Recognising Africa’s Champions of Prosperity
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Africa Prosperity Champions Awards & Presidential Gala Dinner
The prestigious APCA honours distinguished individuals from Africa and its global diaspora who are driving the continent’s transformation and fostering shared prosperity. These awards embody a bold step towards a future of ambition and progress, recognising exceptional achievements while inspiring continued success.
Beyond celebrating excellence, the APCA serves as a springboard for future accomplishments. It inspires the next generation of leaders to contribute to Africa’s ambitious vision for 2063, showcasing excellence and nurturing leadership that will propel the continent’s growth on the global stage.
2025 APCA Winners
Herman Chinery-Hesse
(POSTHUMOUS) LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICA
Herman Chinery-Hesse, a pioneer in the field of technology in Africa, was recognised globally for his innovation in software and fintech. Listed among Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers, he earned accolades including a GUBA Award, Ghana’s Millenium Excellence Award for IT and Mobile World Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1991, he co-founded theSOFTtribe Ltd, one of Africa’s earliest and premier software firms, delivering indigenous technology solutions to multinational companies and institutions such as the United Nations and Mastercard Foundation. His fintech innovations, including the “Sundiata” payment system, helped shape Africa’s digital economy.
Ms Bridgete Motsepe-Radebe
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AWARD
Ms Bridgete Motsepe-Radebe, a pioneering South African mining entrepreneur, defied apartheid-era laws to become the country’s first black female mine owner. Born into an entrepreneurial family, she was denied entry to one of South Africa’s premier universities to study law because of guidelines on racial segregation but persevered to establish Mmakau Mining, which holds stakes in platinum, coal and chrome. She played an important role in shaping South Africa’s mining legislation and championing empowerment models across Africa.
Dr Rakesh Wahi
EXCELLENCE IN PAN-AFRICAN MEDIA AWARD
Dr Rakesh Wahi is a visionary entrepreneur with over 35 years’ experience in early-stage investment across emerging markets. As the Chairman of CMA Investment Holdings, he oversees operations in 15 countries. He co-founded and chairs the ABN Group, which includes CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa, and leads Transnational Academic Group, which runs Curtin University Dubai and Lancaster University Ghana.
Mesfin Tasew
LEADERSHIP IN CONNECTING AFRICA AWARD
Mesfin Tasew was appointed Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines in March 2022, bringing nearly four decades of experience in aviation to the role. He joined the airline in 1984 as an associate engineer and rose steadily through the ranks, serving in key technical and managerial roles. In 1999, he became Chief Information Officer, later holding positions
as Vice-President of Maintenance and Engineering (2006) and Chief Operating Officer (2010-2021).
Dr Sidi Ould Tah
FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Dr Sidi Ould Tah was elected President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) in 2015, assuming office on 1 July. A former Minister of Economy and Finance in Mauritania (2008-2015), he previously advised both the Mauritanian President and Prime Minister and played critical roles in national economic policy, including chairing the National Statistics Council and serving as a board member of the Central Bank.
Wode Maya
EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM PROMOTION FOR AFRICA AND GLOBAL AFRICA
Wode Maya (born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon) is a Ghanaian content creator and digital influencer reshaping global perceptions of Africa. With over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, he spotlights African innovation, entrepreneurship and culture, challenging negative stereotypes and offering an authentic narrative of the continent. What started as a personal mission to present a more uplifting view of Africa has evolved into a movement bridging the diaspora and inspiring young Africans to embrace their heritage.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
CHAMPION OF THE AFRICA WE WANT AWARD
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was born in Natal Province on 27 January 1949 and is a distinguished anti-apartheid activist, medical doctor, politician and diplomat. She has
served in every post-apartheid South African cabinet since 1994, holding key portfolios including Health under Nelson Mandela, Foreign Affairs under Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema
Motlanthe, and Home Affairs under Jacob Zuma. Under Cyril Ramaphosa, she has led multiple ministries, most recently Cooperative Governance during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2012 to 2017, she served as the first female Chairperson of the African Union Commission, where she spearheaded Agenda 2063, Africa’s transformation strategy.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo – Addo
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION AWARD
At the heart of his transformative agenda was the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy, a groundbreaking initiative that has provided millions of Ghanaian children so far with access to secondary education, regardless of their financial background. The policy, introduced in 2017, has increased enrolment significantly, ensuring that no child is left behind
because of economic constraints. By prioritising education as a catalyst for national development, President Akufo-Addo strengthened the foundation for a more skilled and empowered youth population.
Herman Chinery-Hesse
(POSTHUMOUS) LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICA
Herman Chinery-Hesse, a pioneer in the field of technology in Africa, was recognised globally for his innovation in software and fintech. Listed among Foreign Policy’s Top 100 Global Thinkers, he earned accolades including a GUBA Award, Ghana’s Millenium Excellence Award for IT and Mobile World Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1991, he co-founded theSOFTtribe Ltd, one of Africa’s earliest and premier software firms, delivering indigenous technology solutions to multinational companies and institutions such as the United Nations and Mastercard Foundation. His fintech innovations, including the “Sundiata” payment system, helped shape Africa’s digital economy.
