Award Categories
31+ Awards, One National Programme
Six clusters, two special categories and one regional track. Government and private sector nominees compete in the same programme, evaluated against the same rigour.
Cluster A · 4 categories · Public Sector
Overall Excellence
Outstanding, measurable, citizen-impacting digital transformation across government.
Digital Government Institution of the Year
Outstanding, measurable, citizen-impacting transformation. Eligible: MDAs, local governments, statutory bodies, public enterprises.
MDA Digital Transformation Award
Ministry, Department or Agency significantly improving service delivery through technology.
Local Government Digital Transformation Award
District, city, municipality or local authority demonstrating digital service innovation.
State Enterprise Digital Excellence Award
Public enterprise or statutory body improving efficiency, transparency and service quality.
Cluster B · 5 categories · Public Sector
Citizen Service and Public Value
Digital services that measurably reduce cost, time and friction for citizens and businesses.
Best Digital Government Service Award
Service reducing time, cost, paperwork or queues for citizens or businesses.
Citizen Experience and Service Design Award
Digital service designed around ease of use, accessibility and citizen feedback.
Digital Inclusion and Last-Mile Access Award
Extending digital access to rural communities, women, youth or persons with disabilities.
Digital Public Communications and Engagement Award
Effective use of digital channels to inform, engage and respond to citizens.
Digital Transparency and Open Data Award
Improving public access to information, open data or accountability tools.
Cluster C · 5 categories · Both Sectors
Technology and Innovation
Responsible, high-impact use of modern technology across government and industry alike.
AI and Emerging Technology in Government
Responsible use of AI, automation, data science or emerging technologies in public service.
Best Use of Data for Decision-Making
Analytics, dashboards or predictive insights improving planning and execution.
Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
Strong cybersecurity governance, data protection and incident readiness. Both sectors.
Government Cloud and Interoperability
Infrastructure or shared platforms strengthening whole-of-government service delivery.
Digital Payments and Revenue Innovation
Digital payment or revenue collection innovations improving convenience and compliance. Both sectors.
Cluster D · 5 categories · Private Sector
Private Sector Digital Excellence
Dedicated recognition for private companies, startups, BPO/ITES firms and development partners.
Private Sector Digital Service of the Year
Private or NGO entity offering a digital service reducing cost, time or effort for end users.
GovTech Solution Provider of the Year
Company or startup delivering a proven, operational solution for public administration or citizen services.
BPO/ITES Company of the Year
Outstanding BPO or ITES institution. Must be registered and NITA-U certified. Employment created is a key criterion.
Public-Private Digital Partnership Award
Partnership delivering measurable digital public value. Both parties receive the award jointly.
Development Partner Digital Transformation Support Award
Donor, development agency or international body with demonstrated on-the-ground results.
Cluster E · 6 categories · Both Sectors
Leadership and Individual
Recognising the people driving digital transformation across government and industry.
Digital Government Leader of the Year
Senior leader (PS, CEO, ED, Commissioner) championing digital transformation.
Public Sector CIO/CTO of the Year
Technology leader driving strategy, execution and measurable transformation.
Private Sector Digital Leader of the Year
Senior private sector executive leading significant digital transformation or growth.
Women in Digital Leadership Award
Woman leader contributing to digital transformation. Both public and private sector.
Young Trailblazer (Under 35)
Emerging professional or entrepreneur under 35. Both sectors.
Lifetime Contribution Award
Long-standing nationally significant contribution. Jury-nominated.
Cluster F · 6 categories · Both Sectors
Sector-Specific Digital Innovation
ATMS-aligned innovation across health, education, agriculture, finance, tourism and minerals.
Digital Innovation in Health
Health service delivery, telemedicine, health information systems. Public and private health sector.
Digital Innovation in Education and Skills
Learning management, school information systems, e-learning. Both sectors.
Digital Innovation in Agriculture and Food Security
AgriTech, farmer information systems, market linkages. Both sectors.
Digital Innovation in Finance, Revenue and Economic Services
Tax, customs, revenue collection, financial inclusion.
Digital Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality
Destination platforms, e-visas, digital payments and tourism services. ATMS Tourism pillar.
Digital Innovation in Minerals, Oil and Gas
Licensing, revenue digitalisation, geospatial data and transparency. ATMS Minerals pillar.
Sponsorship Categories
Partnership Tiers Open for 2026
Alongside the award categories, seven partnership packages are open, from Silverback to Weaverbird, each with its own pagoda tent across the four-city festival circuit.
Silverback
Presenting Partner
The name above the national festival, with event naming rights.
Open
Crested Crane
Premier Partner
National prestige, one per category vertical: telco, banking, cloud or devices.
Open
Ndovu
Pillar Partner
Own a programme pillar: Gov Services, Enterprise, Digital Trust or Talent.
Open
Lion
Sector Partner
Lead a market conversation across all four festival stops.
Open
Plus Shoebill, Uganda Kob and Weaverbird tiers, in-kind delivery partnerships and single-award patronage.