Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 18, 2024 – Dr. Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi has been named the Young African Leader of the Year (Runner-up) at the 12th African Persons of the Year Ceremony, held by African Leadership Magazine (ALM) at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 15, 2024. Dr. Nkwabi, a serial entrepreneur renowned for her exceptional contributions to business and youth empowerment initiatives across Africa, holds a master’s degree in international business and finance from De Montfort University and a doctorate in business administration from the University of the West of Scotland. She is Chairperson of Young Women Entrepreneurs and a member of Women Power Africa and Women Empowerment Network, showcasing her commitment to supporting youth, especially women, in entrepreneurial pursuits. Her accolades include the Manufacturing Founder of the Year award and recognition in the Rising Woman Initiative by Citizen, highlighting her dedication to fostering economic growth and gender equality in Africa.
As the founder of Kahama Oil Mills (KOM) Ltd., Dr. Nkwabi has steered the company to remarkable success through diversification, encompassing activities such as cotton ginning, edible oil production from cotton and sunflower seeds, and manufacturing various industrial goods. Additionally, the company operates a pharmacy, supermarket, bakery, and restaurant, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing socio-economic development in Tanzania and beyond. African Leadership Magazine’s recognition of Dr. Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi underscores her transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to empowering African youth, serving as an inspiration to aspiring young leaders and entrepreneurs across the continent.
Other notable individuals recognised at the event included former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania; Hon. Justice Martha Koome, serving as Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya; Dr. The Hon. Kailesh Jagutpal, who holds the position of Minister of Health and Wellness in Mauritius; and Debele Hursa, Hon. Commissioner of the Ethiopian Customs Commission.
Also honoured were Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Group CEO of First Bank Nigeria Limited; Prof. George Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, Uganda; Jeanette Chanda Makgolo, Commissioner-General of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS); Kennedy G. Bungane, CEO of African Bank, South Africa; Dr. Zafivanona Lainkana, Director General of the Malagasy Customs Commission; Henry Saamoi Bio, CEO of International (Liberia) Bank Limited; Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director/CEO of OmniBSIC Bank in Ghana; Daere Akobo, Chairman/GCEO of PANA Holdings Group in Nigeria; Mike Kamungeremu, President of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC); Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah, CEO of Ghana Water Corporation Limited; and Akol E. Ayii, CEO of Trinity Energy Group in South Sudan.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: King Richard, editor@africanleadership.co.uk.
About African Leadership Magazine.
The African Leadership Magazine is the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited. For the past 16 years, the organisation has been dedicated to promoting impactful leadership in Africa and showcasing African opportunities globally. Through its various initiatives, including quality Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, business networking platforms, and public sector training and consulting, the African Leadership Magazine plays a vital role in driving positive change and development across the continent.
