Big Wins for Inclusion and Governance: iTel, Samsung, Sama AI and Lawyers Hub Awarded at TechTrends AI Business Forum 2025
An unexpected mix of policy thinkers, hardware makers and ethical AI advocates found themselves celebrated on the same stage for shaping a future that feels both ambitious and within reach.
The TechTrends AI-Powered Business Transformation Forum in Nairobi concluded on a high note with an awards segment that celebrated the companies turning bold ideas into practical impact. Rather than end on theory or policy debate, the organisers chose to close the Forum by recognising real-world execution — rewarding the startups and tech leaders already delivering accessible, ethical and future-ready AI and digital solutions across Africa.
Essential Accessories Opens the Ceremony with E-Commerce Excellence
The first honour of the afternoon went to Essential Accessories, reaffirming its role as a key enabler in mobile-driven commerce. Recognised with the E-Commerce Innovation in Mobile Technology Award, the company was celebrated for empowering millions of smartphone users to personalise, protect and monetise their devices — turning accessories into a critical layer of the retail economy rather than mere add-ons.
Sama AI Wins AI Data Excellence Award
Ethics took centre stage next as Sama AI received the AI Data Excellence Award. In an era where AI progress is often clouded by controversy over data sourcing, Sama was recognised for building responsible AI infrastructure — using verified, consent-based data pipelines and ensuring African talent is fairly represented and compensated in global AI development.
iTel Dominates with Three Major Awards
The loudest applause of the evening went to iTel, which secured a triple victory:
- Innovation Award
- Digital Inclusion Award
- Curved Display Excellence Award for the itel SUPER 26 Ultra, officially named the No.1 Recommended Curved Display Phone Under $175
iTel’s strategy was praised for delivering premium experiences at mass-market price points. Whether through AI-enabled voice assistance, accessibility-first design, or flagship-style displays under $175, iTel is repositioning affordability as an innovation category, not a limitation.
Samsung Awarded for Connected Ecosystem Leadership
The Connected Ecosystem Award went to Samsung, recognised for seamlessly linking consumer electronics, enterprise tools and developer platforms into one interoperable experience. While many brands sell products, Samsung was celebrated for selling continuity — a vision of technology that works together rather than apart.
Lawyers Hub Receives AI Policy and Governance Award
Closing the ceremony, Lawyers Hub received the AI Policy and Governance Award for its leadership in shaping Africa’s AI legal frameworks. As governments scramble to regulate rapidly advancing technology, Lawyers Hub stands out for translating technical complexity into actionable legislation and rights-based governance models.
Award Summary
| Award Category | Recipient | Core Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce Innovation in Mobile Technology | Essential Accessories | Mobile commerce enablement |
| AI Data Excellence | Sama AI | Ethical data infrastructure |
| Innovation Award | iTel | AI-powered consumer hardware |
| Digital Inclusion Award | iTel | Making smart devices universally accessible |
| Curved Display Excellence Award | itel SUPER 26 Ultra | Best Curved Display Phone Under $175 |
| Connected Ecosystem Award | Samsung | Seamless multi-device interoperability |
| AI Policy and Governance Award | Lawyers Hub | Legal frameworks for responsible AI |
The message from the Forum was unmistakable: Africa’s digital future isn’t waiting — it’s already being shipped, legislated, unboxed and scaled.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent.
Mark your calendars! The GreenShift Sustainability Forum is back in Nairobi this November. Join innovators, policymakers & sustainability leaders for a breakfast forum as we explore sustainable solutions shaping the continent’s future. Limited slots – Register now – here. Email info@techtrendsmedia.co.ke for partnership requests.
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