Staff Writer
The MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba has announced 18 excellence award categories aimed at recognising innovation and strong performance across branding, marketing, communications and advertising in Namibia.
The awards will be presented at the MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba Gala Dinner on 10 April 2026 at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek.
MTC’s chief brand, marketing, communications, and sustainability officer, Tim Ekandjo, said the awards will recognise individuals and organisations that have made meaningful contributions to the industry.
“The award ceremony will honour outstanding individuals and corporates that have demonstrated exceptional achievements and have made vital contributions and impact to the industry,” Ekandjo said.
He said most categories will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts to ensure fairness and credibility.
The only exception is the People’s Brand of the Year category, which will be decided by a public vote.
“All categories are open for entry except the People’s Brand of the Year category, which will be decided by a public vote. All other categories will be adjudicated by an experienced independent panel of judges based on the entries and evidence provided. The names of the judges will be announced soon,” Ekandjo said.
Entries open on 1 February 2026 and close on 28 February 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Only work produced within the past 12 months, from 1 January 2025 to 1 January 2026, will qualify.
Participation in the Indaba is compulsory, and entries will not be accepted from individuals or organisations that are not registered attendees.
Participants must indicate the category entered, submit a written motivation and provide supporting evidence. All entries must be submitted online through the official Indaba Awards platform.
Each category winner will receive N$20 000 and a trophy. Winners who do not register for and attend the Indaba will forfeit both the prize money and the trophy.
The 18 categories include Most Innovative Brand Campaign, People’s Brand of the Year, Best Brand Namibia Initiative, Most Innovative Marketing Campaign, Social Media Campaign of the Year, PR Personality of the Year, Best PR Corporate of the Year, Advertising Campaign of the Year, Best TV Commercial of the Year, Advertising Agency of the Year, Best Influencer Marketing Collaboration of the Year, Social Media Influencers of the Year, Event of the Year, Innovative Idea of the Year, Best Social Impact Campaign, NGO of the Year, Proudest Namibian Moment of the Year and Best Exhibitor Stand.
Ekandjo said the Indaba has also adopted a strategic partnership model, allowing up to three corporates to participate as co-sponsors.
Official co-sponsors will contribute N$300 000 annually, while a separate option is available to sponsor the Excellence Gala Dinner for N$400 000.
The MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba is expected to bring together industry professionals, corporates and creatives to share insights and celebrate excellence in Namibia’s branding and marketing sector.
