London, United Kingdom, 5 February 2025
The Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of The Gambia, Hon. Nani Juwara, will join a distinguished lineup of African leaders and policymakers as a key speaker during the Africa Ministerial Roundtable on Energy Security and Sustainable Development. This high-level dialogue is a special component of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony, set to take place on 21–22 February 2025 at the Casablanca Marriott Hotel, Morocco.
As the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Juwara has been instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance energy access, promote sustainable development, and position The Gambia as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape. Since his appointment, he has prioritised increasing the country’s electrification rate to 70%—with 50% coverage in rural areas—by the end of the year, underscoring his commitment to bridging the energy access gap and fostering inclusive growth. His proactive engagement with international partners has attracted significant investment and technical expertise to The Gambia, strengthening its energy sector. Under his leadership, The Gambia has also embraced renewable energy solutions, marked by the inauguration of the nation’s first large-scale solar energy facility in Jambur.
The Africa Ministerial Roundtable is a high-level platform bringing together top policymakers, thought leaders, and experts to drive regional integration and sustainable development by tackling trade barriers, accelerating AfCFTA implementation, and showcasing transformative leadership. With a focus on closing Africa’s $68–$108 billion infrastructure financing gap, strengthening energy grids, transport corridors, and health systems, and positioning nations as prime investment destinations, the roundtable will shape a collective vision for seamless policy alignment, boosting intra-African trade by 52% by 2030, and unlocking Africa’s full economic potential.
Hon. Juwara will join other distinguished speakers, including H.E. Mrs. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA; Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, Uganda; H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, Honourable Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Somalia; Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia; and H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Abdourazak, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Banking Sector, Comoros. The session will be moderated by H.E. Mrs. Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Minister for Economy and Finance of Madagascar.
Now in its 14th year, the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony continues to be the premier annual event for honouring and celebrating people-centred leadership and Africans who are pursuing a pan-African agenda in their chosen fields. The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 400 in-person delegates, with online streaming reaching thousands of followers across the magazine’s social media platforms. The event serves as a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and dialogue, fostering innovative solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges, all aimed at advancing a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.
Among the distinguished special guests of honour and speakers at the two-day event in Morocco are H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar; Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; and H.E. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, alongside top policymakers, business leaders, and industry titans from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Angola, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Congo, Cape Verde, Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya.
About African Leadership Magazine
The African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organisation (UK), is dedicated to showcasing Africa’s best to a global audience—highlighting the continent’s success stories, fostering positive narratives, and driving solutions to its unique challenges. For 16 years, the magazine has been at the forefront of promoting impactful leadership, facilitating African opportunities on the global stage through a strong ecosystem that includes high-quality Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, networking platforms, and public sector training and consulting.
For media enquiries and event participation, please contact:
Ehis Ayere
Group General Manager
African Leadership Organization
Email: info@africanleadership.co.uk
