Rules of Entry
The rules, in plain words
The full Rules of Entry are approved by the Organising Committee. This page summarises them. If anything here conflicts with the published Rules, the Rules apply.
Who can enter
- Companies, institutions, organisations and individuals operating in, or materially contributing to, Zanzibar.
- Entries are judged on performance from 1 January to 30 November 2026, unless a category says otherwise.
- An organisation may enter up to 3 categories, with a separate entry for each.
- Neither organiser, nor their directors, partners or owners, may win an award.
Key dates
| Launch & nominations open | By 30 November 2026 |
| Nominations close | 22 December 2026 |
| Judging | 23 December – 9 January |
| Shortlist announced & public voting opens | By 11 January 2027 |
| The Gala | Second half of January 2027 |
Entry types
- Open entry. Organisations enter themselves, or are nominated by others.
- Nomination. Someone else must nominate. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Judges' choice. No entries. Conferred by the Judging Panel.
- Public vote counts. Part of the final score comes from a public vote, with safeguards against duplicate or automated votes. The Judging Panel’s score always carries the larger weight.
Judging
Entries are assessed against the published criteria of each award and the three ZBEA values: excellence, responsibility, and Zanzibar value. Judges declare any conflict of interest. The tabulation is checked by independent accountants, and results are kept sealed until the Gala.
The Organising Committee may add, merge or retire categories before nominations open. Once nominations open, the published categories are fixed for ZBEA 2027.
Public voting
- Voting applies to Island of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and Video of the Year, and opens with the shortlist.
- One vote per mobile number in each award, confirmed by a one-time code sent by SMS. Voting is open to Tanzanian mobile numbers.
- Votes are final once confirmed.
- Automated votes, bulk or purchased votes, and votes from numbers obtained to manipulate results are void. A nominee found organising them may be disqualified.
- Running totals are not published. The public vote’s share of the final score is capped and set out in the Rules of Entry.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to enter?
No. Entering and nominating are free. No award is sold, promised or given in exchange for sponsorship or payment.
Can I nominate my own company?
Yes, for awards marked Open entry. Awards marked Nomination (Island of the Year, Female Leader, Young Leader) need someone else to nominate.
How many categories can we enter?
Up to 3, with a separate entry for each. Choose the categories where your evidence is strongest.
What period is judged?
Performance from 1 January to 30 November 2026, unless a category says otherwise. Creator content must be published between 1 January and 15 December 2026.
Will nominees know who nominated them?
The Secretariat may tell a nominee that they have been nominated, and ask them for more evidence. We don't share the nominator's contact details without permission.
Can a sponsor win?
A partner may enter like anyone else and is judged on the same criteria by the same independent panel. The organisers, their directors, partners and owners cannot win.
Is there a voting fee or SMS charge?
No. Receiving the voting code is free. We will never ask you to pay to vote.
I didn't receive my voting code.
Wait a minute and use “Send a new code”. Check the number. You can request three codes per hour. If it still fails, contact the helpdesk on WhatsApp.
Can I change my vote?
No. Each number has one vote per award, and it is final once confirmed.
When are winners announced?
On stage at the Gala, in the second half of January 2027. Results are sealed until then.
Still unsure? Contact the Secretariat or WhatsApp +255 708 080 489.