London, UK – 9 July 2025
Zemedeneh Negatu, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CBE Capital Investment Bank S.C., Ethiopia, has been honoured with the Special African Leadership Impact Award at the 15th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2025, held during the ALM Africa Summit London.
This distinguished award recognises Zemedeneh Negatu’s exceptional contribution to Africa’s financial sector and his transformative leadership in championing investment, economic reform, and capital market development across the continent. A visionary leader with decades of experience at the highest levels of global finance, Zemedeneh’s role in co-founding Ethiopia’s first investment bank marks a historic milestone in the country’s financial evolution.
Under his leadership, CBE Capital Investment Bank has emerged as a catalytic institution, advancing access to finance, fostering entrepreneurship, and facilitating large-scale investments that are reshaping Ethiopia’s economic landscape. His work has not only expanded opportunities for local enterprises but also elevated investor confidence in Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa region.
The Special African Leadership Impact Award is presented to individuals whose work has had far-reaching and enduring influence on Africa’s development trajectory. Zemedeneh’s strategic vision, global perspective, and unwavering commitment to Africa’s prosperity make him a fitting recipient of this rare honour.
The African Business Leadership Awards, hosted by African Leadership Magazine, celebrate trailblazing individuals and institutions making transformative contributions to Africa’s growth and global positioning.
About African Leadership Magazine
African Leadership Magazine is published by the African Leadership Organisation, a UK-registered company (Company No. 07435198). Since 2008, the magazine has served as a global platform spotlighting African excellence and the leaders driving progress across the continent. Through its international forums, editorial platforms, and strategic engagements, the magazine has reached over 1.2 million global readers and supported more than $5 billion in investment flows and partnerships in Africa.
