the 100 most notable african leadership and business summit 2024
Theme: "Fostering Collaboration, Networking among Business Leaders, Security Stakeholders, and Notable Leaders across Africa"
The 100 Most Notable African Leadership and Business Summit 2024 took place from August 1st to 4th at the prestigious Marriott Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. This event marked a significant milestone in advancing leadership excellence, economic growth, and collaboration among African business leaders, security stakeholders, and influential figures across the continent. With its central theme of fostering collaboration and networking, the summit provided a vital platform for addressing Africa’s challenges while paving the way for a united and prosperous future.
The event drew delegates from 18 African countries, representing a diverse array of industries and sectors, showcasing collective efforts to shape Africa’s future. We also had Representatives Of Rwanda Development Board and Also Kenya Investment Board.Among the notable attendees were His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria; Prince Godswill Edward, representing former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan; Dr. GD Singh, a global business leader; Dr. Samira Buhari, Founder of the Daurama Foundation; Dr. Nabhit Kapur, President of World Leaders for Mental Health (India); Dr. Daniel Moses, CEO of Property Wealth Education Ltd. (United Kingdom); and Dr. Imane Kendili, President of the African Global Health NGO. Their participation underscored the summit's relevance and reach across Africa.
Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, the convener of the summit, described the event as a beacon for realizing the African Dream. In his opening remarks, Amafibe emphasized the importance of innovative business ideas, responsible leadership, and cross-sector collaboration as essential elements for Africa’s development. According to him, Africa’s path to growth lies in building bridges across its diverse nations and leveraging the continent's immense potential through strategic partnerships.
The summit featured panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking events that brought together leading voices in African business and leadership to explore innovative solutions to key challenges. These sessions addressed issues such as sustainable development, security, entrepreneurship, and economic growth within Africa’s dynamic business environment.
Panel discussions were a highlight of the summit, featuring esteemed experts who discussed Africa's future in terms of business development, peacebuilding, and economic sustainability. The dialogues stressed the need for leaders to address immediate socio-political concerns while charting long-term strategies for holistic development.
Breakout sessions provided a more intimate platform for participants to engage directly with thought leaders, exchanging practical insights and forming strategic partnerships. These discussions covered specific sectors such as trade, technology, healthcare, and finance, helping participants harness new opportunities for growth within their fields. Notably, the emphasis on security collaboration among stakeholders underscored the growing need for comprehensive solutions to Africa's security challenges as part of a broader economic development strategy.
The event culminated in an All-White Gala Dinner, celebrating African leadership and business excellence. The evening honored notable figures for their contributions to promoting peace, economic growth, and community development across Africa.
Among the awardees were His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, recognized as a Transformational Political Leader in Africa for his work in driving sustainable development and good governance in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Dr. GD Singh received the Global Award for Excellence in Business Development for his outstanding leadership in international business growth.
Other distinguished Notable Awardees/ honorees included:
- Dr. Nabhit Kapur, President of World Leaders for Mental Health (India), awarded the Global Africa Best Community Engagement Award.
- Adeniyi Victor, CEO of Ivydealz Enterprise Nig. Ltd, recognized as Africa's Rising Star Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Dr. Imane Kendili, Psychiatrist and President of African Global Health NGO, awarded Africa Woman Excellence Award.
- HRM Queen Vickylextar Okang-Sowah, Omanye Royal Kingdom (Canada), named Emerging Africa Inspiring Woman of the Year.
- Dr. Angel Josephat Natianota, Founder/CEO, HR World Limited Tanzania, honored as Africa Outstanding Business Team Leader of the Year.
Other honored recipients included Dr. Kate Effiong (PhD), Model Analyst and Founder of KMI Diamonds, as Emerging Africa Inspiring Change Maker; Princess Farida Ahmed, CEO of Raisa Palms Ltd, as Emerging Africa Inspiring Woman of the Year; Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Investment Promotion of Zimbabwe, as Emerging Africa Award for Excellence in Development; and Peter Asiimwe, CEO of Petrelli Group of Companies, as Africa Young Emerging Entrepreneur in Business.
