ALM is the premier platform celebrating Africa’s leadership, innovation, and progress, providing influential figures a powerful voice on the global stage. A feature in ALM amplifies impact, enhances credibility, and unlocks new opportunities—whether in business, governance, or social development.

Why Get Featured in ALM?

Boost Your Credibility – Position yourself among Africa’s top leaders.
Expand Your Reach – Gain visibility among key stakeholders and investors worldwide.
Be Recognised as a Thought Leader – Share insights and strategies that shape Africa’s future.
Shape Policy & Industry Trends – Influence Africa’s economic and social landscape.
Access Exclusive Leadership Events – Secure invitations to ALM’s high-profile gatherings worldwide.
Inspire the Next Generation – Your story could ignite change.

Who Do We Feature?

Political Leaders – Presidents, governors, policymakers driving transformative change.
Business Moguls & Entrepreneurs – Visionaries creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Social Impact Leaders – Philanthropists and activists tackling Africa’s key challenges.
Scholars & Innovators – Researchers and educators advancing science, technology, and education.
Artists & Cultural Icons – Visionaries shaping Africa’s global narrative through media, literature, and the arts.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!
Whether you’re a leader, influencer, or the strategic mind behind one, now is the time to tell your story the way it should be told—through Africa’s most prestigious leadership publication.

For more inquiries contact the group editor;

King Richard Igimoh

king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk

The post Get Featured in African Leadership Magazine – Elevate Your Influence & Expand Your Reach! appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Beyond economic gains, regional integration exerts a magnetic pull on advancing political cooperation and fortifying regional security, fostering a holistic framework for development. Policymakers and scholars within Africa advocate for regional integration as a potent strategy. They view it as a catalyst for bolstering intra-regional commerce, propelling economic advancement, and ensuring seamless integration into the global financial ecosystem.

Moreover, this integration serves as the catalyst for the structural transformation essential for African nations to harness economies of scale, foster heightened competitiveness, optimise resource mobilisation, and nurture regional value chains. In this light, Africa has birthed several regional economic communities (RECs) since attaining independence.

Trailblazing Collaborations: Shaping Africa’s Tomorrow

Collaboration on cross-border innovation policies presents Africa with an avenue for growth. Striking the right governance structures remains a challenge, yet the potential for collaborative success shines bright. Amidst competing jurisdictions, the real competition lies on the global stage, offering opportunities for cooperative advantage rather than neighbourly rivalry.

In this interconnected world, Africa stands poised at the nexus of growing global connections and the enduring importance of regional proximity. As the continent embraces collaboration as its linchpin for progress, the horizon gleams with promise, beckoning a future brimming with shared prosperity and collective achievement.

The post The Impact of Africa’s Collaborative Frontiers appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Under his leadership, the EDB implemented critical reforms, automated licencing processes through the e-licencing platform, and actively negotiated trade and tax treaties, fostering an environment that attracted millions of dollars in foreign direct investment in 2022.

Additionally, Mr. Poonoosamy underscores the EDB’s commitment to job creation, particularly in emerging sectors like ICT/BPO and financial services. He also outlines the strategic efforts to showcase Mauritius as a leading destination for these sectors on the global stage. Furthermore, he emphasises Mauritius’ role in strengthening economic relationships with Africa and other regions, highlighting initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations that have bolstered the country’s position.

Lastly, Mr. Poonoosamy details the unique advantages Mauritius offers to investors, including a competitive tax rate, simplified permitting processes, a multilingual workforce, robust legal and regulatory frameworks, and innovative incentives, positioning Mauritius as a trusted and attractive investment destination.

(Excerpt)

Mr. Poonoosamy, you’ve been at the helm of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius since 2017. Can you share with us some of the key moments of the journey?

The EDB was created in 2017 from the merger of Enterprise Mauritius, the Board of Investment, and the Financial Services Promotion Agency to ensure greater coherence and effectiveness in the promotion of the Mauritian destination.

The overarching role of the institution as provided in the Economic Development Board Act 2017 goes beyond trade and investment promotion and includes research, business facilitation, and advisory services, as well as creating the appropriate ecosystem for the development of key sectors of the economy.

