In a grand celebration of visionary leadership and transformative impact, the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) honour exceptional business leaders, policymakers, and organisations for their significant contributions to Africa’s socio-economic development. This year’s event, held as a crowing appendage of the prestigious ALM Africa Summit 2024, gathers influential leaders and policymakers from Africa, the UK, and beyond to discuss the continent’s future and drive progress.
Established in 2010 by African Leadership Magazine, ABLA showcases the best of Africa to a global audience. The awards recognise outstanding business leaders who have significantly contributed to Africa’s economic transformation, truly unleashing the continent’s potential. Over the years, ABLA has become one of the most coveted honours in the African business community, celebrating those who drive progress and innovation.
Each year, the awards ceremony brings together leaders from various sectors, including government, business, academia, and civil society, to celebrate the awardees’ accomplishments. The selection process involves a public nomination phase followed by a meticulous evaluation by a panel of esteemed judges. Winners are chosen based on their leadership qualities, industry impact, contribution to socio-economic development, and commitment to ethical business practices—key elements that unleash Africa’s potential.
Tonight, the ABLA event is being held at the Dorchester Hotel and the historic House of Lords in London. The atmosphere is electric as dignitaries, industry leaders, and stakeholders gather to celebrate this year’s awardees. The venue, adorned with exquisite decorations blending African cultural elements with modern elegance, symbolises the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines the continent’s progress.
The Winners
- Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel: Industry Personality of the Year
- Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel, Director General of Sociedade Mineira de Catoca Lda, Angola, is recognised for his exceptional leadership in the mining sector, driving significant growth and development in Angola. His work exemplifies how industry leaders can unleash Africa’s vast potential.
- Hon. Lucia Lipumbu: Co-winner of the African Trade and Investment Minister of the Year
- Hon. Lucia Lipumbu, Minister of Trade and Industrialization from Namibia, has been recognised for her efforts in boosting trade activities and investment inflows, positioning Namibia as a key player in regional and continental trade. Her policies have fostered a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, driving progress in the region.
- Paul Russo: African Business Leader of the Year
- Paul Russo, Group CEO of KCB Group Plc, Kenya, is honoured for his visionary leadership and innovative strategies that have propelled KCB Group to new heights. His dedication to financial inclusion and economic empowerment has positively impacted countless lives across the region, embodying the spirit of Africa unleashed.
- James Alic Garang: African Economic Resilience and Growth Champion
- James Alic Garang, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, is awarded for his robust economic policies and reforms that have stabilised South Sudan’s economy amidst challenging circumstances. His efforts have laid a solid foundation for sustained growth, showcasing the power of resilience and leadership in driving Africa’s progress.
- Segun Ogunsanya: Lifetime Achievement Award
- Segun Ogunsanya, Group CEO of Airtel Africa, receives the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his monumental contributions to the telecommunications industry. His leadership has driven significant advancements in connectivity and digital transformation across Africa, a true testament to the continent’s unleashed potential.
- Seinye Lulu-Briggs: Special African Business Leadership Commendation
- Seinye Lulu-Briggs, Chairman of Moni Pulo Limited, Nigeria, is recognised for her entrepreneurial acumen and philanthropic endeavors. Her commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development exemplifies African leadership, driving progress and setting a standard for others to follow.
- Hanan Abdul-Wahab: Speaking on Food Security
- Hanan Abdul-Wahab, CEO of the National Buffer Stock Company, Ghana, is honoured for her pivotal role in addressing food security challenges. Her initiatives have set a benchmark for sustainable food security practices in Ghana, contributing to Africa’s overall progress.
- Qs. David Mathu: Young African Business Leader of the Year
- Qs. David Mathu, Managing Director and CEO of the National Housing Corporation, Kenya, is awarded for his dynamic leadership and innovative approach to affordable housing, revolutionising the real estate sector in Kenya, and driving progress for the next generation of African leaders.
- Princess Victoria Haastrup: African Female Business Leader of the Year
- Princess Victoria Haastrup, Executive Vice-Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, Nigeria, is honoured for her remarkable leadership and dedication to excellence, promoting gender equality, and empowering women in leadership roles. Her achievements highlight the transformative impact of female leaders on Africa’s progress.
- ECOBANK
- Eco Bank is being honoured as the African Brand of the Year. This recognition reflects the bank’s significant contributions to financial inclusion, support for SMEs, and innovative digital solutions across its extensive African network. Eco Bank’s strategic partnerships and expanded lending capacity, alongside its commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, have played pivotal roles in its success. These achievements underscore Eco Bank’s leadership in driving economic growth and positive change across the continent.
Keynote Highlights of the 9th ALM Africa Summit 2024
The 9th ALM Africa Summit 2024 is headlined by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, The Honourable Philip E.B. Davis. His keynote address will focus on the theme, “Africa Unleashed: Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities.”
Joining Prime Minister Davis are distinguished leaders such as The Right Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the Liberia House of Representatives; Dr. Olavo Correia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Cape Verde; The Right Hon. Lord Dollar Popat, UK House of Lords Member and Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC; and H.E. Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Minister of Economy and Finance of Madagascar, alongside other policymakers, political figures, business leaders, and diplomats from Africa, the UK, and Europe. Together, they will engage in insightful discussions addressing pressing issues affecting Africa’s business and socio-economic spheres, further driving the continent’s progress.
The ABLA event is a night of celebration, inspiration, and recognition. As we honour these exemplary leaders, we are reminded of the incredible potential within the African continent. Their stories of resilience, innovation, and dedication inspire us to strive for excellence. The African Business Leadership Awards encourage a continued commitment to driving positive change and sustainable development in Africa. Congratulations to all the winners of the African Business Leadership Awards 2024!
In essence, the ABLA and ALM Africa Summit 2024 epitomise the spirit of “Africa Unleashed,” highlighting how visionary business leaders are driving progress and unlocking the continent’s vast potential for a brighter future.
