Casablanca, Morocco, February 21 – 22, 2025 – H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister for Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola, has been confered with the prestigious African Government Minister of the Year award at the 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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Azevedo has been recognised for his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to administration of mineral resources, petroleum and gas, and driving innovation in the oil and gas sector. Notably, his efforts have led to the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ministry and Freiberg University of Mines and Technology in 2022, one major highlight of the agreement was a scholarship program for Angolan students at the University. His leadership has also played a pivotal role in enhancing Angola’s compliance with international standards, resulting in improved safety, operational efficiency, and the provision of more effective systems on the broader African continent.
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.
The 14th edition of the event also honoured other distinguished leaders, including:
• H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar
• Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigeria
• Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda
• 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.
