Pyne Awards Africa, MIPAD Collaborate to Boost Tourism, Hospitality 

Charles Ajunwa

The organisers of the Pyne Awards Africa, Pyne Hospitality Company, have announced a partnership with Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) to unveil the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in Travel, Hospitality and 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.

The Founder of The Pyne Hospitality Company, Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu, said, “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.”

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 this collaboration, both organisations 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,” Amatokwu-Ndekwu noted.