GUBA Awards launches Student Edition to recognise outstanding Black students worldwide

GUBA Awards has announced the launch of the GUBA Awards Student Edition 2026, a global awards programme established to recognise exceptional Black students whose achievements, leadership and contributions are making a meaningful difference within higher education and beyond.

The new initiative marks an important milestone in GUBA’s 17-year journey of celebrating excellence across Africa and the global Black community. By turning its attention to students, GUBA is shining a spotlight on a generation whose influence is already being felt in classrooms, laboratories, boardrooms, playing fields and communities across the world.

At a time when many outstanding students receive recognition only within their own institutions, the GUBA Awards Student Edition seeks to provide an international platform that celebrates achievement with credibility while amplifying stories of talent, resilience and service that deserve wider recognition.

Recipients will be selected through a rigorous, independent assessment process designed to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Rather than rewarding academic performance alone, the awards will recognise individuals whose works demonstrates originality, initiative, character and measurable impact within their institutions and the communities they serve.

The programme is intended to create opportunities that extend well beyond the awards ceremony. All recipients will become part of the GUBA Impact Track—a long-term development initiative offering mentorship, leadership development, strategic networking and access to opportunities that support continued personal and professional growth.

Commenting on the launch, Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President and CEO of GUBA Awards, said:

“For more than seventeen years, GUBA Awards has celebrated people whose work has inspired progress, created opportunity and transformed lives. The Student Edition is a continuation of that mission.

"Every day, Black students around the world are breaking barriers, advancing knowledge, building businesses, leading change and serving their communities in remarkable ways. Too often, those achievements remain known only to the people around them.

"We want this platform to change that. We want young people with exceptional ability and determination to know that their work matters, that it is seen, and that they have a community ready to champion their journey. If we recognise potential early and invest in it intentionally, the impact will be felt far beyond the classroom.”

The awards are open to Black students enrolled at recognised higher education institutions worldwide. Winners will be recognised across a range of categories reflecting excellence in academic achievement, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, sport and community impact.

Further information on eligibility, nominations, judging, partnerships and the inaugural awards ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.