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African Leadership Magazine Announces Nominees for the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards – Public Voting Now Open

Location: News
African Leadership Magazine

African Leadership Magazine (www.AfricanLeadershipMagazine.co.uk) proudly unveils the distinguished list of nominees for the 17 categories of the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)—a premier recognition platform celebrating excellence in corporate governance, impactful leadership, and trailblazing contributions to the growth and sustainability of Africa's dynamic business and economic ecosystem. The public voting process is now officially open and will run until 29 May 2025, offering stakeholders across Africa and the globe the opportunity to celebrate and affirm exemplary leadership in the African business space.

The ongoing public voting marks the third phase in a rigorous four-step, points-based selection process for the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA). The process begins with open nominations, followed by a shortlist of top contenders curated by the African Leadership Magazine editorial board. In this third phase, the public is invited to vote, adding stakeholder voices to the evaluation process. The final stage involves a detailed editorial assessment of votes and supporting evidence to determine winners, ensuring a transparent, merit-based outcome that reflects both public sentiment and proven impact.

Public votes in this phase contribute 65% of the final decision, with the remaining 35% based on supporting evidence for each nominee. This ensures a fair and credible process that values both public opinion and verifiable impact. Winners and first runners-up will be honoured at the 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), a special highlight of the Africa Summit–London, scheduled for 9–10 July 2025 at the House of Lords, London, United Kingdom.

To cast your vote, visit:

https://apo-opa.co/4k3ofu8

The 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (BLA Nominee Highlights

African Business Leader of the Year

  1. Stella Okoli – Founder & GMD, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Nigeria
  2. Mohamed Ould Bouamatou – Founder & Chairman, Bouamatou Group, Mauritania
  3. John Gachora – GMD/CEO, NCBA Bank, Kenya
  4. Tewodros Ashenafi – Founder & Chairman, SouthWest Holdings Ltd., Ethiopia
  5. Ntombi Felicia Msiza – CEO, Raubex Group Ltd., South Africa

African Female Business Leader of the Year

  1. Rita Maria Zniber – Chairman & CEO, Diana Holding, Morocco
  2. Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi – CEO, KOM Group, Tanzania
  3. Boitumelo Mosako – CEO, Development Bank of Southern Africa
  4. Esther Muchemi – CEO, Samchi Group, Kenya
  5. Monica Musonda – Founder & CEO, Java Foods, Zambia

African Regulator of the Year

  1. Delese Mimi Darko – CEO, Ghana Food and Drugs Authority
  2. Brima M. Baluwa Koroma – CEO, Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Sierra Leone
  3. Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria – DG, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Kenya
  4. Leonilde dos Santos – Multisectoral Economic Regulatory Authority, Cape Verde

Business-Friendly Governor of the Year

  1. Daniel Félix Neto – Governor, Lunda Sul Province, Angola
  2. Oscar Mabuyane – Premier of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
  3. Jacques Kyabula Katwe – Governor, Haut-Katanga Province, DR Congo
  4. Ibrahima Cissé – Minister Governor, Autonomous District of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
  5. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah – Governor, Enugu State, Nigeria

African Finance Minister of the Year

  1. Bihi Iman Egeh – Minister of Finance, Somalia
  2. Mthuli Ncube – Minister of Finance & Economic Development, Zimbabwe
  3. Marial Ater – Minister of Finance and Planning, South Sudan
  4. Cheikh Diba – Minister of Finance and Budget, Senegal
  5. Ahmed Kouchouk – Minister of Finance, Egypt

Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of the Year

  1. General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), Egypt
  2. Agency for Private Investment and Export Promotion, Angola
  3. Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)
  4. National Investment Promotion Agency, Cameroon
  5. Agency for Investment and Export Development, Morocco

Central Bank Governor of the Year

  1. Mohamed Lemine Dhehby – Governor, Central Bank of Mauritania
  2. Manuel António Tiago Dias – Governor, National Bank of Angola
  3. Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana
  4. Rama Krishna Sithanen – Governor, Bank of Mauritius

Trade & Investment Minister of the Year

  1. Jumoke Oduwole – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria
  2. Alimatou Shadiya Assouman – Minister of Industry and Trade, Benin
  3. Ahmed Samir – Minister of Trade and Industry, Egypt
  4. Kassahun Gofe – Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Ethiopia
  5. Chipoka Mulenga – Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia

African CEO of the Year

  1. Jeremy Awori – Group CEO, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI)
  2. Hien Yacouba Sié – Managing Director, Abidjan Port Authority, Côte d'Ivoire
  3. Dr. Armstrong Takang – CEO, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Nigeria
  4. Patricia Adongo Ojangole – Managing Director, Uganda Development Bank Ltd.

Young Business Leader of the Year

  1. Mamotake Matekane – COO, MGC Group, Lesotho
  2. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun – Co-Founder, United Africa Group, Namibia
  3. Mohamed Ahmed Abdulle – MD, Dakawou Transport Ltd., Kenya
  4. Ladi Delano – Co-CEO, Moove Africa, Nigeria

Africa CSR & Community Development Impact Award

  1. Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, Ghana
  2. Standard Chartered Bank, South Africa
  3. NNPC Limited, Nigeria
  4. Bamburi Cement Plc, Kenya
  5. Catoca Mining Company, Angola

African Brand of the Year

  1. Commercial International Bank (CIB), Egypt
  2. Managem Group, Morocco
  3. Bank Windhoek, Namibia
  4. Ethiopian Airlines

African Company of the Year

  1. Vodacom Group, South Africa
  2. Ghana Commercial Bank Plc
  3. Bidco Africa, Kenya
  4. Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nigeria

Industry Personality of the Year

  1. Kennedy Bugane – CEO, African Bank, South Africa
  2. Jemal Ahmed Abdu – CEO, MIDROC Investment Group PLC, Ethiopia
  3. Ally Edha Awadh – CEO, Lake Oil Group, Tanzania
  4. Ferdinand Ngon Kemoum, Managing Director of Oragroup SA, Cameroon

Africa Business Integrity Leader Award

  1. Coris Bank International, Togo
  2. Arab Contractors, Egypt
  3. CCECC Nigeria Limited
  4. Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Côte d'Ivoire
  5. Moçambique Telecom, SA

African Tech & Digital Economy Leader of the Year

  1. Mastercard Africa
  2. MTN Group, South Africa
  3. Mascom Wireless, Botswana
  4. Safaricom, Kenya

Lifetime Achievement Award

  1. Emeka Offor – Founder, Chrome Group, Nigeria
  2. Baba Ahmadou Danpullo – Businessman, Cameroon
  3. Kwabena Kesse – CEO, Kessben Group of Companies, Ghana

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leadership Magazine.

Media Enquiries:
Ehis Ayere
T: +44 (0) 20 3051 1883
E: ehis@africanleadership.co.uk

About African Leadership Magazine:
African Leadership Magazine is the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited. For over 19 years, it has championed impactful leadership across Africa and amplified African opportunities on the global stage. Through its platforms—including Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, public sector consulting, and business networking events—the magazine plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and positive change across the continent.

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FIND Convenes African Union Ambassadors

Location: News
FIND

As part of its continuing outreach to the parts of the world that it was set up to serve, FIND  (www.FINDdx.org) hosted Ambassadors from 26 African countries and the African Union for a meeting at FIND's offices in the Global Health Campus in Geneva. The Ambassadors received an overview of FIND's work in their respective countries, future prospects and were made aware of FIND as a value-added partner for countries with respect to diagnostics.

“The foundation of any successful health response is diagnosis. From early detection to pandemic preparedness, our collaboration with the African Union is essential to guaranteeing that no one is left behind,” said Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, CEO of FIND. “FIND's  vision is focused on both catalyzing innovation and ensuring access to diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries.”

In order to improve diagnostic systems and get ready for potential health and pandemic risks, FIND's leadership presented its updated strategic vision as a precursor to this year's Diagnostics Day event to be held on 21 May, which will take place on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly.

The ambassadors of the African Union, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sao Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, and Zimbabwe were present.

The Ambassadors led a lively discussion which touched upon a number of key issues, including South-South collaboration; pandemic preparedness and response; the role of health in national development; national essential diagnostics lists; the growing issue of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes; and ensuring sustainable financing for diagnostics and health in general.

Among the meeting's main conclusions were:

  • Commitment to strengthen regional manufacturing of diagnostics and other health technologies.
  • Consensus on increased AU-FIND cooperation to country and Africa CDC's diagnostic priorities.
  • Support for FIND's function as a technical partner to expand access to vital diagnostics for illnesses like HIV, TB, malaria, mpox and emerging outbreaks.
  • Diagnostics acknowledged as a key component of health security and universal health coverage.

“In this moment of dramatic change, African leaders are stepping up to fill the power vacuum left by a world in turmoil where women and children are being left behind and left to die, particularly on the African continent – the continent with the greatest health burden,” said Dr Ayoade Alakija, FIND's Board Chair. “FIND will continue to support them on strengthening pandemic preparedness and ensuring quality diagnostics are available to all.”

FIND's Diagostics Day (https://apo-opa.co/44AX9pc) event on 21 May at the Vieux Bois in Geneva will bring leaders from health from around the world to agree on next steps to ensuring quality and accessible diagnostics for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIND.

Media contacts:
Beatrice Bernescut
Director, Communications
media@finddx.org

About FIND:
FIND accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world. We are working to close critical testing gaps that leave people at risk from preventable and treatable illnesses, enable effective disease surveillance, and build sustainable, resilient health systems. In partnership with countries, WHO and other global health agencies, we are driving progress towards global health security and universal health coverage. We are a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation. For more information, please visit www.FINDdx.org.

