Accra, Ghana – 27 – 28 February 2026
Samuel Tafesse, Founder of Sunshine Investment Group, Ethiopia, has been honoured with the African Philanthropist of the Year Award at the 15th ALM Persons of the Year Ceremony held at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra.
Tafesse was recognised for his remarkable commitment to humanitarian advancement, social investment and sustainable community development across Ethiopia and beyond. Through targeted philanthropic initiatives spanning education, healthcare access, housing support and poverty alleviation, he has demonstrated a deep and enduring dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations and fostering inclusive growth.
READ ALSO: H.E. Austelino Tavares Correia Named African Lawmaker of the Year at the 15th ALM Persons of the Year Ceremony
The African Philanthropist of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose generosity and strategic giving deliver measurable social impact and long-term transformation. Mr Tafesse’s leadership exemplifies how private capital, when purpose-driven, can accelerate development outcomes and strengthen community resilience across the continent.
The 15th ALM Persons of the Year Ceremony convened high-level political leaders, captains of industry, policymakers, diplomats and development partners from across Africa and beyond. The annual gathering remains a premier platform celebrating excellence in governance, business, public service and institutional leadership.
Other Distinguished Honourees at the 15th Edition Include:
• H.E. Austelino Tavares Correia, President, National Assembly of Cape Verde (represented by Leila Andrade, Chief of Staff to the President) – African Lawmaker of the Year
• Chief Lesi Maol, GMD, Giolee Global Resources Ltd, Nigeria – Community Development
• Rali Mampeule, Founder/CEO, South African Housing & Infrastructure Fund – Special African Philanthropist Icon Award
• Dr Helen Oritsejafor, Executive Chairman, Spring Sky Finance Company Limited, Nigeria – Special African Leadership Commendation Award
• First Bank of Nigeria – African Leadership Institutional Excellence Award
• African World Airlines – Africa’s Leading Global Connector
• DCG Isah Umar Gusau (Rtd), Deputy CG, Nigeria Customs Service – Distinguished Public Service Award
• Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Uganda – African Educationist of the Year
• Abdoul Karim Diallo, Director General, Société Nouvelle de Commerce S.A. (SONOCO Group), Guinea – African Leadership Excellence Award in Industrial Innovation & Economic Development
• General Abdelkérim Charfadine “Bèguera”, Director-General, National Mining and Marketing Company (SONEMIC), Chad – Special Africa Leadership Impact Award
• Mr Alexandre Carreira, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Sociedade de Seguros de Angola, S.A (NOSSA Seguros), Angola – Distinguished African Leadership Award in Insurance Innovation and Financial Excellence
• Mr Harry Anagnostaras-Adams, Executive Chairman, KEFI Gold and Copper PLC, Ethiopia – Special African Business Leadership Excellence Award
• Saxton Ghana Limited – Africa’s Media Innovation Partner
• Ms Djalila Abdourahim, Director General, Chadian Hydrocarbons Company (SHT), Chad – African Hydrocarbons Sector Institutional Leadership & Sustainable Energy Development Excellence Award
• Mr Sakir Yavuz, Founder & President, ATAFOM University International, Central African Republic – African Leadership Impact Excellence Award
• Prof Ntobeko Ntusi, President & Chief Executive Officer, South African Medical Research Council – African Public Health Special Leadership Commendation
• Mr Khulekani Mathe, Chief Executive Officer, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) – African Leadership Award for Excellence in Economic Policy & Private Sector Advocacy
• Dr Kelly Oluoch, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) – African Health & Institutional Development Leadership Excellence Award
• Dr Dinesh Shukla, Chancellor and Founder President, American International University West Africa (AIU), Gambia – African Education Leadership Award
• Dr Philip Oti-Mensah, Managing Director, UMB Bank Ghana – Special African Banking Leadership Commendation Award & Digital Bank of the Year (Ghana)
• Madame Paule Avomo Assoumou Koki, Director General, Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) – Special African Aviation Regulatory Leadership Impact Award
• Dr Bruno Linyiru, OGW, Director General, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) – African Regulatory Leadership Excellence Award (Agricultural Sector Development)
• Eng. Luka Kimeli, Director-General, Kenya National Highways Authority – African Regulatory Leadership Excellence Award (Transport Corridors & Infrastructure Development)
• General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces, Uganda People’s Defence Forces – Special African Leadership Award for Defence & National Security Excellence
• Debele Kabeta, Commissioner, Ethiopian Customs Commission – African Public Sector Leader of the Year
• Charles Anosike, DG/CEO, Nigeria Meteorological Agency – African Public Sector Leader of the Year
• Eku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone – African Government Minister of the Year
• Kenneth Matiba, MBS, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Institute of Supplies Management – African Regulatory Leadership Excellence Award (Public Procurement Integrity & Governance)
• Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah – African Political Leader of the Year
• Her Excellency Esperança da Costa, Vice President of Angola – African Female Leader of the Year
• Prof Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, Nigeria – African Public Service Excellence Award
• John Kufuor, Former President of Ghana
• His Excellency The Right Honourable Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho – African Inspirational Leadership & Good Governance Impact Award
• His Excellency Dr John Mahama, President of Ghana – African of the Year
The ceremony featured keynote addresses, award presentations and strategic networking engagements aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration and leadership impact across Africa.
About ALM Persons of the Year
The ALM Persons of the Year Ceremony is an annual flagship event dedicated to recognising exceptional African leaders and institutions whose work has made significant contributions to governance, economic development, innovation and social transformation across the continent. Over the years, the platform has honoured Presidents, Prime Ministers, policymakers, business leaders and change-makers committed to advancing Africa’s progress on the global stage.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
King Richard
editor@africanleadership.co.uk
