African Leadership Magazine is delighted to announce that Mr Abdoul Karim Diallo, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Société Nouvelle de Commerce S.A. (SONOCO Group), has been confirmed as a distinguished speaker and honouree at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2026. The prestigious event will take place on 2–3 July 2026 at the iconic House of Lords, London, United Kingdom.
Mr Diallo’s participation at this landmark gathering reflects his visionary leadership in driving West Africa’s industrial renaissance, championing food sovereignty, and building a diversified, integrated corporate powerhouse that models Africa’s economic self-reliance. Recognised as one of the continent’s most dynamic young industrialists, he has been instrumental in transforming SONOCO Group from a family enterprise into a strategic catalyst for regional manufacturing, job creation, and cross-border trade.
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The African Business Leadership Awards are among Africa’s most respected platforms for recognising exceptional leaders whose vision, innovation, and commitment continue to advance business excellence, economic development, and social impact across the continent. The 16th edition is expected to convene an influential network of policymakers, business leaders, investors, diplomats, development partners, and thought leaders from around the world.
Under Mr Diallo’s stewardship, SONOCO Group has evolved into one of Guinea’s most prominent industrial conglomerates, with a robust corporate ecosystem spanning food processing, milling, beverages, metallurgy, agriculture, and logistics. His strategic leadership has revived local manufacturing—most notably through the revitalisation of Nestlé Guinea and a co-packing partnership with Coca-Cola—while accelerating the Group’s expansion into new markets across the subregion. His landmark $20 million investment partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to launch FERMAV Industries is establishing Guinea’s first fully integrated poultry value chain, a transformative initiative to bolster national food security and create a resilient agricultural ecosystem.
Beyond the boardroom, Mr Diallo serves as the Special Envoy of the President of Sierra Leone for Trade and Investment and is the Vice President for Industry at the Guinea Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his deep commitment to public-private cooperation and regional economic diplomacy.
As a featured speaker, Mr Diallo will provide powerful insights into Africa’s industrialisation agenda, the imperative of moving from resource dependency to local value creation, and the strategies for building globally competitive African industries in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.
Speaking on his confirmation, the editorial board highlighted Mr Diallo’s transformative leadership and his embodiment of a new African economic narrative.
“Mr Abdoul Karim Diallo represents a new generation of African industrialists who are turning the tide from dependency to production. His philosophy that ‘Africa’s future lies in its ability to produce rather than depend’ is not just a statement, but a living strategy he executes daily through SONOCO Group’s diversified growth. His achievements in strengthening local capacity and creating a self-sufficient industrial base are a blueprint for the continent. We are honoured to welcome him as both a distinguished speaker and honouree at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards,” the organisers stated.
The award recognises Mr Diallo’s exceptional contributions to industrial independence, strategic business diversification, youth leadership, and the advancement of economic prosperity in Guinea and throughout the West African region.
The 16th African Business Leadership Awards will feature high-level panel discussions, investment dialogues, policy conversations, leadership showcases, and strategic networking engagements designed to foster partnerships and accelerate Africa’s development agenda.
Media Contact
King Richard Igimoh,
Group Editor,
African Leadership Magazine,
United Kingdom | Africa
Email: editor@africanleadership.co.uk
Website: www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk