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Giants of Africa Festival 2025

Location: News
Giants of Africa

Giants of Africa (https://GiantsOfAfrica.org/), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025. Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.

“Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,” says Ujiri. “As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn't. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.”

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa's leaders of tomorrow.

Taking place across Kigali Sports City's BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa's sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas.

The festival will conclude with a spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball's unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival's championship and all-star games.

This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon's Hortense Mbea (Afropian: https://apo-opa.co/4d97Od4), Niger's Alia Baré (Alia: https://apo-opa.co/3GMuRyk), and Rwanda and South Africa's Nyambo (Masa Mara: https://apo-opa.co/4377tTx) will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion.

Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women's Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration.

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival (https://apo-opa.co/42RZZFe) which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit's 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali's local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda's own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025.

Tickets for Giants of Africa Festival 2025's Opening Show and Closing Concert will go on sale beginning Thursday, May 8 at 3:00PM Central Africa Time. To learn more about the festival, its other initiatives and to purchase tickets or VIP and corporate packages, please visit www.GOAFestival.org or email info@giantsofafrica.org.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Giants of Africa.

For the festival launch video and still images: 
https://apo-opa.co/430fZUd

For more information, please contact:
Tamara Kamaka - Giants of Africa
tamara@giantsofafrica.org

Emmanuel Ainamani - SRC Agency
emmanuel@srcagency.com

Social Media:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4d7L5Og
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44t3xik
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dbdpj9
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4k6P14f

About Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa:
Masai Ujiri, an award-winning and barrier-breaking NBA executive, is the founder of Giants of Africa. Started in 2003, Giants of Africa draws upon Ujiri's unique basketball journey to achieve its goal of uplifting African youth with programs focused on empowerment and leadership. As the first African general manager in North American professional sports who was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013, Ujiri's ascent to the top of the basketball world began in his native Nigeria and took him around the world as a player, scout and executive, culminating in 2019 when he served as the architect of a Toronto Raptors team that became the first franchise outside the United States to be crowned NBA champions. Ultimately, he believes his work with Giants of Africa will prove to be the most meaningful and rewarding of his life.

https://GiantsOfAfrica.org/

Partners:
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 would like to express its gratitude to all sponsors and partners who have contributed to making this event possible:

● The Lake Family's All One Fund

● RwandAir

● ALX Africa

● Kensington

● Sport Court International, LLC

● BK Arena

● DHL Express Canada

● Imbuto Foundation

● Ministry of Sports

● Visit Rwanda

● Volkswagen Move

● Zaria Court

● Bralirwa PLC

● Toronto Raptors

● Marriott

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WHO Welcomes Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as New Representative to Botswana

Location: News

World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially welcomed Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as the new Head of Mission and WHO Representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). A seasoned global health expert, Dr. Ndenzako brings with him over 25 years of experience in public health, including more than two decades of service within WHO across various regions and leadership capacities.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as WHO continues to deepen its collaboration with the newly constituted Government of Botswana, following the November 2024 elections. Guided by the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2024–2027, Dr. Ndenzako will lead efforts aligned with Botswana's National Development Plan. These efforts focus on five strategic priorities: strengthening health systems toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC); delivering quality, equitable, and integrated health services across the life course; preventing and controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases; enhancing health security and disaster risk reduction management; and promoting multisectoral action for a healthier population.

Dr. Ndenzako is a medical doctor trained at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He holds a master's in public health from the University of Oslo and a master's in development studies and diplomacy from the University for Peace in collaboration with UNITAR. His impressive academic background complements a broad and deep understanding of global health systems, policy, and diplomacy.

Prior to his appointment in Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako served as Acting WHO Representative in South Africa, based in Pretoria. He has also led WHO country offices in South Sudan (2021–2024) and Malawi (2018–2019), demonstrating strong leadership in navigating complex public health landscapes, managing crises, and mobilizing resources to strengthen national health responses.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Ndenzako served as Medical Officer for HIV, Hepatitis, and TB at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, supporting over 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. His contributions included reviewing national health programs, developing strategies and guidelines, coordinating multi-country responses, and facilitating resource mobilization for health emergencies and epidemics.

He also brings valuable international experience from nearly a decade with the WHO Western Pacific Region, based in Papua New Guinea, where he supported regional responses to both communicable and non-communicable diseases. His work with governments, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society, donors, and international partners underscores his commitment to inclusive and collaborative public health strategies.

Now at the helm of WHO Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako is poised to steer the office's efforts toward impactful implementation of the biennial plan, support national health priorities, and strengthen regional coordination through SADC. His vast experience and visionary leadership are set to advance the health and well-being of the people of Botswana and the region at large.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.

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