Kenya: Equity Bank CEO Nominated for Africa Business Awards
By Staff Writer
NAIROBI---Equity Bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi has once again secured the coveted nomination to this year’s Africa Business Awards.
A communiqué from the Africa Business Awards organisers, confirmed that Dr. Mwangi is a front runner in the Business Leader of the Year Category. According to the organisers, winners comprising of leading lights in the continental business scene will be revealed at a gala ceremony on 22nd June 2010 in London, UK.
Now in its fourth year, the African Business Awards has established itself as the key annual event on the calendars of the African business community.
And speaking in Nairobi moments after receiving his nomination news, Dr Mwangi said the nomination was a tribute to Kenya’s growing recognition as a conducive and progressive business destination in Africa.
“I am excited and feel greatly honoured by this nomination which affirms Kenya’s growing recognition as an investment destination given our wide range of worldclass resources including human capital,” Dr Mwangi said, adding: “The nomination is also yet another vote of confidence and tribute to Equity Bank Group customers and staff.”
This year’s selection boasts an impressive list of contenders with several newcomers up in the running, promising the judging panel a tough time in selecting the final winner for each category of the Awards.
Organised by IC Publications, publishers of the African Business magazine, the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), and BusinessinAfrica Events, the African Business Awards brings together prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, heads of state and other high-ranking government officials from across the world to celebrate the achievements and successes of those who have played a pivotal role in driving Africa’s economic development forward.
There are 12 different categories for the Awards, covering a range of sectors crucial to the development of the African continent, and recognizing the role of government in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The aim of the Awards is to recognise business leaders and companies that have excelled in Africa over the last year. The winners would have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the continent, the economic aspirations of its citizens and the transformation of Africa’s image in international markets, while displaying high standards of good corporate citizenship and social and environmental responsibility.
Commenting on this year’s Awards, Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business magazine, said: “The quality of entries keeps improving year on year and over the past 4 years we have literally been witness to the creation of companies which have managed to develop, expand and make their mark regionally and internationally. Sieving through the entries has been fascinating reading and rewarding.”
Mohan Kaul, Director General and CEO of the Commonwealth Business Council stressed the importance of the African Business Awards: “The awards have become a benchmark for institutions across Africa and a reminder of the amazing achievements which are currently unfolding throughout the continent. And we are delighted to announce that an SADC delegation headed by HE Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Namibia will be joining us during the Awards ceremony as well as the Africa Business Forum which will take place during the day of the 22nd.”
A distinguished and independent panel of judges, known and respected for their business expertise on the African region, will decide on the final winners of each award. The judges for this year’s Awards are: Omari Issa, CEO, Investment Climate Facility for Africa;Ruma Alam, CEO, Development Partners International; Amadou Ba, President and Director, AllAfrica Global Media; Sir. Samuel Esson Jonah, Founder, Jonah Capital; Tim Turner, Director Private Sector, African Development Bank; Barbara James, Founder and CEO, Henshaw Capital Partners; and Jean-Louis Ekra, CEO,Afrexim Bank.