Pan-African Local Leadership Awards Open for Applications
The second Pan-African edition of the Local Leadership Excellence Award (PELL) has been launched, with organisers calling on stakeholders across Africa to submit applications showcasing innovative and impactful approaches to governance and territorial development.
The award, spearheaded by the International Observatory of Participatory Democracy in Africa (IOPD Africa) in collaboration with the African Union Commission and United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa), seeks to recognise excellence, creativity and innovation in decentralisation, local governance and community development.
The initiative is rooted in continental frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development, which emphasise citizen participation and inclusive development across African states.
Following a successful inaugural edition in 2025 that attracted 734 applications, the 2026 programme aims to build on that momentum by promoting best practices and fostering peer learning among local leaders across the continent.
The awards provide a platform to recognise individuals and organisations contributing to sustainable transformation through innovative, inclusive and high-impact initiatives at the local level.
Organisers have invited a wide range of participants, including government ministries, local authorities, journalists, academics, researchers, civil society actors, and young innovators, to take part in the programme.
“The award offers an opportunity for stakeholders to showcase their achievements, gain international recognition and join a network of African changemakers driving territorial development,” the organisers said in a statement.
Applications for the 2026 edition are open until 15 June and must be submitted through an online platform.
Candidates are invited to submit their applications online via the dedicated platform:
https://soumission-pell.oidp-afrique.org
A tutorial explaining the application steps is also available at:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zTkkSsU9-fmG3DOu9i77b8ONNhZg-KMl/view
Application templates are available on the official website:
www.oidp-afrique.org
