London, 26th November 2025: The prestigious Tusk Conservation Awards ceremony took place tonight, at which conservation leaders and their positive impacts across Africa were recognised.
Established in 2013 in partnership with Ninety One and in conjunction with HRH The Prince of Wales, the charity’s Royal Patron, the Tusk Conservation Awards is held annually to honour the individuals working tirelessly to preserve Africa’s biodiversity and highlight the essential role of on-the-ground local conservation initiatives.
HRH The Prince of Wales revealed this year’s winners at The Savoy Hotel, alongside natural history broadcaster Liz Bonnin, who hosted the awards. HRH took to the stage to pay tribute to three of Africa’s frontline conservationists’ outstanding work and present them with their trophies, and addressed the winners, saying:
“Tonight is a reminder that our planet continues to face serious environmental concerns… We must continue our efforts to protect nature and highlight the critical role that biodiversity plays in supporting all life on earth (...) It is so often the indigenous communities and local conservation leaders who provide the practical solutions to how we can best sustain our precious natural landscapes and vital biodiversity. Laban, Rahima and Kumara are wonderful examples of what can be achieved locally, regionally and at the national level (...) Humanity thrives when nature is given the space to provide us with the clean air, water, and food that we all require. That is why the insight and expertise of the Tusk award winners should inspire us to drive change. We must continue to amplify their voices and support their vital work.”
By recognising those leading this work, the Tusk Conservation Awards help bridge the gap between global ambition and local impact. In February this year, International Biodiversity Talks saw a willingness from countries to continue strengthening the global biodiversity agenda, including the commitment to $200 billion annually pledged for biodiversity by 2030. However, this is just the beginning of the hard work ahead. The real challenge is translating these global commitments into tangible results, from protecting critical habitats to empowering communities and securing wildlife corridors. This is precisely what the 2025 Tusk Conservation Award winners are achieving through their day-to-day leadership on the ground. Their achievements demonstrate why the Tusk Conservation Awards remain vital in championing those turning global promises into real conservation progress.
The winners of the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards are:
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The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa
- Kumara Wakjira, Director-General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA)
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The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa
- Rahima Njaidi, Executive Director at Mtandao wa Jamii wa Usimamizi wa MisitTanzania (MJUMITA) in Tanzania
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The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award
- Laban Mwangi, Head Ranger at the Mountain Bongo Project (MBP) in Kenya
Also in attendance at The Savoy Hotel were Tusk Ambassadors including Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood and wife Sally Wood, Marchioness of Bath, Emma Weymouth, comedian and actor John Cleese and Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden. Other famous faces included Mike and Zara Tindall and Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer.
Each of the three winners received a trophy crafted by jeweller and sculptor Patrick Mavros, as well as significant grant funding to continue their vital work.
Speaking about the Awards, Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said: “We live in a world facing significant challenges. Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces are under pressure like never before. Habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict are all escalating threats, and there is a huge shift in global state aid happening. It is vital that we celebrate and recognise the remarkable, courageous and committed individuals on the ground, who safeguard Africa’s natural heritage night and day. Tonight’s inspiring award winners demonstrate how dedicated leadership can turn global conservation commitments into real, lasting impact.”
Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive, Ninety One, said: “Across Africa, conservation is carried on the shoulders of extraordinary people—many of whom risk their lives daily to defend the natural world. The winners we honour tonight embody the bravery, resilience and selflessness that define frontline conservation. Their efforts protect irreplaceable landscapes and biodiversity that the world depends on. Ninety One supports the Tusk Conservation Awards because this work is essential, and because the leadership shown by these individuals drives real progress across the continent.”
The conservation leaders honoured in this year's Tusk Conservation Awards are:
- The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Ninety One – a lifetime achievement award, given to a distinguished individual for their dedication and exceptional continued contribution to conservation in Africa.
Winner: Kumara Wakjira, Director-General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA).
A visionary leader in African conservation, Kumara Wakjira has spent over 30 years safeguarding Ethiopia’s wildlife and transforming national conservation policy.
As Director-General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, Kumara has modernised national wildlife policy and led Ethiopia’s shift toward a science-driven, community-centred conservation model. Over three decades, he has strengthened ranger capacity, expanded protected areas, and championed innovative tools such as EarthRanger and wildlife detection dogs to combat trafficking. His leadership has supported the recovery of species like the Walia ibex and advanced nationwide monitoring of elephants, lions, and Ethiopian wolves. Grounded in collaboration, Kumara has built major partnerships and mobilised public awareness, securing conservation’s place in Ethiopia’s national agenda. His lifelong dedication has earned him the 2025 Tusk Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa.
Wakjira comments: “Nature conservation is a cooperative effort. Its success hinges on determination, persistence, passion, and a sense of responsibility to protect not only a species, but also people’s well-being.”
- The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Defender – given to an emerging leading conservationist, in recognition of outstanding success shown in their chosen field.
Winner: Rahima Njaidi, Executive Director at Mtandao wa Jamii wa Usimamizi wa MisitTanzania (MJUMITA) in Tanzania.
A pioneering champion of community-led forest management and advocate for land rights and gender equality, Rahima Njaidi has dedicated her career to empowering rural Tanzanians to protect and restore their natural resources.
As Executive Director of MJUMITA, Tanzania’s only community-driven forest conservation network, Rahima leads a movement of more than 15,000 members across 503 villages working to secure land rights, strengthen forest governance, and develop sustainable livelihoods. Her transformative leadership has helped establish extensive Village Land Forest Reserves, introduce Tanzania’s first REDD+ benefit-sharing model, and protect endangered species such as the Rondo Galago. Despite funding challenges and increasing pressure on Tanzania’s forests, Rahima has championed legal empowerment, gender equality, and climate-smart enterprises, proving that conservation flourishes when local people lead. Her vision and impact have earned her the 2025 Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa.
Njaidi comments: “This recognition is not just mine. It belongs to the local communities I serve, the women rising in leadership, and the forests that continue to give us life. It reminds me that even the quiet, grassroots work we do in remote villages, under trees, matters.”
- The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award gives international recognition to the dedication and commitment of an individual who works in the field to protect Africa’s wildlife.
Winner: Laban Mwangi, Head Ranger at the Mountain Bongo Project (MBP) in Kenya.
A courageous and respected field leader, Laban Mwangi has dedicated two decades to protecting Kenya’s endangered mountain bongo and safeguarding vital forest ecosystems.
As Head Ranger of the Mountain Bongo Project, Laban oversees conservation efforts across the Aberdare and Maasai Mau Forests, leading rigorous patrols, dismantling snares, monitoring wildlife, and confronting poaching threats with remarkable integrity and resilience. His leadership has been central to protecting the critically endangered mountain bongo and many other forest species, while his outreach work has educated over 30,000 community members on sustainable alternatives to forest exploitation. Having removed thousands of snares and guided hundreds of anti-poaching operations, Laban has become a trusted guardian of Kenya’s natural heritage. His dedication, courage, and community impact have earned him the 2025 Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award.
Mwangi comments: “I have committed my life to protecting an animal most people will never see. I’ve faced difficult terrain, wild animals, and long days in the forest, but I keep going because I believe these animals deserve a future.”