Recognizing Excellence,
Inspiring Trust

SABQA celebrates organizations and leaders who drive economic growth, innovation, customer excellence and sustainable impact across Southern Africa.

Why SABQA Exists

The Southern Africa Business Quality Awards (SABQA) was established to create a credible, independent platform that celebrates brands and leaders setting the benchmark for quality, trust and excellence across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

We believe that recognizing greatness inspires more greatness. Every nomination, every vote, and every award ceremony sends a clear signal — excellence is seen, valued, and celebrated here.

A Prosperous Southern Africa

To be the most credible and influential business quality recognition platform in Sub-Saharan Africa — one that sets the standard for corporate excellence, consumer trust and economic leadership across all 16 SADC member states.

  • Independent research-driven evaluation
  • Consumer and public participation
  • Transparent judging process
  • Multi-sector coverage across 8 categories
  • Annual gala recognizing the best
500+ Brands Nominated
14 SADC Countries
8 Award Categories
50 000+ Public Votes Cast

SABQA Milestones

2018

Founded in East Africa

The Brand Quality Awards was born in East Africa with a bold vision: to identify, celebrate and elevate businesses that set the standard for quality, integrity and innovation across the African continent.

2019–2022

Building the Framework

Over four years the programme refined its research methodology, established an independent judging framework, and forged partnerships with industry bodies across East Africa — laying the groundwork for continental growth.

2023

Connecting Investors & Manufacturers

Recognising a critical gap in the market, the programme expanded its mandate to actively bridge investors with quality manufacturers and emerging businesses — accelerating economic development and cross-border trade across Africa.

2024

Expansion to Southern Africa

Driven by market demand and the desire to develop the broader African economy, the awards extended its footprint into Southern Africa. SABQA — the Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards — was established to serve the SADC region and its dynamic business community.

2025

Digital Platform & Regional Outreach

A fully digital nomination and public voting platform was launched, opening participation to brands across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia and beyond.

2026

Historic First Edition — SABQA 2026

A landmark moment for Africa: the first-ever Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards Gala takes place on 10 July 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia. This is not just a regional milestone — it is the first awards programme of its kind on the continent, uniting investors, manufacturers and consumers in celebrating African excellence.

Ready to Be Part of the Story?

Nominate your brand or organisation for the SABQA 2026 Awards and join thousands of businesses celebrating excellence.

Nominate Now    View Gala Details
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