| Mr | Muyaka | Kamamba | Blue and Green Water Guardians | Zambia | Environmental Science | Water Resources Management | Best Researcher Award | View Profile |
| Ms | Roberta | Mavugara | Midlands State University | Zimbabwe | Environmental Science | Water sanitation and health engineering and management | Best Researcher Award | |
| Assoc. Prof. Dr | Lesley | Macheka | Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) | Zimbabwe | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award | View Profile |
| Dr | Sharon | Hofisi | Midlands State University | Zimbabwe | Arts and Humanities | law, social justice innovation and human rights | Academic Excellence Recognition Award | View Profile |
| Dr | Jabulani | Dhlamini | Independent Researcher | Zimbabwe | Business, Management and Accounting | Strategic Management | Research Excellence Award | View Profile |