The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) is the premier annual recognition programme by African Leadership Magazine (ALM), designed to honour the most outstanding individuals, institutions, and change-makers across Africa’s private sector, public institutions, and regulatory frameworks. Over more than a decade, ABLA has built a track record of spotlighting excellence, celebrating visionary leadership, promoting integrity, and reinforcing Africa’s global competitiveness. The Awards serve as a benchmark for corporate governance, social impact, innovation, and leadership, underlining ALM’s commitment to “Afro-positive” narratives and shaping the global story of Africa’s business and development potential.
Past Honorees and Their Impact
Legacy in Action: Celebrating Transformative Leaders
President, Confederation of Economic Associations
Professor of Practice - Cybersecurity, Chief Visionary Officer
Vice chancellor
Chairman
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Founder and Executive Chairman
The Founder/CEO
Chief Executive Officer
Former Managing Director
Group President and Managing Director
Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director/CEO
CEO
Director General
Governor
CEO
Member
CEO, KCB Group Plac, Kenya
CEO & Founder, Credential Group (Mauritius)
Celebrated for his leadership in financial services and digital identity systems, Sanjeev Gopaul has enhanced compliance solutions across African markets, contributing to the continent's digital transformation.
CEO, National Housing Corporation (Kenya)
Recognized for promoting affordable housing and urban development in Kenya, QS. David Mathu Njuguna has over 15 years of experience in construction and management, leading initiatives that address the country's housing needs.
CEO, KOM Group (Tanzania)
Honored for her role in industrial development and job creation in Tanzania, Dr. Jesca Nkwabi leads KOM Group's diverse portfolio, including agro-processing and manufacturing. She is also an advocate for youth and women entrepreneurship across Africa
Executive Vice-Chairperson, ENL Consortium Ltd (Nigeria
Acknowledged for her leadership in maritime logistics and port operations, Princess Haastrup has been instrumental in modernizing Nigeria's port infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and boosting trade.
Technology Executive and Author
Celebrated for championing digital transformation and female inclusion in Africa's tech industry, Jane Egerton-Idehen has held leadership roles in major telecommunications firms and actively mentors young women pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Chairman & CEO, ETU ENERGIAS (Angola)
Recognised for his contributions to Angola's energy sector and economic diversification, Edson dos Santos has led ETU ENERGIAS in developing sustainable energy solutions, promoting industrial growth, and creating employment opportunities.
Group CEO, CRDB Bank Plc (Tanzania
Honoured for driving growth and innovation in Tanzania's banking sector, Abdulmajid Nsekela has focused on expanding CRDB Bank's services, enhancing financial accessibility, and supporting the country's economic development.
Director-General, Catoca Mining (Angola)
Acknowledged for his role in advancing Angola's mining industry, Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel has led Catoca Mining to become a significant player in the global diamond market, contributing to the country's economic diversification.
Director-General, Catoca Mining (Angola
Acknowledged for his role in advancing Angola's mining industry, Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel has led Catoca Mining to become a significant player in the global diamond market, contributing to the country's economic diversification.
Chairman/CEO, Moni Pulo Limited (Nigeria
Recognized for her leadership in the oil sector and philanthropic efforts, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs has guided Moni Pulo to maintain an outstanding health and safety record. She is also the founder of the O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation, which focuses on enhancing the well-being of underserved communities in Nigeria
Chairperson/CEO, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited
Celebrated for her pioneering role in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, Catherine Uju Ifejika is one of the few women globally to lead an upstream oil company. Under her leadership, Brittania-U has achieved significant milestones, including the successful operation of the Ajapa Floating Production Storage Unit.
CEO, Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO):
Honored for promoting financial inclusion and innovation in Zambia's banking sector, Mukwandi Chibesakunda is the first female CEO of ZANACO. Her leadership has been pivotal in transforming the bank and enhancing its services to better serve the Zambian populace.
CEO, Lake Oil Group (Tanzania
Recognised for his contributions to the energy sector and economic development in East Africa, Ally Edha Awadh has led Lake Oil Group to become one of the region's leading energy companies, promoting industrialization and job creation.
Chairman, Platform Capital (Nigeria)
Acknowledged for fostering entrepreneurship and investment in African startups, Akindele Akintoye has been instrumental in supporting innovative ventures across the continent, driving economic growth and development.
Group CEO, United Capital Plc (Nigeria)
Celebrated for his transformative leadership in investment banking, Peter Ashade has overseen a 400% revenue surge and a 1,353% increase in Funds Under Management since 2018. His strategic vision has expanded United Capital’s footprint across West Africa, earning him the 'African CEO of the Year' award in 2022.
Director General, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Kenya:
Bargoria has led regulatory reforms in Kenya's energy sector, focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Executive Secretary, TETFund (Nigeria):
Echono has been celebrated for his contributions to tertiary education development and infrastructure in Nigeria through his leadership at TETFund.
Governor, Erongo Region, Namibia
Appointed as Erongo Regional Governor, Itope has been honored for his leadership in promoting economic development and public service in the region.
Executive Summary
The Africa Summit London and the 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) offer a premier global platform to recognise and amplify the leaders, entrepreneurs, reformers, and institutions accelerating Africa’s economic rise.
Hosted in London, home to the world’s largest global finance ecosystem alongside New York, the summit convenes Heads of State, ministers, multinational CEOs, investors, development partners, academic thought leaders, and influential members of the diaspora.
The theme, “From Vision to Velocity”, reflects the urgency of transforming Africa’s bold aspirations into real, measurable outcomes. With Africa attracting over $100 billion in FDI inflows annually (UNCTAD), increasing investor appetite for renewable energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, manufacturing, and agribusiness signals new opportunities for rapid scaling.
Day 1 features the Leadership Summit and the 15th edition of ABLA—celebrating outstanding African business leadership.
Day 2 hosts an exclusive High-Level Networking Reception and Green Room at the UK House of Lords, convened with senior UK parliamentarians and global industry leaders, strengthening collaboration between the UK/European and African business ecosystems.