Ms Bridgete Motsepe-Radebe
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AWARD
Ms Bridgete Motsepe-Radebe, a pioneering South African mining entrepreneur, defied apartheid-era laws to become the country’s first black female mine owner. Born into an entrepreneurial family, she was denied entry to one of South Africa’s premier universities to study law because of guidelines on racial segregation but persevered to establish Mmakau Mining, which holds stakes in platinum, coal and chrome. She played an important role in shaping South Africa’s mining legislation and championing empowerment models across Africa.
Dr Rakesh Wahi
EXCELLENCE IN PAN-AFRICAN MEDIA AWARD
Dr Rakesh Wahi is a visionary entrepreneur with over 35 years’ experience in early-stage investment across emerging markets. As the Chairman of CMA Investment Holdings, he oversees operations in 15 countries. He co-founded and chairs the ABN Group, which includes CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa, and leads Transnational Academic Group, which runs Curtin University Dubai and Lancaster University Ghana.
Mesfin Tasew
LEADERSHIP IN CONNECTING AFRICA AWARD
Mesfin Tasew was appointed Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines in March 2022, bringing nearly four decades of experience in aviation to the role. He joined the airline in 1984 as an associate engineer and rose steadily through the ranks, serving in key technical and managerial roles. In 1999, he became Chief Information Officer, later holding positions
as Vice-President of Maintenance and Engineering (2006) and Chief Operating Officer (2010-2021).
Dr Sidi Ould Tah
FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Dr Sidi Ould Tah was elected President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) in 2015, assuming office on 1 July. A former Minister of Economy and Finance in Mauritania (2008-2015), he previously advised both the Mauritanian President and Prime Minister and played critical roles in national economic policy, including chairing the National Statistics Council and serving as a board member of the Central Bank.
Wode Maya
EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM PROMOTION FOR AFRICA AND GLOBAL AFRICA
Wode Maya (born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon) is a Ghanaian content creator and digital influencer reshaping global perceptions of Africa. With over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, he spotlights African innovation, entrepreneurship and culture, challenging negative stereotypes and offering an authentic narrative of the continent. What started as a personal mission to present a more uplifting view of Africa has evolved into a movement bridging the diaspora and inspiring young Africans to embrace their heritage.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
CHAMPION OF THE AFRICA WE WANT AWARD
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was born in Natal Province on 27 January 1949 and is a distinguished anti-apartheid activist, medical doctor, politician and diplomat. She has
served in every post-apartheid South African cabinet since 1994, holding key portfolios including Health under Nelson Mandela, Foreign Affairs under Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema
Motlanthe, and Home Affairs under Jacob Zuma. Under Cyril Ramaphosa, she has led multiple ministries, most recently Cooperative Governance during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2012 to 2017, she served as the first female Chairperson of the African Union Commission, where she spearheaded Agenda 2063, Africa’s transformation strategy.
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo – Addo
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION AWARD
At the heart of his transformative agenda was the Free Senior High School (SHS) Policy, a groundbreaking initiative that has provided millions of Ghanaian children so far with access to secondary education, regardless of their financial background. The policy, introduced in 2017, has increased enrolment significantly, ensuring that no child is left behind
because of economic constraints. By prioritising education as a catalyst for national development, President Akufo-Addo strengthened the foundation for a more skilled and empowered youth population.
2024 APCA Winners
Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal
Global Africa Champion Award
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC is the 6th Commonwealth Secretary-General. She is the second Secretary-General from the Caribbean and the first woman to hold the post.
Mohamed M. Abou El Enein
Industrialist of the Year Award
Mohamed M. Abou El Enein is a renowned Egyptian businessman, investor, public figure, and accomplished politician. He is the founder and chairman of Cleopatra Group, a company that has established many major projects spread all over Egypt. He is also Deputy Speaker of Egypt’s House of Representatives.
Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali
Global Africa Leadership Award
The ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was sworn in as Guyana’s executive president on 2 August 2020.
H.E. Alassane D. Ouattara
African Statesperson Award
An economist by profession, H.E. Alassane Ouattara was sworn into office as President of the Ivory Coast in 2010. Prior to being sworn in, he worked for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of West African States ( Banque Centrale des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, BCEAO)
Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah
Financial Leadership Award
Prof. Benedict Oramah assumed the position of president and chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) on 21 September 2015.
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade
Young Entrepreneur Award
Better known by his stage name, Mr Eazi. Eazi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns.
Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal
Global Africa Champion Award
The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC is the 6th Commonwealth Secretary-General. She is the second Secretary-General from the Caribbean and the first woman to hold the post.
Mohamed M. Abou El Enein
Industrialist of the Year Award
Mohamed M. Abou El Enein is a renowned Egyptian businessman, investor, public figure, and accomplished politician. He is the founder and chairman of Cleopatra Group, a company that has established many major projects spread all over Egypt. He is also Deputy Speaker of Egypt’s House of Representatives.
Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali
Global Africa Leadership Award
The ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was sworn in as Guyana’s executive president on 2 August 2020.
H.E. Alassane D. Ouattara
African Statesperson Award
An economist by profession, H.E. Alassane Ouattara was sworn into office as President of the Ivory Coast in 2010. Prior to being sworn in, he worked for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Central Bank of West African States ( Banque Centrale des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, BCEAO)
Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah
Financial Leadership Award
Prof. Benedict Oramah assumed the position of president and chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) on 21 September 2015.
Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade
Young Entrepreneur Award
Better known by his stage name, Mr Eazi. Eazi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns.