The Covid-19 health crisis that has been raging for several months across the world and in Africa has not only changed the lives of citizens but also negatively impacted the economy. However, in this context of extreme fragility, business leaders and institutions on the African continent stand out for their agility and refuse to give in to the gloom. No matter what, they set an example and stay the course. It is these strong economic players who will be celebrated at this special edition.
A platform for exploring the challenges facing Africa, the Builders Forum offers intense debates on the major concerns of the continent’s transformation. For its 11th edition, sustainable and inclusive development, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, digital and management will be at the heart of the discussions. As the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, argues, “Africa can no longer be satisfied with simply managing poverty. For our future and that of our children, we must eradicate it. "
While, from the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many experts predicted disaster, Africa, without neglecting the harmful effects of Covid-19, does better than resist. What prompts some specialists to wonder if this pandemic is not an opportunity to allow the African continent to boost its development. This unsuspected capacity for resilience leads us to believe that nothing will be completely as before.
Has conquered Africa arrived? What post-Covid economic outlook? What wise investments for the future? Has the time come for economic integration? Who will be the successful builders of tomorrow? Questions to which qualified experts will provide appropriate answers
Since the 1st edition of the Africa Economy Builders Awards, we are proud to have distinguished more than 300 personalities and companies
Abidjan, 26 April 2019. Under the patronage of Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Commerce, Industry and SMEs Promotion, and the Presidency of Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport, the Africa Economy Builders Awards delivered its 2019 Winners at a glittering Gala, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Before 500 Guests, 19 African and Diaspora personalities from business and management areas have been distinguished for their significant contribution to the economic and social development of the continent.
Irene Charnley (Founder and CEO of Smile Telecoms Group), Christian Adovelandè (President of the BOAD - West African Development Bank -) and Gervais Koffi Djondo (Founder and Honorary President of Ecobank Group; Founder and President of Asky Airlines) won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Theresa Oppong-Beeko, Founder & CEO of Manet Group, received the Most Outstanding Business Woman of the Year Award. Alain Kouadio, President of Kaydan Groupe, topped the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Bea Hackula, President of African Women Empowerment, was honored with the Inspiring Woman Leadership Award.
The Awards Ceremony was preceded, in the morning, by a forum on the theme: ''Undertaking for Economic Integration ''. The ivorian Sanitation Minister, Anne Désirée Ouloto and leading speakers shared their experiences and their vision for an efficient economic integration process. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, a Guest of Honor, Chairperson of United Africa Group, a conglomerate of 42 companies, expressed her satisfaction and support for the event.
Commenting this 10th edition, Michel Russel Lohoré said: «It is a precursor and leading event. I am particularly pleased with the scale of this ceremony. The Awards Gala Dinner displayed full as usual, with guests from several countries. I look at future with confidence, since it is full of beautiful promises.»
The next edition of the Africa Economy Builders Awards will take place on Friday “à April 2021. Initiated in 2006 by Michel Russel Lohoré, an Ivorian journalist, the Africa Economy Builders Awards are organized by Colombe Marketing & Communication, with the support of African Guarantee Fund, TV5Monde Afrique and African Business Roundtable.- ABR -
The Past Winners of the Africa Economy Builders Awards include Top Business Personalities like Mo Ibrahim, Louisa Mojela, Issad Rebrab, Rosa Whitaker, Félix Adahi Bikpo, Jean Kacou Diagou, Babacar Ndiaye, Judy Dlamini, Luc Gérard Njafé, Daphne Mashile-Nkosi, Harold E. Doley Jr, Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Strive Masiyiwa, Nonkululeko Nyembezi-Heita, Mike Adenuga Jr, Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube, Sam Esson Jonah, Futhi Mtoba, Nana Bouba Djoda, Jean-Louis Billon, etc.