Congratulations to our Chief Nursing Officer, Wellington Makala, who has been shortlisted for the Healthcare Excellence Award at the African Business Awards 2026.    

Organised annually by the African Business Chamber ( AfBC ), the awards celebrate exceptional leadership, innovation and achievement across Africa and its global diaspora. They recognise organisations and individuals who are driving economic growth, advancing trade and investment, and contributing to sustainable development.    

The Healthcare Excellence Award honours those making a significant impact across health and social care, including innovation, clinical leadership, entrepreneurship and health technology. It celebrates individuals and organisations who are transforming health systems and improving outcomes across Africa, the UK and the wider diaspora.   

Wellington’s shortlisting recognises his leadership and contribution to high-quality care, innovation and the ongoing strengthening of healthcare services.  

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on the 29 May in London.  Join us in wishing Wellington good luck on the night and congratulating him on this  tremendous  achievement.

Wellington said:

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been shortlisted for the African Business Chamber (AfBC)  African Business Awards 2026 Healthcare Business Excellence Award. To be recognised alongside such outstanding leaders, innovators and changemakers across Africa, the UK and the diaspora is truly special.  

"As I reflected on this nomination today, I realised this recognition is not really about one person. It is about purpose. It is about people. It is about belonging. My journey started as a student mental health nurse at NELFT in 2001. I could never have imagined that one day I would become Chief Nursing Officer, or that the work I care so deeply about quality, safety, health equity, relational care and belonging would resonate beyond the walls of our organisation. 

"This recognition belongs to every nurse, clinician, colleague, patient, family member and community who has shaped my thinking and leadership over the years. It belongs to the teams who continue to show up every single day with compassion and courage. It belongs to the communities whose voices too often go unheard, yet who continue to teach us what truly matters.  

"For me, leadership has never been about position or status. It has always been about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, valued, safe and able to belong. Because when people belong, they thrive. When communities belong, they heal. And when organisations lead with belonging, equity and compassion become possible. As an African leader working within the NHS, this nomination also carries deep personal meaning. It represents the power of representation. The importance of visibility.

"And the responsibility we all have to leave the door wider open for others coming behind us. I remain committed to strengthening clinical leadership, advancing health equity, championing relational care, supporting our workforce and building cultures of belonging where every voice matters.  

"Thank you to the African Business Chamber (AfBC) for this incredible recognition. And thank you to everyone who has supported, challenged, encouraged and walked this journey with me. This nomination is for all of us."

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony taking place in London on 29 May 2026.