Western Australia’s African communities have been recognised for their contributions to leadership, innovation, youth development and community development, with the 2026 Western Australian African Community Awards (WAACA) held on 5 September at the Pan Pacific Perth. The awards brought together community leaders, young professionals, students, businesses and organisations at the conclusion of Australia-Africa Week in Perth.
The awards are significant not simply as a celebration, but as a way of recognising the economic and social contribution of African Australians across Western Australia. OACWA states that the awards recognise African Australians across areas including business, innovation, leadership and community contribution, highlighting people and organisations whose work strengthens the wider community.
Attendes at the WAACA
One of the evening’s recognised areas was the Excellence in Innovation and Social Change Award, which went to Joshua Simpaya. The category recognises individuals, organisations and businesses using innovation and initiative to develop projects and solutions that empower African Australians and strengthen communities. Recognition in this area highlights the link between innovation and economic empowerment, particularly where community-led ideas create services, enterprises or opportunities for others.
Young leadership was also recognised, with Legran J.E. Plavy Ntsiele, President of the Curtin African Students Association, receiving the Emerging Young Leader Award. Recognition of emerging leaders is particularly relevant to African students and early-career professionals, as leadership networks can help create access to mentoring, professional relationships and future employment and business opportunities.
The broader role of organisations such as OACWA is also important in this context. The organisation provides representation and support for African communities in Western Australia and describes its role as providing a platform to raise economic, social, political and cultural issues affecting the community. That work creates a link between recognition of individual achievement and wider efforts to improve participation and opportunity for African Australians.
Reflecting on the event, David Mickler described the awards as a major community occasion, writing, “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners — in my view, this was the best WAACA Gala to date!” He also highlighted the significance of recognising innovation and young leadership through the awards, pointing to the achievements of Joshua Simpaya and Legran J.E. Plavy Ntsiele.
Beyond the gala itself, the awards provide a snapshot of a community contributing across professional, business, educational and civic life in Western Australia. By recognising innovators, business leaders, young professionals and community organisers, the event draws attention to the people building skills, enterprises, networks and opportunities within African Australian communities. In that sense, the WAACA Awards are not only about celebrating achievement; they also show how African communities are contributing to Western Australia’s broader social and economic development.
