Casablanca, Morocco, February 21 – 22, 2025 – Mandefro Nigussie, CEO, Agricultural Transformation Agency, Ethiopia has been honoured with the African Agricultural Development Leader of the Year Award during the prestigious 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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Nigussie has been recognised for his trailblazing contributions to Africa’s agricultural sector which has brought several developments in the sector. Under his leadership, overseen the development of several agricultural policies, various programs in the areas of advocacy, relief, development, climate change, agricultural extension performance management systems. In addition to his operational achievements, Nigussie also published various articles in books, journals, proceedings, and research reports in the area of crop sciences, marketing and entrepreneurship, and biotechnology & biosafety. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance has set new standards for excellence in public service and underscores his significant impact 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.
Other Distinguished Honourees at the 14th Edition Include:
• H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar—African Political Leader of the Year
• H.E. Bassirou Faye, President of Senegal—African of the Year
• H.E. Joao Lourenco, President of Angola—African Peace and Security Leader of the Year
• H.E. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda—African Female Leader of the Year
• Professor Charles Anosike, Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigeria
• 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.
