Bikila Award
Press Release
The prestigious Bikila Award has unveiled the esteemed recipients for its 2026 edition, recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations whose achievements, leadership, innovation, and service have made a lasting impact on society, as well as social influencers and academic prowess among the youth. The Bikila Award Celebration and Gala Dinner are scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, commencing at 6:00 pm. This annual affair stands as a highlight on the African-Canadian community calendar.
The Bikila Award is honoured to welcome The Honourable Member of Canadian Parliament, Doly Begum, a prominent leader and lifelong advocate for her communities and a more equitable Canada, who will grace the occasion as the Keynote Speaker. The event’s presentation will be eloquently orchestrated by seasoned Technology Leader, Educator, Humanitarian Advocate for more than 25 years and Multi-Award Winner, Samson Demissie Teffera.
2026 BIKILA AWARD RECIPIENTS:
• Laureate Artist Afewerk Tekle (Posthumously) – Honoured with The Order of the Shining Star of Ethiopia for his unparalleled contribution to African Art, culture, and national identity.
• Ato Samuel Tafese, Founder and President of Sunshine Investment Group – Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, recognized for his extraordinary achievement, nation-building leadership, and enduring philanthropic impact in Ethiopia.
• Anna Getaneh – Professional Excellence Award, internationally acclaimed model, humanitarian and founder of African Mosaique and AMFI, transforming creative success into a platform for youth empowerment, opportunity, and hope with a vision of uplifting youth and fostering meaningful change.
• Dr. Miheret Debebe – Professional Excellence Award, former Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation, who led one of the most ambitious utility expansion programs on the African continent.
• Adonay Berhane Hailemichael – Youth Impact Award recipient for his remarkable contributions to Ethiopia’s digital media social landscape, and for the meaningful influence he has created among young people both at home and across the global diaspora.
• Gezawu Bekele – Business Excellence Award, Founder and CEO of Green Care Naturals Ltd. (Canada) and Green Care Naturals PLC (Ethiopia), whose dedication is to advancing Ethiopia’s botanical research, promoting value-added manufacturing, and elevating Ethiopian holistic natural medicine and innovation on the global stage.
• Ethiopian Community in the GTA – Community Service Excellence Award for their decades of community service and support to Ethiopian-Canadians through social, cultural, and educational initiatives, reflecting a deep dedication to community advancement and collective growth.
• Abenet Tadele – Community Service Excellence Award. He is the founder of a global nonprofit, AGCEO, sparking sustainable change through community development, environmental restoration, and holistic well-being.
• In a testament to their academic prowess, the recipients of the 2026 Academic Excellence Bikila Award recepients include Beemnet Asfaw, Oliad Rundassa, Nathnael Teshome, Eden Belay, and Yomni Makonnen.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
The Board of Directors of the Bikila Award extends its deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the Bikila Advisory Council, to all of our esteemed corporate sponsors, community sponsors, valued partners, dedicated volunteers, donors, nominators, independent members of the Jury, and all of our valued supporters whose generosity, commitment, and unwavering belief in our mission have made the 2026 Bikila Awards possible.
JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION:
The evening promises an immersive experience with signature cocktails, exquisite cuisine, the soulful sounds of live jazz performed by the renowned Abyssinia Band, exciting door prizes, and captivating entertainment throughout the night.
Limited tickets are available for purchase by calling 416-709-5647 and 416-857-4820 or visiting the following locations: Rendezvous Restaurant (1408 Danforth Avenue), Kera Meat Market (2749 Danforth Avenue), Lalibela Restaurant (1202 Danforth Avenue) or Wazema Restaurant (1360 Danforth Avenue).
How to buy tickets info on our website: https://www.bikilaaward.org/event-tickets.html ABOUT THE BIKILA AWARDS:
The Bikila Award organization, established in 2013, seeks to foster excellence in academia, professions, and business, while championing volunteerism among individuals of Ethiopian heritage. Guided by its non-political, non-religious, and not-for-profit ethos, the Bikila Award strives to empower the young generation to achieve their highest potential and celebrate their exceptional accomplishments.
CONTACT:
Tessema Mulugeta, President – 647-833-5647
Behailu Atnafu, Public Relations (PR) – 416-857-4820
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