The 14th annual Tusk Conservation Awards, Africa’s most esteemed venue for identifying, supporting, and elevating the continent’s most inspiring, visionary, and committed conservation leaders, are now accepting nominations. On how to apply, here is the link.
Three categories will receive a total of £225,000 in prize money this year: £100,000 for the Prince William Award, £75,000 for the Tusk Award, and £50,000 for the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, which will, for the first time, accept entries from both individuals and ranger teams.
Later this year, at the esteemed annual awards ceremony in London, three winners will be chosen from nominations throughout Africa. Each was given a special trophy and an opportunity to talk about their work.
Later this year, at the esteemed annual awards ceremony in London, three winners will be chosen from nominations throughout Africa. Each was given a special trophy and an opportunity to talk more about their work.
The awards go under the following categories:
The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa is a lifetime achievement award that honors excellent long-term contributions to conservation in Africa as well as outstanding dedication.
The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa honors a motivating and up-and-coming conservation leader who has demonstrated leadership, creativity, and quantifiable impact.
The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award honors a ranger or ranger team that has shown great bravery and dedication to safeguarding Africa’s wildlife and natural areas. This prize will be available to both individuals and ranger teams in 2026.
“I’ve been contacted by people from as far away as Jamaica, by people offering opportunities to work together, and by organizations inviting me to join their board. The money means we can do many things we otherwise couldn’t with existing project funding, and you speak with more authority because people see you’ve won this award. I feel the award is not really for the winner; it’s not for me; it’s for the whole team and the communities we work with. It recognizes their effort and their sacrifices, and it really motivates them.” – The Tusk Conservation Awards are open to all pioneering conservation leaders across Africa and not restricted to Tusk-funded projects, but self-nomination is not accepted.” Rahima Njaidi said.
Nominations are open till April 26 and are welcomed in confidence from anyone who knows the nominee’s work well, such as a colleague, mentor, partner, lecturer, supervisor, or collaborator.
“Identifying and supporting locally led conservation has always been at the heart of Tusk’s ethos. The insight and expertise of the Tusk award winners should inspire us to drive change. We must continue to amplify their voices and support their vital work.” Tusk Royal Patron HRH The Prince of Wales speaking at the 2025 Awards Ceremony.
The Tusk Conservation Awards are held in partnership with Ninety One and made possible through the generous support of the Nick Maughan Family Foundation and Defender, among others.