It is known that a conducive business environment is key to attracting investors to Mauritius, and the EDB was responsible for the implementation of the reform’ agenda of the Government of Mauritius.

These reforms were commended by the World Bank, which ranked Mauritius in the 13th position in its Doing Business Report 2019. It is worth noting that a business process reengineering exercise was conducted by the EDB across 14 ministries to streamline the licensing procedures and requirements, and a regulatory review exercise is being conducted to ensure that the laws are in line with international best practices.

Also, the EDB is responsible for the implementation of the national e-licencing platform to automate and improve the delivery of public sector services and licenses. To date, 18 licences and permits have been onboarded on the e-licensing platform, spanning construction-related permits, work permits, and live permits. For instance, a total of 56,500 building land use permits have been issued from July 2018 to date.

To further strengthen and bolster economic growth, the EDB plays a pivotal role in the advocacy and negotiation of investment and tax treaties and free trade agreements, the latest being with China (Mauritius-China FTA in 2019), India (CECPA in 2021), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (2019). Today, the plethora of trade agreements that Mauritius has signed provide the country with preferential market access to nearly 75% of the world’s population. The EDB has been at the forefront of these negotiations, both on a defensive and offensive approach for our operators. Additionally, Mauritius has signed 44 investment treaties and 53 tax treaties, thereby offering investors a conducive environment for doing cross-border business and investments in a predictable, certain, and secure manner.

The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the world, and Mauritius, being a small island development state, has supported its economy and its people with various schemes put in place, such as the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, whereby the EDB provided assistance to launch a “vaccination programme for business operators” as well as for the issue of the Work Access Permit. It is also worth noting that the EDB was also an important contributor to the measures put in place by the government to protect businesses and SMEs.

It is of paramount importance to highlight that the Freeport of Mauritius is ranked among the Top 10 Free Zones globally by FDI Magazine for the “Global Free Zones of the Year 2022” and 1st in Africa for two consecutive years in terms of the zone’s attractiveness, facilities, and incentives offered to investors. Three years in a row, the Mauritius Freeport has successfully been awarded once again as the best free zone in Africa from the fDi GFZ of the Year Awards 2023. This international recognition highlights the significance of a healthy public-private sector partnership in the sustainable economic development of the Mauritius Freeport & Logistics sector.

Attracting foreign direct investment is crucial for any country’s economic growth. Could you elaborate on the strategies and initiatives you’ve implemented that have resulted in attracting millions of dollars in foreign direct investment in 2022?

In 2022, FDI reached MUR 27.7 billion, compared to MUR 18.5 billion in 2021. This represents a significant increase of over 50% year on year and has exceeded the pre-COVID high of MUR 22.3 billion. Given the nature of investment, the high level of FDI recorded is also a reflection of the current and future health of our economy in terms of growth and stability. This will potentially lead to further FDI inflows in the coming year. We have not only consolidated FDI flows in our existing sectors like real estate, but we have also diversified into emerging sectors such as education and arts and entertainment, which have grown by more than 30 fold.

Similarly, there was sustained growth in our traditional source countries, such as France, the UK, and South Africa. We have also tapped into new markets such as North America, which has exhibited an increase of nearly 10 folds, while increasing visibility in emerging markets such as the Middle East and India so that we can sustain the inflow of FDI to our shores.

The government has implemented a number of strategies to restore confidence in the investor community, including further opening the country, pursuing reforms for ease of doing business, securing market access to emerging markets, and consolidating existing sectors while providing the right ecosystem for emerging sectors such as education, health care, and energy to thrive.

At the same time, post-COVID, the EDB has deployed an aggressive marketing and promotional strategy to position Mauritius as a trusted and reliable jurisdiction for the export of goods and services and as a platform of choice for cross-border investment.

Creating jobs is a vital aspect of economic development. Can you give us insights into how the EDB has contributed to job creation in Mauritius?

The EDB is striving to diversify the Mauritian economy by encouraging growth in sectors beyond traditional industries and by embracing emerging sectors such as digital industry, technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services technology, thus creating new avenues for job creation.

