The 14th edition of Africa's premier conservation prize will recognise individuals and ranger teams whose work protects wildlife, landscapes, and community livelihoods.
Held in partnership with global investment firm Ninety One, the Awards provide both international recognition and funding to help winners scale proven conservation solutions across the continent. This year, prize money of £225,000 will be awarded across three categories: the Prince William Award (£100,000), the Tusk Award (£75,000), and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award (£50,000).
In a statement on Thursday, the organisers said the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award has been expanded to recognise ranger teams alongside individual rangers, reflecting the collaborative nature of modern conservation efforts in Africa's protected areas.
'The Awards shine a light on the remarkable courage and commitment of individuals working tirelessly to safeguard Africa's natural heritage, often in challenging and dangerous conditions," said Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk.
"We encourage anyone who knows an individual or ranger team who has made a significant impact on wildlife conservation to nominate them for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their achievements recognised on a global stage.'
Rwandan ranger Claver Ntoyinkima has previously made a mark at the Tusk Awards. In 2024, the Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer at Nyungwe National Park was honoured with the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his exceptional work in primate and bird conservation. Born near the forest he now protects, Ntoyinkima has played a key role in primate habituation, anti-poaching patrols, scientific research, and youth conservation education initiatives.
'I am truly grateful to be a finalist for the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards; there are no words to describe how proud I am to win this award,' Ntoyinkima said. 'The acknowledgement of my dedication and efforts to give back to the community is truly inspiring.'
Since its launch in 2013, the Tusk Conservation Awards have recognised 61 winners from 23 African countries, helping expand ranger patrols, secure critical habitats, build community conservancies, and create sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation. Past winners have protected gorillas in eastern Congo, turtles in Sierra Leone, and restored forests in Madagascar, among other achievements.
Nominations for the 2026 Awards are open until April 26, 2026 and can be submitted online at www.tuskawards.com/nominations. Nominees must be entered by someone familiar with their work, such as a colleague, mentor, partner, lecturer, supervisor, or collaborator.
The Tusk Conservation Awards are held in partnership with Ninety One and supported by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation and other generous donors.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
