London, United Kingdom
Africa’s leading figures in government, business, finance, academia and public service were honoured at the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2026, held at the iconic House of Lords in London.
Organised annually by African Leadership Magazine, the awards brought together an exclusive gathering of policymakers, business executives, diplomats, development partners and thought leaders to celebrate individuals whose leadership is driving Africa’s growth, innovation and global competitiveness.
For more than a decade, ABLA has recognised visionary leaders whose impact continues to shape the continent’s development while inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
This year’s recipients reflected the breadth of Africa’s leadership landscape, with honourees from finance, education, mining, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, banking and public administration.
Among those recognised were Prof. Jean Marie Kayembe Ntumba, Rector of the University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, who received the African Education Special Leadership Commendation Award for his outstanding contribution to higher education, and Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of EBID, who was honoured with the Distinguished African Development Finance Leadership Award for advancing regional integration and economic development across West Africa.
The ceremony also celebrated the ALM Top 40 African Finance Leaders 2026, recognising outstanding financial leaders including Mr. Henry Fallah Saamoi of the Central Bank of Liberia, Dr. Abdulmajid Nsekela of CRDB Bank, Dr. Aklilu Wubet of Wegagen Bank, Hon. Boima S. Kamara of WAMA, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, and Mr. Henri Claude Oyima, Chairman and Group CEO of BGFIBank Group, for strengthening Africa’s financial systems and advancing economic resilience.
Business and industry leaders were equally recognised for driving innovation and enterprise across the continent. Honourees included Dr. Artur Gonçalves of Sociedade Mineira do Chitotolo, Mr. Abdoul Karim Diallo of Sonoco Group, Dr. Louisa Madiako Mojela of WIPHOLD, Dr. Brian Mushimba of GL Africa Energy, Mr. Bokang Thitoyamore of Naledi Mining Services, Mrs. Kapumpe Chola of First National Bank Zambia and Mr. Sidney Sampson of Sydani Group.
Public sector excellence also took centre stage. Honourees included His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe State, Nigeria, who received the African Leadership Legacy Award for Governance Excellence; Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, recognised for Fiscal Governance and Revenue Accountability; Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Gbenga Alade of AMCON; Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC; Mr. Farihan Alhassan of GCB Bank; and Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs.
Speaking during the ceremony, the founder, Dr Ken Giami reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to recognising and connecting leaders whose vision and achievements continue to redefine Africa’s development story.
He noted that, as Africa assumes a more prominent role in global conversations on investment, innovation, governance and sustainable development, celebrating outstanding leadership has never been more important.
The awards formed part of a wider programme of high-level dialogues and strategic engagements, providing a platform for leaders from government, business, finance, diplomacy and academia to exchange ideas and forge partnerships that will accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.
Through the African Business Leadership Awards, African Leadership Magazine continues to recognise exceptional leadership while fostering partnerships that advance Africa’s prosperity, influence and sustainable development.
