GLM TEAM 
Africa’s foremost leaders, innovators, and changemakers gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre last night for the 13th edition of the All Africa Business Leaders Awards. The annual ceremony once again recognised the continent’s boldest leaders, celebrating pioneers whose ideas and enterprises are shaping Africa’s economic and social future.
“An AABLA award is an honour many of Africa’s most influential business leaders aspire to. Being among the winners affirms that your dedication and passion for innovation are shaping the continent and driving its economy forward,” said Roberta Naicker, Managing Director of the ABN Group, organiser of the AABLA.
“This forward momentum matters, as the past few years have tested Africa’s toughness, and the character and fortitude of its leaders. We have seen this resilience manifest in the rapid adoption of mobile money in certain markets, revolutionising financial inclusion for its people; in the rise of African fintech giants that are navigating global headwinds to secure major funding; and in the continent’s agile response to post-pandemic conditions, where local manufacturers pivoted their production to meet needs that seemingly changed overnight.”
Technology, innovation, and Africa’s evolving global influence
An unofficial theme among the winners emerged this year: African advancements in technology, and how they’re shaping the continent’s economic landscape.
Sid Wahi, Vice-Chairman, The ABN Group, spoke to this in his opening address. He noted that the world’s perception of Africa’s potential is shifting from promise to performance, and that the continent’s innovators are now defining their own narrative of progress.
“The conversation has changed in 2025. Africa is no longer waiting to arrive. Africa has arrived. In every corridor, from Kigali’s tech ecosystem and Cairo’s manufacturing zones to Nairobi’s AI labs and Lagos’ fintech sector, a new generation is proving that our destiny is determined by action.”
The winners shaping the continent’s future
The AABLA 2025 recognised 10 entrepreneurs and business powerhouses for their contributions to shaping Africa’s economic futures.
The 2025 Innovator of the Year Award was presented to Tolulope Williams, Founder and Chief Procurements and Technical Officer of Siltech World. Williams is a driving force in electric mobility, advancing Africa’s clean-energy future through local e-vehicle manufacturing and deployment.
Celebrated flautist, composer, and producer Wouter Kellerman received the Sports, Arts and Culture Award for 2025. His global success and artistry have introduced African creativity to new audiences and demonstrated the continent’s ability to lead in cultural innovation as well.
The Chief Financial Officer of the Year Award went to Samuel Nwanze, CFO of Heirs Energies and Executive Director at Heirs Holdings Group. With over two decades in finance and investment, he has been instrumental in reshaping indigenous-led energy development and steering landmark transactions that boost regional growth.
Recognised for her exemplary leadership in corporate governance and transformation, Dr Owen Omogiafo, Group Chief Executive of Transnational Corporation Plc, was named Businesswoman of the Year 2025. Her stewardship of one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates is representative of the rise of women leaders redefining the power and potential of inclusive leadership across the continent.
Ecobank Group received the Company of the Year Award, affirming its position as one of Africa’s foremost pan-African banking institutions. Operating across more than 30 markets, the bank has demonstrated that access to financial services remains a cornerstone of inclusive growth.
Lincoln Mali, CEO (Southern Africa) of Lesaka Technologies Inc., was named Business Leader of the Year 2025. With over 25 years in financial services, Mali has guided Lesaka’s expansion into a digital powerhouse focused on financial inclusion, helping to redefine payment systems and access to credit in underserved communities.
The prestigious Africa Lifetime Achievement, as well as the honorary African Leader of the Year Award, was presented to Stephen Saad, Group Chief Executive of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited. Saad co-founded and grew Aspen into Africa’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, advancing medicine production on the continent and ensuring broader access to essential drugs.
In recognition of exemplary strategic leadership, Mteto Nyati, Chairman of Eskom and Executive Chairman of BSG, received the Chairperson of the Year Award 2025. With more than two decades in executive leadership, Nyati’s vision for innovation-driven transformation and operational reform has positioned him as one of South Africa’s most respected corporate leaders.
The African of the Decade Award was presented to Professor Benedict Oramah, former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Under his leadership, Afreximbank has achieved consistent financial growth and deepened intra-African trade.
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