As is tradition, the MTM Awards continues to encourage international participation from guests, nominees, finalists, community leaders and government officials — a true reflection of our commitment to diversity and inclusion beyond the South West region. 
Our first international guests came from Mombasa, Kenya, where the PA and Communication Officer from Mombasa County represented the then Governor, Ali Hassan Joho. Our first international award winner was Ramla Omar Said from Mombasa in 2016, who later joined us in 2018 to personally receive her crystal award.
In 2017, under the leadership of our CEO, Junior Sheikh, we organised the London to Bristol “Ivory Belongs to Elephants” Charity Walk — a 10-day awareness walk that started at the Natural History Museum in London and concluded at the Bristol Cenotaph. This event welcomed 10 international guests, including seven from Nairobi, Kenya.International finalists have continued joining the MTM Awards in growing numbers since 2018. In 2022, to mark our 10th anniversary, we proudly hosted a delegation from Somaliland.
Season 13 – International FinalistsThis year, our Season 13 finalists and international guests joining us include:
From Kenya:
- Abdul Hussein Ali
- Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (representing SSAID)
- Abdulkarim Sheikh – MTM Brand Ambassador, Period Poverty Action Project (coordinated in Mombasa by Huris Foundation led by Maryam Abubakar)
- Salama Ngalae
- Kiki Tha Blogger
- Rafae Brown
- Motivated Mindset Dancers Kenya
- Kisumu Environmental Champions
- Don’tHideMe (Kenya)
From Tanzania:
- Shadya Kitengee
- Sanamare Organisation TZ
- Ujamaa Foundation TZ
From South Africa:
- Sandra Naidoo
- The Winnie Mabaso Foundation
From Eswatini (First time finalist):
- Moore Ngwenya
From Somaliland:
Somaliland has consistently sent participants since 2015, and this season is no different. We are honoured to welcome the following esteemed guests:
- Mohamed Yusuf Nour
- Khalid Adan Abdi
- Abdiqani Mohamed Abdillahi
- Fahmi Isse Yusuf
- Mohamed Abib Osman
- Abdisamad Daher Said
- Mohamed Iman Ismail
Bristol enjoys a thriving Somaliland community, and the MTM Awards have become a platform where people, leaders and senior government officials can connect, celebrate, and build stronger ties.
Meet & Greet
All international guests are invited to a special Meet & Greet on the afternoon of November 30th at Delta Hotels.
Our cherished annual supporters Jayne Awaino and Elizabeth Ngote from Rapunzels Hair Academy, Nairobi, Kenya, will also be in attendance.
On behalf of the Directors, Management, Judging Panel, Delta Hotels, and our Founder,
we warmly welcome all our local, regional, national, and international participants to the MTM Awards Season 13.
To all our dignitaries — thank you for your continued support.
Junior Sheikh
CEO, MTM Awards
22-10-2025