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Source: BM Publications (Publicist Brian Muhumuza Bishanga)
When did Humphrey get nominated for Forty Under 40 2025?
Today, Ugandan youth advocate and filmmaker Humphrey Nabimanya has earned his third nomination for the prestigious Forty Under 40 Africa Awards, cementing his status as one of the continent’s most consistent young change-makers.
Who is Humphrey Nabimanya and why is he being celebrated across Africa again?
Humphrey Nabimanya is the founder and CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), a multi-award-winning youth-led organization that has become a leading voice in sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV prevention, and youth empowerment. At just 37, the community psychologist-turned-social entrepreneur has built a movement that blends advocacy, education, and creative storytelling to reach millions of young Africans. His latest continental recognition arrives just as he expands the iKON Awards into a truly pan-African platform.
What exactly is the Forty Under 40 Africa Awards?
The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards is the continent’s premier recognition platform that identifies, honors, and celebrates the 40 most outstanding Africans under the age of 40 who are driving innovation, economic growth, and social impact. Launched in its current pan-African format, the awards now attract nominations from all 55 African nations and cover diverse sectors including entrepreneurship, technology, arts, health, governance, and community development.
Unlike many regional lists, it is a single continental ranking that spotlights young trailblazers whose work is reshaping Africa’s global narrative. The annual event combines a high-level leadership summit, a multi-city tour, and a glamorous awards gala, with the 2026 edition (its 5th) themed “Celebrating Continental Icons” and hosted in Accra, Ghana from 9–14 February under the patronage of Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, and the Diaspora Affairs Office of the President.
Is this his first time on the continent’s most coveted young leaders list?
Far from it. According to publicist Brian Muhumuza Bishanga of BM Publications, this marks Humphrey’s third nomination in the prestigious Forty Under 40 series. “Humphrey is a three-time nominee, having been recognized in the challenging years of 2021, 2022, and now 2025,” Bishanga confirmed. The repeat acknowledgment underscores Nabimanya’s sustained excellence even through global crises that stalled many initiatives.
How has Reach A Hand Uganda grown from a university idea into a movement touching millions?
What began in 2011 as a first-year Makerere University student project has exploded into a powerhouse: 46 core staff, over 1,755 trained peer educators, programs in 66 schools, and direct impact on more than 6.6 million lives. By 2025, RAHU’s digital campaigns have reached over 18 million young people with life-saving information on health, consent, and gender equality. Nabimanya’s flagship TV series Kyaddala (It’s Real) and films like the Cannes-nominated When You Become Me have turned complex SRHR topics into mainstream conversation across East Africa and beyond.
What new pan-African chapter is Humphrey opening with the iKON Awards and “ikon Activate”?
Never one to rest, Nabimanya has launched “ikon Activate” – a high-energy event series designed to unite African filmmakers ahead of the main iKON Awards gala. The 2026 edition of iKON Awards, themed “Beyond Borders,” introduces four new regional categories (Best West, East, North, and Southern African Film), expanding from 22 to 26 total categories.
The inaugural ikon Activate in Lagos (September 26–28, 2025) and the follow-up in October drew Nollywood heavyweights Ramsey Nouah, Funke Akindele, and Dr. Shaibu Husseini alongside Ugandan talent, resulting in cross-border collaborations including a historic MoU that secured veteran actor Michael Wawuyo Sr.’s role in the Nigerian blockbuster Dambe. Nabimanya calls it “a revolution born in Kampala, now shaking the entire continent.”
When and where will Africa crown its next generation of icons in 2026?
The Forty Under 40 Africa Awards Tour, Summit, and Awards ceremony will take place from 9–14 February 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana. Endorsed by multiple Ghanaian government ministries, the week-long celebration will bring together nominees, investors, policymakers, and diaspora leaders under the banner “Celebrating Continental Icons.”
How can the public support Humphrey and other nominees right now?
Voting is open to the public at www.fortyunder40africa.com/vote. Every vote counts toward determining who joins Africa’s official list of top 40 young trailblazers for 2026.
With a third Forty Under 40 nomination in hand and the iKON Awards rapidly becoming Africa’s most exciting film celebration, Humphrey Nabimanya is proving that one determined Ugandan can indeed ignite a continental movement.