Additional awardees were Hon. Dr. Aplonia, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe, for Excellence in Community Development; Dr. Dominic Oduro Antwi, President of the Ghana India Trade Advisory Chamber, for Excellence in International Relations; Charles Ananti, CEO of Ace Academy, HIP-City Ent., and TTB Cyber Homes, for Africa Emerging Entertainment Entrepreneur Award; H.E. Prof. Smelly Dube, Group CEO of Rivervalley Group of Companies, Zimbabwe, as Emerging Africa Business Woman of the Year; Hon. Anastancia Ndhlovu, former Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe, as Africa Excellence Award for Economic Development; and Dr. Saadatu Adamu, Founder of Secure The Future International Initiative (SDF), as African Inspiring Woman in Advocacy for Mental Health.
Founder/CEO of HR World Limited Tanzania, as Africa Outstanding Business Team Leader of the Year; Agness Suleiman Kahamba, Founder & President of Tupaze Sauti Foundation, Tanzania, as Africa Inspiring Change Maker; Dr. Simon Adozi, MD/CEO of Adozillion Homes and Realty Limited, as Emerging Africa Real Estate Investment Management Company of the Year; Amb. Yusuf Shehu Tijani, Chairman of Techno Group Limited, as Africa Business Investment Chairman of the Year; Hon. Dr. Dubem Oguegbu, Executive Director of Gustavo Cubana Enugu, as Africa Emerging Business Personality of the Year; and Hon. Ahmed Bashir, Former Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as Emerging Africa Inspiring Change Maker.
Gambo Manzo, CEO of GB-View Consulting Limited, received the Africa Excellence Award in Leadership and Community Development. Other recipients included Amb. Mohammed Tijjani Sabiu, CEO of Impeccable Impressions Nigeria Ltd, as Africa Entrepreneur of the Year, and Amb. Chinedu Raymond, CEO of Primesmart Ltd, as Rising Star Africa Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Hon. Yar Telar Ring Deng, Member of Parliament of South Sudan, was honored with the Africa Leadership and Social Change Award. High Chief Higgins Peter, Founder/Chairman of Opal Global Communication, received the Africa Excellence Award for Corporate Leadership. Amb. Tricia Obi-Abu, CEO of Patreva International Limited, received the Pioneer Faith-Based Initiative Excellence Award.
H.E. Amb. Adeniran Michael Timothy, Special Emissary to Tanzania and Director of Funmilayo Health Foundation Africa, as Africa Renewable Inspiring Youth Advocate and Community Development. Mr. Hero Chinedu Usiagwu, MD/CEO of Zioncity Innovation Services Limited, received the Africa Innovation and Entrepreneur Team Leader of the Year award. HRH Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala KSC JP, Ugo 1 of Etche Land, received the Award for Excellence in Peace and Community Development in Africa. Lady Sylvia Nduka, Founder of Seed Foundation, was honored as Emerging Africa Inspirational Woman of the Year. Dr. Dallaji Noah Nuhu, Founder/President of African Children Talent Discovery Foundation (ACTDF), received the Africa Excellence Leadership and Visionary Award.
Key Insights from the Summit
- Collaboration is Key: The summit underscored the importance of fostering collaboration between business leaders, security stakeholders, and notable figures across Africa. Meaningful progress can only be achieved through collective efforts addressing common challenges.
- Leadership Matters: Strong, responsible leadership emerged as a driving force behind Africa’s development. Leaders committed to transparency, innovation, and inclusivity will shape the continent's future.
- Youth Empowerment: The event highlighted the need to empower Africa’s youth, particularly through entrepreneurship. Young leaders like Adeniyi Victor exemplify the potential of African youth to lead in business innovation and community development.
- Celebrating African Excellence: The awards night served as a reminder of the immense talent and innovation across the continent. Recognizing and celebrating these achievements is essential to inspire the next generation of African leaders.
- The Future of African Business: Discussions focused on sustainable development, technological innovation, and regional integration as key drivers of Africa’s growth.
The 100 Most Notable African Leadership and Business Summit 2024 laid the foundation for a more connected, innovative, and prosperous continent. Relationships forged during the summit will continue to yield positive results in the years to come.
This annual celebration of African excellence is not only a platform for recognizing achievements but also a catalyst for driving sustainable development across Africa. As Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe emphasized, the summit represents a continuous journey towards making Africa great. Through collaboration, innovation, and leadership, the future of Africa looks brighter than ever.