By way of example, the ICT/BPO sector has moved up the value chain over the last decade and continues to be one of the largest employers in the country, with more than 32,000 people, mostly young and dynamic professionals.

Similarly, Mauritius has seen significant growth with an employment of around 15,000 professionals in its financial services sector, particularly in global banking, insurance, and fund management.

The EDB has put several measures in place to further encourage job creation in the country:

Mauritius is becoming known as a leading destination for ICT and financial services. What specific measures have you taken to showcase the country’s strengths in these sectors to a global audience?

The ICT/BPO industry plays a crucial role in the economic development of the country, as it represents 5.9% of current GDP. The growth performance has been impressive despite challenging economic developments. The industry, which comprises 900 companies, has reached a level of maturity that enables it to compete at a global level.

The adoption of strategic marketing campaigns with a clear and compelling message has been instrumental in showcasing the country’s ICT strengths and also increasing awareness among key outsourcing decision-makers about the country’s competitiveness.

EDB has participated in a number of focused and targeted investment and export promotion missions in key markets such as France, India, the UK, and South Africa, among others. The aim of these missions has been to promote the country as an investment destination in the ICT/BPO sector as well as improve the visibility of our island as a trusted partner for the delivery of ICT/BPO-related services.

Digital and traditional media and platforms are also being increasingly leveraged to reach a global audience. In the spirit of fostering partnership, EDB also collaborates with tech industry associations and chambers of commerce to jointly promote the industry on the global stage and for increased brand visibility, thus having a meaningful impact on the industry. The support and collaboration of industry influencers, experts, and thought leaders in the field are also being sought to create and share content.

Besides participation in targeted and focused tech events, ICT-specific events and seminars are also being organised locally to promote and create more visibility for the industry’s key offerings.

Similarly, the financial services sector boasts more than a decade’s track record in cross-border investment and offers an unparalleled, well-regulated, and transparent platform. Over the past 30 years, the Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) has gone through several strides and adapted to several changes, which have boosted the jurisdiction up the value chain by enhancing substance and increasing the depth and breadth of services that are offered.

The EDB has organised various targeted financial services promotional missions and multi-sector roadshows in key markets such as South Africa, India, and the United Kingdom to enhance the visibility of the Mauritius IFC. The EDB is also very present at specialty financial services conferences.

It is noteworthy that a digital marketing strategy has also been rolled out for the promotion of the Mauritius IFC, including the development of a Mauritius IFC website that provides a comprehensive digital window on all aspects of the financial services sector of Mauritius, including laws, schemes, service providers, events, and links to related agencies. For the period February 2022 to June 2023, the Mauritius IFC website has attracted over 10,900 visitors from over 115 countries.

Building economic ties with other regions is a strategic move. Could you shed light on the ways in which you’ve strengthened Mauritius’s economic relationships with Africa and other regions under your leadership?

Mauritius has an umbilical cord with Africa and has forged strong partnerships with several African states. Over the last few years, many African countries have embarked on a process of transformation, experiencing unprecedented rates of growth, a rise in trade and investment, and structural transformation. In the 1990s, Mauritius emerged as an outward investor, and it is evident that Mauritian-owned assets in Africa are bringing economic dividends to our country. Being a small island economy, the country is highly dependent on foreign relations and advocates regional integration premised on its membership in the African Union and regional economic groupings. There is a need to further strengthen and widen our collaboration with other African countries and tap into our appurtenance to Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to bolster economic diplomacy.

To that purpose, the government’s strategy is to reinforce our economic collaboration with African States and leverage the geostrategic position of Mauritius to drive investment into the continent. It has already embarked on several initiatives to cement our relations with most African States, including:

It is also noteworthy that the EDB became a member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC) in 2019, and we are currently spearheading the Africa Roundtable of the WAIFC, which represents WAIFC’smembers in the African Continent, including Casablanca Finance City, EnterpriseNGR Lagos Financial Centre, and Rwanda Finance. The Africa Chapter is meant to promote Africa’s financial centres, financial services, and cross-border business in the region and to drive impactful investments from around the world to the continent.

