Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 16.06.2026 Big news from the MENA Search Awards: for 2026, we’re widening the net. Entries are now open across the whole of Africa, not just the Middle East and North Africa
It’s a simple decision, really. Search excellence isn’t confined by a map. Agencies and in-house teams doing brilliant work for African markets have been just as deserving of Search Awards recognition as anyone in Dubai, Riyadh, or Cairo. Now they’ve got one.
What’s new
To recognise this Search Awards move we have launched two brand-new categories dedicated to in-house teams, agencies and freelancers working in, or delivering campaigns in Africa.
Best African SEO Campaign: Celebrating campaigns created in or directed to the African audience. The category will be judged on visibility, engagement, traffic, and ROI across any industry.
Best African PPC Campaign: Open to campaigns that increased visibility and engagement, drove traffic, and exceeded objectives through paid marketing and advertising across all platforms.
Both sit alongside the comprehensive list of existing categories, from sector-specific awards in retail, finance, travel, and FMCG, through to AI, content, and agency-of-the-year, meaning African entrants aren’t limited to just the two new categories. A standout African campaign can just as easily compete for Best Use of AI in Search or Best Integrated Campaign as it can for the new regional titles.
See the full list of categories here.
Why it matters
This is recognition that the African search and digital marketing industry has been growing in confidence, sophistication, and results and that the MENA Search Awards should reflect where great search work is happening.
For entrants, it means a bigger stage, a wider community of peers, and the same independent, transparent judging process the MENA Search Awards has built its reputation on.
If you haven’t already seen it, our piece on 6 reasons to enter the MENA Search Awards covers exactly what’s in it for you — credibility, team development, industry connection, and more. Worth a read before you start your entry.
Get involved
Download the entry kit and browse the new categories to get started.
And if you want to be part of the conversation, entrants, judges, past winners, and search professionals across the region, join our WhatsApp group. We’ll be sharing updates, tips, and deadline reminders there first.
