Africa Soft Power Gala 2026 Honors Three Cultural Icons

The Africa Soft Power Gala 2026 took place in Nairobi, celebrating three women whose work significantly shapes African excellence. Bolanle Austen-Peters received the ASP Architect of Culture Award for her two-decade career in storytelling and cultural infrastructure through Terra Kulture.

Faith Kipyegon, awarded the ASP Gold Standard Award, is recognized for her achievements as an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in athletics, symbolizing African power in global sports. Koyo Kouoh was honored posthumously with the ASP Creative Legacy Award for her contributions to African art, including founding the Raw Material Company and her role at Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town.

The gala emphasized the importance of African narratives and cultural representation on a global scale.