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Tusk Conservation Award winners 2025 announced by HRH Prince William

26th November 2025
Tusk Conservation Award winners 2025 announced by HRH Prince William
Caption icon LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: (L-R) Kumara Wakjira, Rahima Njaidi and Laban Mwangi arrive at the Savoy Hotel for the Tusk Conservation Awards 2025 to celebrate Africa's leading conservationists at The Savoy Hotel on November 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Tusk Conservation Awards 2025)

The Tusk Conservation Awards, in partnership with Ninety One, took place tonight (Nov 26th) at a fantastic event at the Savoy Hotel in London.

The prestigious awards recognise those conservation heroes who have gone above and beyond and whose positive impacts are felt across Africa. The charity’s Royal Patron H.R.H The Prince of Wales revealed this year’s winners, alongside natural history broadcaster and Tusk Ambassador Liz Bonnin, who hosted the awards.

H.R.H took to the stage to pay tribute to three of Africa’s frontline conservationists’ outstanding work and present them with their trophies. 

The winners of the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards are: 

  • The Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa
    Kumara Wakjira, Director-General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA)
  • The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa
    Rahima Njaidi, Executive Director at Mtandao wa Jamii wa Usimamizi wa MisitTanzania (MJUMITA) in Tanzania
  • The Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award
    Laban Mwangi, Head Ranger at the Mountain Bongo Project (MBP) in Kenya

“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.” – HRH Prince of Wales

The ceremony, celebrating this year’s worthy winners, was attended by a host of well known faces including Tusk Ambassadors Deborah Meaden, Ronnie Wood, Gbenga Akinnagbe, John Cleese and Emma Thynn.

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.

“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.” – Nick Bubb, Tusk CEO

About the Tusk Conservation Awards

Established in 2013 in partnership with Ninety One and in conjunction with H.R.H 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. 

By recognising those leading this work, the Tusk Conservation Awards help bridge the gap between global ambition and local impact. In February this year, 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.

2025 Tusk Conservation Awards
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