London, United Kingdom — Africa’s industrial landscape is experiencing a transformative shift driven by visionary leadership and strategic investment. At the forefront of this transformation is Jemal Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of MIDROC Investment Group, Ethiopia, who has emerged as one of the continent’s most influential industry leaders. In recognition of his exceptional leadership and far-reaching impact, Mr. Ahmed was honoured with the Africa Industry Personality of the Year Award at the prestigious 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2025, held during the landmark Africa Summit 2025 in London.
The Transformational award ceremony, organised by African Leadership Magazine, was held at The Landmark London and the UK House of Commons, drawing over 300 prominent figures including Heads of State, global investors, senior policymakers, and captains of industry. The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) are widely respected as the continent’s foremost platform for celebrating excellence in enterprise, governance, and impactful leadership.
Mr. Ahmed was recognised for his transformative role in shaping Ethiopia’s private sector and industrial growth. Under his leadership, MIDROC Investment Group has become one of the largest and most diversified business conglomerates in Africa, with significant contributions in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, mining, real estate, and pharmaceuticals. His strategic direction and business acumen have propelled MIDROC to drive industrial innovation and economic expansion both within Ethiopia and beyond.
Mr. Jemal Ahmed Abdu heads Ethiopia’s largest private conglomerate, MIDROC, employing over 72,000 people across 45 companies. A visionary entrepreneur, he has transformed multiple sectors including agriculture and manufacturing while institutionalising corporate social responsibility with a 10% profit reinvestment mandate for community development. Recognised nationally for social impact, he champions education, health, and infrastructure projects that bolster Ethiopia’s sustainable development and economic resilience.
A highly respected industrialist and investor, Mr. Ahmed is credited with championing private sector-led growth, creating thousands of jobs, and spearheading large-scale infrastructure and production projects that strengthen regional value chains. His commitment to sustainability, skills development, and inclusive economic progress continues to set a high benchmark for leadership in African industry.
The Africa Summit 2025, chaired by H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, and Dr. Ken Giami, Founder & CEO of the African Leadership Organization, was convened under the theme “Africa Forward: Powering Leadership, Investments, and Competitiveness.” The summit spotlighted Africa’s emergence as a key global economic frontier, with over two dozen countries projected to surpass 5% GDP growth.
About African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)
The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), now in its 15th year, is a flagship initiative of African Leadership Magazine that celebrates visionary leaders and institutions driving Africa’s transformation through innovation, enterprise, and resilience. As a vital platform for spotlighting African excellence often overlooked by global media, ABLA continues to honour outstanding changemakers whose leadership is redefining the continent’s business and development landscape.
About African Leadership Magazine
African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organisation, a UK-registered company (Company No. 07435198), is the continent’s leading platform spotlighting transformational leadership and African excellence. Since 2008, it has bridged Africa and the world through compelling storytelling, high-level dialogue, and strategic events, including the Africa Summit and ABLA, engaging over 1.2 million readers globally and facilitating over $5 billion in investments and partnerships.
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