Prince William’s Tusk Awards shine spotlight on three champions protecting Africa’s wildlife

The Prince of Wales has long championed the charity’s mission, using his platform to draw international attention to the critical work being delivered by local conservationists across Africa.

This year’s ceremony, hosted by animal biologist and natural history broadcaster Liz Bonnin at Raffles London at the OWO, celebrated winners across three distinct categories^.

Dr Colleen Begg was awarded the prestigious Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Ninety One.

As the founder and director of the Niassa Carnivore Project in Mozambique, Dr Begg has dedicated decades to protecting a vast landscape larger than Switzerland, proving that effective conservation must start by empowering local people and building legacies that outlive individual efforts.

The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, sponsored by Defender, was presented to Raabia Hawa.

Founder and director of the Ulinzi Africa Foundation in Kenya, Ms Hawa transitioned from a career in radio to frontline conservation, tackling human-wildlife conflict, fighting Government corruption, and championing the vital role of women on the front lines of environmental protection.

Meanwhile, the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award, sponsored by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation, was awarded to Daniel Yiankere.

Working as a security manager at the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya, Mr Yiankere has spent 30 years on the frontline, playing a pivotal role in bringing black rhinos back to the region and utilising conservation as a powerful tool for community peace-building.

The 2026 event also marked a poignant milestone as Tusk welcomed back two previous winners from 2020, Wildlife Ranger Award winner Amos Gwema and Tusk Award winner John Kamanga.

Because pandemic restrictions prevented them from attending their original ceremony, their return allowed the organisation to formally celebrate their enduring contributions alongside this year’s recipients.

Charlie Mayhew, President and CEO of Tusk, emphasised that the awards continue to highlight “the courage and determination of individuals who understand their local landscapes best”.

Reflecting on the broader impact, Hendrik du Toit, Founder and Chief Executive of Ninety One, noted that “Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage is one of its greatest assets.”

Mr Du Toit added that protecting it matters “not only for the continent’s biodiversity and natural landscapes, but for its people, communities and economies”.

With Tusk investing approximately £15million annually across its conservation portfolio, the charity remains a vital catalyst for safeguarding biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of communities coexisting with wildlife.