be connected with capital allocators, destination leaders, and industry partners to drive partnerships, investment, and cross-border collaboration. The goal is not only to celebrate influence, but to activate it.” Says Kamil Olufowobi, Chairman MIPAD.
MIPAD, a globally respected initiative supported by the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, has consistently recognized excellence across business, politics, media, and culture.
This new sector-focused edition marks a significant expansion into the tourism and hospitality space. The official list will be unveiled on May 25, 2026, in celebration of Africa Day.
“Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to: Elevate global visibility of African and diaspora leaders in tourism and hospitality; Strengthen cross-continental connections and investment opportunities; Inspire the next generation of leaders across Africa and the diaspora and Position Africa as a central force in shaping global travel narratives’, Amaka concluded.
