Casablanca, Morocco, February 21 – 22, 2025 – Bridgette Motsepe, Founder and Chairperson of Mmakau Mining, South Africa, has been honoured with the African Industrialist of the Year award at the prestigious 14th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony, held at the Casablanca Marriott Hotel, Morocco, from February 21–22, 2025.
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Motsepe has been recognised for her trailblazing contributions to Africa’s mining and industrial sectors, her commitment to economic empowerment, and her role in advancing sustainable industrial development on the continent. As the driving force behind Mmakau Mining, she has been a pioneer in promoting women’s participation in the mining industry, fostering economic growth, and championing policies that enhance local content and value addition in Africa’s resource sector.
The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony is an annual flagship event that brings together policymakers, business leaders, civil society actors, and thought leaders from across Africa and beyond. The event serves as a platform to celebrate outstanding African leaders who are making significant contributions to the continent’s growth and development.
Other Distinguished Honourees at the 14th Edition Include:
• H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar—African Political Leader of the Year
• H.E. Bassirou Faye, President of Senegal—African of the Year
• H.E. Joao Lourenco, President of Angola—African Peace and Security Leader of the Year
• H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda—African Female Leader of the Year
• Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigeria
• H.E. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
• Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Minister for Health, Uganda
• H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation, Somalia
• Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, The Gambia
• H.E. Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Minister of Economy and Finance, Madagascar
• Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Liberia
• Hon. Lefoko Maxwell Moagi, Former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Botswana
• Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Nigeria
• Mr. Mustafa Y. Shek, Director General of the National Communication Authority, Somalia
Prominent business leaders, including Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, Executive Chairman of Moni Polu Limited, and Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO of FirstBank Group, Nigeria, were also in attendance.
The event attracted high-profile delegates from across Africa, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Angola, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Congo, Cape Verde, Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya, highlighting the pan-African significance of the awards.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
The Group Editor
King Richard Igimoh
editor@africanleadership.co.uk,
king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk
About African Leadership Magazine
The African Leadership Magazine, the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited, has been dedicated to promoting impactful leadership in Africa for over 16 years. Through high-quality Afro-positive content, public sector training, and consulting, the magazine plays a crucial role in showcasing Africa’s success stories, driving positive change, and shaping the continent’s future.
