A Vibrant Celebration of African Creativity
The prestigious Sky Awards made their debut from June 19 to June 21, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Social Economy, and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), this event celebrated the continent’s finest in interior architecture, art, design, and craftsmanship. The awards aimed to bring African talent to the global fore, and the event did not disappoint, with an illustrious array of artists and designers in attendance.
Celebrating Excellence and Visionary Talents
The closing ceremony on June 21 was a vibrant affair, attended by professionals and luminaries from the realms of art and culture. The Sky Awards honored exceptional African talents across several categories, such as Best Interior Architecture Project, Modern Craftsmanship, Urban Design & Street Art, and Digital Innovation. A particularly unique accolade, the ‘Builder of Emergence’ award, was bestowed upon President Paul Biya as a tribute to his contributions to national and continental development in the arts sector.
Boosting Traditional and Modern Craftsmanship
David Arthur Waffo Gotcha, recognized for his outstanding contributions to craftsmanship, was awarded the Prize of Exceptional Excellence. This recognition came with an opportunity to enhance his skills through a cultural exchange in Turkey and an internship in Morocco. Such initiatives underscore the importance of these awards in providing meaningful avenues for artists to evolve and thrive, as endorsed by Cameroonian Minister of SMEs Achille Bassilekin III, who praised the event for empowering artisans to earn a rewarding livelihood through their talents.
A Platform for a Pioneering Vision
Jennifer Chukwujekwe, President of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria, articulated the Sky Awards’ role in offering a global stage for African architecture and artistry. Highlighting the event’s impact, she emphasized how young designers and artisans gain crucial encouragement and support. Her sentiments reflect a broader push towards fostering a well-structured, sustainable, and internationally-informed creative ecosystem.
Laying the Foundation for Future Growth
The first edition of the Sky Awards has not only spotlighted African talent but has solidified a framework for future artistic endeavors and cultural recognition across the continent. As the event concludes, it leaves a lasting legacy by setting a benchmark for artistic excellence and intercultural innovation, signaling the rise of a more structured creative economy ready to make its mark on the world stage.