Hon. Debele Kabeta Hursa, commissioner of the Ethiopian Customs Commission, has received the African Leadership Impact Commendation Award at the 8th African Leadership Magazine, Africa Summit 2023.
The event which took place at the Dorchester Hotel, London, United Kingdom was a 2-day event organized by the African Leadership Organization, publishers of the African Leadership Magazine UK which attracted high-level business leaders and policymakers, including Lord Dolar Popat, a Member of the UK House of Lords, the British Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Rwanda and Uganda; Baroness Sandy Verma, Member UK House of Lords, Hon. Renganaden Padayachy, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Mauritius, Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Minister for Economy & Finance, Madagascar; Hon. Seedy Sk Nije, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Of The Gambia; Hon. Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker, House of Reps, Liberia; Michel Ussene, Executive Chairman, Uxene Smart City, Mozambique.
Speaking at the event with the theme: “New Opportunities for African Investments, Partnership, and Collaboration,” a number of speakers agreed that international business collaborations will open up a wide range of opportunities for companies operating all over the continent and help foster sustainable growth and development.
Hon. Debele’s Support to The Ethiopian Customs Commission
According to the announcement, Commissioner Debele’s efforts to modernise the Ethiopian Customs Commission were recognised with this honour.
“The recognition and award given to us at the continental level are the result of the efforts and cumulative results of the leaders and employees of the Ethiopian Customs Commission at all levels,” Commissioner Debele remarked during the recognition ceremony held prior to receiving his award.
The successes were not achieved by wishful thinking but by hard work, he said, adding that “The awards that are being given to us at the national and international level are an indication that the Ethiopian Customs Commission is on the path of change.”
However, in 2018, he was appointed a Commissioner by the prime minister of Ethiopia and got a chance to lead the newly established Ethiopian Customs Commission, which is demerged from ERCA. After holding the position of head of the Ethiopian Customs Commission, his entire focus is dedicated to “institution building”.
With the motive of transforming ECC into an integrated and organic part of a community, enabling itself to play a proactive role in projecting new values and becoming an agent of change, he put effort into reform and customs modernization, with the ultimate goal of this process being to build a customs administration that excels in client service, succeeds in facilitating trade, and safeguards society.
The 8th African Leadership Magazine Africa Summit gave Africa’s top business executives and influencers a forum for insightful discussion, idea sharing, and teamwork. The Summit also promoted a dynamic environment for networking, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, the Summit promoted a buzzing environment for networking, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
The discussions were centred on workable strategies and modalities for increasing Africa-UK trade partnerships, with the active support of influential members of the House of Lords, with age-long insight into UK-Africa trade partnerships. Select delegates to this year’s event hosted one-day discussions at the House of Lords to signal the commencement of the 8th Africa Summit.
The Africa Summit presented high-level panel discussions, keynote addresses, and interactive sessions on critical topics such as Business partnerships, CSR, Sustainable development, Infrastructure, Technology, and Governance.
Leaders at The 8th African Leadership Magazine Africa Summit
Distinguished speakers, including government ministers, diplomats, members of parliament, business leaders, and experts, shared their insights, experiences, and success stories, inspiring participants to explore new strategies and partnerships for advancing Africa’s prosperity. The event also had a panel discussion on galvanising Africa’s Political Leadership for Global Investments, Partnerships, and Collaboration.
It also hosted the CEOs Roundtable on Re-Imagining Africa’s Private Sector as Economic Growth Enablers on the Continent. Participants also showcased Africa’s Investment Opportunities for interested investors, and the high points of the event were the presentation of the African Business Leadership Awards and trophies to winners in the 13th African Business Leadership Awards.
Other guests at the event include His Royal Majesty, Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III CFR, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria; Olori Ògíamẹ̀ Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of Warri Kingdom, Nigeria; Cosmas Kanhai, CEO, Zimbabwe Asset Management Corporation; Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian, Governor, Bank of South Sudan; Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, MD, RokelCommercial Bank, Sierra Leon; Mrs. Mukwandi Chibesakunda, CEO, Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) Plc; Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Nokuthula Selamolela, CEO Food and Beverages Manufacturing, South Africa, amongst others.
African Leadership Magazine UK is a Pan-African media organisation aiming to promote African opportunities globally. According to the publisher of the Magazine, Dr. Ken Giami, “We are keen on promoting Afro-positivism and championing African excellence, fostering leadership development, and promoting the continent’s economic growth and development. With a global readership and a reputation for delivering credible and timely news, analysis, and insights, African Leadership Magazine UK is a platform for celebrating African achievements, inspiring leaders, and driving transformative change”.
