By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The organisers of the prestigious The SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards have called for applications for this year’s edition.
A statement disclosed that entries opened on May 20, 2025, and will close on August 15, 2025, with all submissions expected to be made via www.theseras.com.
Currently in its 19th edition, the 2025 The SERAS, created to amplify sustainability and corporate social responsibility, is scheduled to take place on November 29, 2025.
The award ceremony has spotlighted the boldest changemakers, the most innovative ideas, and the most committed organizations shaping Africa’s sustainable future.
This year’s programme will not be different, as the theme, Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth, is a call for organizations to evolve from reactive interventions to embedding sustainability into the very DNA of their operations.
It also serves as a response to growing concerns around greenwashing, encouraging companies to lead with substance, not just storytelling.
“As The SERAS celebrates its 19th anniversary, we’re not just marking time—we’re marking impact. Over 18 editions, we have catalyzed a new way of thinking about corporate responsibility, inspired companies to act boldly, and helped align Africa’s private and public sectors with global ESG imperatives. This is the award that sets the bar,” the Executive Director at TruCSR and Chairperson of The SERAS Local Organizing Committee, Mrs Mary Ephraim-Egbas, stated.
With over 5,367 organizations from 27 African countries having participated since inception, The SERAS continues to recognize excellence across a broad range of categories that reflect today’s most pressing development issues.
These include areas such as circular economy, climate action, environmental stewardship, water and sanitation, stakeholder engagement, gender equality and women empowerment, food security, financial inclusion, education intervention, health and wellbeing, workplace practices, poverty reduction, innovation, rural population integration, and supply chain management.
Additionally, the awards will honour excellence in partnership building, infrastructure development, transparency and reporting, and recognize standout performance by not-for-profits, social enterprises, and through media excellence in sustainability reporting across electronic, print, and online platforms.
The highest distinction remains the Most Responsible Organization in Africa—a title earned in 2024 by Zenith Bank, which led a competitive field including NNPC Foundation, AbInBev, and Naspers & Prosus who placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th, respectively, among 267 entries.
