2026 African Impact Award

Join us for an evening celebrating achievement and excellence! Enjoy a special live music performance, dinner, and the company of distinguished guests, including Senators, Mayors, Delegates, community leaders, and other prominent guests.

Each year, one or two individuals from the fields of sport, arts, or business are selected and honored at the Impact Award for their outstanding contributions.

2026 African Impact Award Honorees

• Professor Donald Johanson: Internationally renowned paleoanthropologist best known for the discovery of the famous early human ancestor fossil “Lucy,” known in Ethiopia as “Dinknesh.”
• Paul Tergat: Legendary Kenyan long-distance runner, Olympic medalist, former world-record holder, and one of Africa’s most celebrated athletes.
• Eyob “Joe” Mamo: Accomplished entrepreneur, business executive, and community leader whose work has made a significant impact in the Washington metropolitan region and beyond.
• Alemtsehay Wedajo: Distinguished figure in arts and culture and a longtime contributor to humanitarian and community causes.
• Makda Assefa: Media business leader who worked alongside her late husband, Aman Fissehazion, founder of EBS Television, and contributed to the growth and development of one of the leading television platforms.

The African Impact Award was held six times so far. The past awardees include:

2019: Singer Teddy Afro, Athlete Derartu Tulu, & Mr. Mark Gelfand.

2020: It was not held due to COVID-19.

2021: Athlete Tirunesh Dibaba, Singer Akon & Mr. Bereket Woldu.

2022: Athlete Kenenisa Bekele, “Eregnaye” TV Drama Series, Mr. Henok & Ms. Likke.

2023: Dibaba Family, Mr. Girma Wake, Mr. Mulatu Astatke & Athlete Sileshi Sihin.

2024: Singer Aster Aweke,Journalist Meaza Biru, World Record Holders (Tigst Asefa and Gudaf Tsegaye) & Mrs. Rebbeca Haile

2025: Mesfin Tasew, Athlete Meseret Defar, Singer Mahmoud Ahmed, & Seifu Fantahun

7th Edition October 11, 2026