Thirteen exemplary figures were inducted into the esteemed All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) hall of fame last week in Sandton.

• The prestigious annual gala, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, brought together some of the continent’s most inspiring minds.
• As Africa’s premier business accolades, the AABLA, in partnership with CNBC Africa, pays homage to individuals who are not only excelling in business but also embodying the values and vision essential to the continent’s progress.
• The event urged attendees to recognize both Africa’s profound potential and the pressing social and economic hurdles it faces.
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As Africa strives to enhance its global competitive edge, its leaders are tackling a complex balancing act: fostering economic growth while prioritizing people, purpose, and principles.

Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of Gift of the Givers Foundation, delivered a stirring keynote address, highlighting the vital role of ethics and compassion in leadership. He reflected on the extreme hardships he’s witnessed first-hand in his humanitarian work, calling attention to widespread deprivation and the systemic lack of resources, healthcare, and economic stability.

There’s something very wrong with our ethics, our solidarity, and our morality. Africa is seen as the soul of the world. Have we lost this soul? Have we lost the African dream? Why are so many suffering? Spiritual leadership is missing in our continent.

// Founder of Gift of the Givers Foundation, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman

“Faith and spirituality are the only sources of positivity and hope” he emphasized, urging leaders to reignite a spirit of compassion, ethics, and values across all sectors of society.

Sid Wahi, Managing Director of CMA Investment Holdings and Executive Director of ABN Publishing, addressed Africa’s social and economic trajectory amidst the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). He pointed out that while AI presents new opportunities, it also poses risks of job displacement and deepening inequality if accessibility remains limited.

Africa faces the challenge of investing in power-hungry data centers. Without affordable energy at scale, we risk falling behind. Additionally, education and reskilling are key; we need workforces capable of guiding AI’s ethical implementation.

// Managing Director of CMA Investment Holdings and Executive Director of ABN Publishing, Sid Wahi

Sid noted Africa’s pivotal position in the global arena, where international stakeholders are increasingly viewing the continent as a focal point for opportunity and growth. To harness this momentum, Africa’s leaders must capitalize on their strategic advantages, boost exports, and strengthen trade ties, all while navigating a shifting global economic landscape.

The All Africa Business Leaders Awards honoured a diverse group of individuals whose achievements exemplify purpose-driven leadership. Each award celebrated those who are advancing Africa’s economic progress while respecting the continent’s values of community and shared growth.

In one of the evening’s most prestigious moments, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda was awarded the African of the Year Award for his visionary leadership and dedication to fostering Rwanda’s economic transformation. President Paul Kagame’s work has bolstered Rwanda’s growth, development, and innovation, setting a model for the broader continent.

Kennedy Bungane, CEO of African Bank, was named Business Leader of the Year for his transformative impact on the bank. Under Kennedy Bungane’s stewardship, African Bank has redefined itself as a versatile retail and commercial entity, positioning itself as a financial powerhouse.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sipho Nkosi, Chairman of Talent10 Holdings, honouring his illustrious career in business, technology, and transformation. Sipho Nkosi’s leadership has catalysed pivotal advancements across South Africa’s business landscape.

Young Business Leader of the Year was awarded to Dr. Jesca Nkwabe, CEO of Tanzania’s KOM Group. Dr. Jesca Nkwabe has played a pivotal role in expanding the agro-processing and industrial goods sectors in Tanzania since 2020, bringing fresh vision to a growing industry.

Recognised for his role in digital transformation, Tertius Zitzke, CEO of 4Sight Holdings, received the Innovator of the Year Award. Tertius Zitzke has steered 4Sight toward greater integration of technology solutions, redefining its operational scope and reputation within the tech landscape.

Standard Bank took home the Corporate and Investment Bank of the Year Award for its dedication to sustainable growth through innovative banking solutions, supporting both SMEs and large-scale infrastructure.

BUA Foods earned the Company of the Year Award for its exceptional performance in the food and FMCG sectors. As one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturers and distributors of essential goods, BUA Foods has set high standards in financial acumen, strategic vision, and product excellence.

The evening was expertly hosted by seasoned presenters Fifi Peters and Alexander Leibner, who skillfully guided the audience through an evening filled with celebration and reflection. Known for their charm and expertise, the two emcees brought a lively atmosphere to the proceedings, blending wit with elegance to keep guests engaged and entertained.

Fifi and Alexander highlighted the honourees’ accomplishments while underscoring the event’s central themes of responsibility, and the African spirit of collective progress. Their presence added both professionalism and warmth to the event, embodying the sense of occasion and gravitas befitting such a prestigious celebration.

List of Honourees

1. Young Business Leader of the Year: Dr. Jesca Nkwabe, CEO of KOM Group
2. Innovator of the Year: Tertius Zitzke, CEO of 4Sight Holdings
3. Chief Financial Officer of the Year: Raisibe Morathi, CFO of Vodacom
4. Corporate and Investment Bank of the Year: Standard Bank CIB
5. Agro-Company of the Year: Benin Cashew SA
6. Businesswoman of the Year: Aida Diarra, Senior Vice President, Visa Sub-Saharan Africa
7. Business Leader of the Year: Kennedy Bungane, CEO of African Bank
8. Company of the Year: BUA Foods
9. African of the Year: H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda
10. Philanthropist of the Year: Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers
11. Lifetime Achievement Award: Sipho Nkosi, Chairman of Talent10 Holdings

Memorial Awards

• Outstanding Leadership: Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Bank
• Contribution to Private Equity: Andre Roux, Deputy Chairman of Ethos

As the evening came to a close, the message resounded: Africa’s journey isn’t merely one of overcoming challenges but also one of realizing its full potential through responsible, empathetic leadership. These leaders exemplify a commitment to Africa’s values, setting a standard for future generations poised to contribute to Africa’s rightful place on the global stage.

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