Africa CEO Forum Awards
Each year, the Africa CEO Forum Awards recognise companies, leaders, and investors who have made a significant contribution to growth in Africa.
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Awards ceremony
Over the past 11 years, more than 250 African and international companies and investors, and more than 50 CEOs have been nominated, embodying the vitality of Africa’s economy.
Shortlisted companies will be notified one month before the event. They commit to sending one of their executives to the award ceremony.
The winning company will be awarded during the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit gala dinner, on May 12, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire.
The call for applications is now closed.
CEO OF THE YEAR
Bestowed by a multi-disciplinary jury, the “CEO of the Year” award recognises an African CEO for his or her exceptional achievements. Over the past year, this person has stood out among their peers for their extraordinary leadership in growing their company’s activities, for a major accomplishment, and for their reputation and influence in their sector.
Idrissa Nassa
PAN-AFRICAN CHAMPION
The “Pan-African Champion” award highlights the role of the private sector in the field of economic integration. It rewards an African company whose involvement throughout the continent has increased the most, specifically by increasing its presence in several regions, and that implements a consistent and coherent regional expansion strategy.
DISRUPTER OF THE YEAR
The “Disrupter of the Year” award celebrates the company whose activities are particularly disruptive and innovative. Emphasis will be placed on products and initiatives with major impact in terms of financial inclusion, access to health care, education, energy, etc. The award recognises a company that has demonstrated resilience in these complex times and whose activity has increased significantly over the past year.
FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The “Family Business of the year” award recognises a family business that excels in governance, combining entrepreneurial management and family leadership. The winner of this award stands out not only for its economic success, but above all for its trans-generational vision and its desire to pass on family values and heritage.
GENDER LEADER
The “Gender Leader” award celebrates a company operating in Africa that has distinguished itself through its efforts to increase the number of women within its executive bodies (board of directors, top management, etc.), has a strategy to promote women leadership and has social initiatives that foster the inclusion of women more generally.
LOCAL IMPACT CHAMPION
In a slight change to last year, the “Local Impact Champion” award recognises an international company that has distinguished itself by its commitment to local communities and the local economy. It rewards the company that is making a positive difference through investments at the local level, including through initiatives that impact all stakeholders, based on the concept of business for good. This award highlights the significant role that economic development can play in building a sustainable and inclusive future and shows that business success can go hand in hand with a positive impact on society.
