Necessary Noise: The 2026 Segal Awards
Every year since 2012, Segal Family Foundation has recognized particularly outstanding leaders of the organizations in our portfolio. There are currently five awards categories marking notable strengths, values, or evident promise. This year’s winners hail from Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, and will be fêted at the Segal 2026 gala in Nairobi later this month. To honor their journeys, we had our Emmy-nominated friends from The Color Four (with some support from Marula Creative Agency) visit each organization and produce a mini documentary; these short films will be shared publicly on our YouTube channel after they are screened during the awards ceremony. In the meantime, follow our social media to keep up with the happenings at Segal 2026!
Colman Ndetembea | Kyaro Assistive Tech | Tanzania
Rising Star: An exceptionally dedicated leader with a steep trajectory in growing their impact
“Finding out that Kyaro had been selected was a beautiful surprise. Having seen the awards in Kigali in 2023, then again last year in New York City, it’s amazing to be recognized alongside all those organizations. This award is encouragement and validation of what we’re trying to do, amidst the chaos of trying to shape what the field of assistive tech could look like in Africa. The timing couldn’t be more perfect: we’re in transition from our current factory space to building our own larger facilities, so this award is a door-opener and a proper stepping stone for the next phase. It will make the necessary noise for anyone who doesn’t know what Kyaro does. Going around with the film crew was a good reminder about why we do what we do, and why it’s very important that we not fail. Getting to go to beneficiaries’ homes and hear the stories of lives being improved – who could now go to school, who was able to start a business, and so on – has awoken the thirst to cover more stories because each beneficiary is a star in their own right.”
Delphine Uwamahoro | Our Sisters’ Opportunity | Rwanda
Angel for Africa: A leader who builds partnerships and continually serves as a resource for others
“I still can’t believe it. I read the email about 30 times then stood up, went and told my team, and they shouted so loud! They were overwhelmed with joy and happiness. This award means a lot to me, to the OSO team, OSO the community, and OSO the organization. Segal Family Foundation was the first funder to believe in me and trust my vision, and invite other funders to invest in it; that transformative act embodies my own purpose of giving back to my community and the vulnerable girls and women that OSO serves. Having the film crew around was sooo much fun! It was at once work and a celebration of this award at the community level: each OSO program participant got time to shine and celebrate who they are becoming.”
Hastings Nhlane & Madalitso Chipekwe Daka | ACADES | Malawi
Grassroots Champions: Individuals with deep connections within their communities
“The news found me walking into a restaurant; I saw the e-mail, froze. We do the work daily and time moves so fast, I don’t remember the last time I sat down and paused to realize that people outside our communities appreciate what we do. That we would be selected for such an award is just so encouraging and emotional for me. It’s a big thing for me as a leader and for the entire team at ACADES; we feel challenged to do more, to continue innovating. The film crew visit was so exciting – the questions they asked made us reflect on things we rarely find time to appreciate. They pointed out some key things that we might not notice because we’re right in it, and it was a great chance to go back in time and observe how we’ve grown. It’s given us energy to look ahead and get excited about the future.” – Hastings
“It was an incredible feeling and, honestly, a complete surprise. I never expected it. More than anything, it felt like a powerful affirmation that the work happening in our communities is being seen and valued by others. It gave me a deep sense of gratitude and excitement, particularly because it comes at a pivotal moment in our journey as ACADES is entering a phase of rapid expansion. The filming experience was wonderful for everyone involved. There was also a sense of excitement and pride in hosting such a professional team – for many, it was overwhelming in the best possible way to have filmmakers of that calibre visiting their villages and taking an interest in their stories. It made the community feel seen, heard, and celebrated.” – Madalitso
Ojok Okello | Okere City | Uganda
Systems Innovator: Leaders and organizations that have developed an innovative model
“For us, this award is not just about an organization—it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of a rural community that has spent years working together to overcome the legacy of conflict, poverty, and exclusion. For many years, communities like ours have often been viewed only through the lens of challenges. This recognition highlights the potential that exists when communities are trusted to lead their own development. My first thought was of the farmers, women, children, teachers, health workers, and community volunteers who have made this journey possible. Their belief that change can come from within the community is what has built Okere City into what it is today; it inspires us to dream bigger and work even harder to create opportunities for future generations. Personally, it reinforces my belief that rural Africa can be a source of innovation, not merely a recipient of aid. Having the film crew in the community was a wonderful experience. What stood out most was seeing them engage with everyone, capturing not only the projects themselves but also the spirit of hope and collective action behind them. We appreciated the opportunity to tell our story authentically and to highlight the people whose lives and aspirations are at the heart of Okere City’s mission. We hope the film helps others see the remarkable potential that exists in rural communities when people are empowered to lead their own development.”
Sarai Chisala-Tempelhoff | The Gender and Justice Unit | Malawi
Fighting for Fairness: Uses their platform to give voice and power to historically marginalized groups, in honor of our founder Barry Segal
“When I opened the email about the award, I was honestly blown away. It felt like the work, the years, the communities, the sacrifices, and the quiet everyday effort had been seen. What I felt most strongly was overwhelming gratitude for that acknowledgement. This award means so much because it recognises not just me, but the whole background of the work that people do not always see. It recognises the team, the community liaisons, the partners, the women who keep showing up, and the communities that have carried this work with us. It felt like a reminder that the work matters, that people are paying attention, and that the impact we are trying to build in communities is visible beyond us. Filming in the community was unexpectedly beautiful. What moved me most was seeing moments in the field that I could never have orchestrated: community members came forward to express their gratitude for GJU’s interventions, people were willing to share their stories, and to be present. There was this overwhelming sense of the community pouring back into us, after years of us trying to pour into the community. I am really looking forward to the next step, when we take the film back to the community members so they can see their own faces and stories on screen; I know that will be a milestone moment for them.”
