The 14th edition of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards was a grand showcase of leadership, innovation, and excellence. Hosted at the prestigious Casablanca Marriott Hotel in Morocco, the event brought together some of Africa’s most influential changemakers. Among the key figures who helped orchestrate this landmark occasion was H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the African Leadership Organisation (ALO). As co-host of the two-day event, H.E. Kikwete infused the proceedings with statesmanship and deep expertise, ensuring its seamless execution.
A revered statesman, H.E. Kikwete led Tanzania from 2005 to 2015, spearheading economic expansion, educational reforms, and diplomatic advancements. His shift from head of state to a strategic advisory role within ALO underscores his continued dedication to shaping Africa’s future. As co-host of POTY 2025, he provided invaluable leadership, blending protocol with warmth to create an engaging and impactful experience for all attendees.
H.E. Kikwete’s role as co-host reinforced the values that the event sought to celebrate. With each introduction, he highlighted the achievements of honourees, seamlessly weaving narratives of impact and resilience. The 2025 honourees included:
- H.E. Andry Rajoelina (President, Madagascar) – African Political Leader of the Year
- Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja (Prime Minister, Uganda) – African Female Leader of the Year
- H.E. Diamantino Azevedo (Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Angola) – African Government Minister of the Year
- H.E. Sen. Douye Diri (Governor, Bayelsa State, Nigeria) – African Outstanding Good Governance Champion Award
- Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero (Minister for Health, Uganda) – African Public Health Leader of the Year
- Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu (Managing Director/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited) – African Banking Leadership & Excellence Award
- Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs (Executive Chairman, Moni Pulo Limited, Nigeria) – African Philanthropist of the Year
- Mr. Israel Degfa (President, Kerchanshe Trading Plc, Ethiopia) – Special African Business Leadership Commendation Award
As he introduced each awardee, H.E. Kikwete did more than announce accolades—he contextualised their contributions within the broader African leadership landscape, drawing parallels with past icons while inspiring attendees to take up the mantle of transformative change.
Beyond his role as co-host, H.E. Kikwete delivered a keynote address that resonated deeply with the event’s theme:
“Inclusive Leadership for an Interconnected Africa: New Paradigms for Future Realities.”
Drawing inspiration from Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, he underscored the urgency of fostering unity, empowering youth, and advancing gender inclusivity. His call to action was clear—Africa must move beyond rhetoric to implement tangible policies that bridge economic and social divides.
His advocacy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vehicle for economic transformation was particularly significant. Highlighting its potential to lift 50 million Africans out of poverty by 2035, he urged policymakers and business leaders to seize this opportunity to create a more integrated, self-sustaining continent.
A Celebration of Leadership, Led with Grace
H.E. Kikwete’s ability to navigate the event with both gravitas and warmth underscored his enduring legacy in African leadership. From moderating panel discussions to engaging with guests through his characteristic insight and charm, he ensured that POTY 2025 was more than an awards ceremony—it was an immersive celebration of Africa’s finest minds and boldest visionaries.
As the event drew to a close, his final words left an indelible mark:
“Africa’s future is not a distant vision; it is forged by the choices we make now.”
His stewardship of the event encapsulated the true spirit of POTY 2025—a clarion call for leadership that is bold, inclusive, and unwaveringly committed to Africa’s advancement.
In every sense, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete was more than a co-host—he was the anchor that held together a gathering dedicated to celebrating Africa’s champions of change.