Furthermore, the EDB and the Eastern Africa Association inked a memorandum of understanding in March 2023 in order to formalise the commitment of both the EDB and the EAA to collaborate and support one another in carrying out their respective responsibilities, as well as to assist in promoting Mauritius to investors in Eastern Africa.

In the pursuit of attracting more investment, could you share some of the unique advantages that Mauritius offers to potential investors that set it apart from other destinations?

The Mo Ibrahim Index of Good Governance, the Democracy Index of the Economist Intelligence Unit, and the Index of Economic Freedom of the Heritage Foundation, among other internationally acclaimed indices, all converge in acknowledging Mauritius as a safe and competitive jurisdiction.

We offer a progressive and competitive tax rate for foreign investors, a simplified process for obtaining all permits, a multilingual workforce, and state-of-the-art infrastructure in banking, telecommunications, and transport.

Our legal and regulatory framework satisfies the strict exigencies of cross-border capital movements. Inspired by international best practices, our laws allow the free movement of capital and the acquisition of property and ensure access to independent courts of law. Our wide range of international investment agreements and bilateral agreements provide protection to international investors.

Mauritius is today recognised as a jurisdiction of substance and a renowned international financial centre, with a robust anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulatory and supervisory framework. We have a well-regulated banking system, with a number of international banks having footprints in the country.

In view of promoting pioneering and innovative industries, the premium investor certificate has been introduced to enable companies with a minimum investment of USD 12 million to benefit from bespoke incentives, including rebates, exemptions, and preferential rates in relation to taxes, duties, fees, charges, and levies, as well as a range of other facilities and grants.

Mauritius also welcomes potential investors, professionals, and digital nomads to carry out business or work remotely with the Premium Travel Visa. In addition, the Occupation Permit is available to expatriates seeking to work and live in Mauritius and make it their second home. It is a 10-year residency permit open to investors, retirees, professionals, self-employed entrepreneurs, and their families.

The post Mauritius: A Prime Investment Destination—EDB Chief Unveils Unique Advantages appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Nicky Oppenheimer is a name that has become a symbol of quality and creativity in the African business community and has become a mentor to business owners and executives all over the continent.

Nicky Oppenheimer’s Childhood: Establishing a Firm Basis

Oppenheimer’s early years were characterised by opportunity and privilege, but also by a strong work ethic and a love of learning. After graduating from Oxford University with a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics, he continued his education at Harvard Business School. These scholastic accomplishments served as the cornerstone of Oppenheimer’s professional life, and he successfully adapted the knowledge he gained in the classroom to the commercial world.

In addition to his academic endeavours, Oppenheimer had a strong early involvement in philanthropy. He began volunteering at non-profits and local charities, and he even established his own foundation to fund educational programmes in impoverished areas. Oppenheimer’s commitment to giving back would come to define his career, as he made a point of using his resources and connections to change the world.

Oppenheimer had a wealthy background, but he also had his share of difficulties in his early years. He was not prepared for the abrupt loss of his father at the age of 25, which pushed him to assume a more senior position in the family company.

He gained invaluable resilience and adaptability skills from this event, which also shaped him into the prosperous businessman and leader he would become.

An Examination of Nicky Oppenheimer’s Management Approach

Nicky Oppenheimer was well-known for his resolute and forceful leadership style, which was marked by an emphasis on outcomes, a readiness to take calculated chances, and a keen awareness of the wants and needs of both his employees and clients. As a tactician, Oppenheimer had a knack for inspiring and motivating others around him to do amazing things.

One of Oppenheimer’s most important leadership qualities was his capacity to instill an innovative culture in his company. His encouragement of unconventional thinking and innovative idea generation enabled the business to remain at the forefront of its sector.

Oppenheimer’s dedication to social responsibility was a crucial component of his leadership style. He ensured that his company was actively involved in philanthropic endeavours and charity organisations because he felt that businesses had an obligation to give back to the communities in which they worked.

Investing in Diamond Mining: Nicky Oppenheimer’s Big Break

When Oppenheimer made an investment in diamond mining, it was one of the major turning points in his career. In the end, this choice would change the course of his family’s financial history and result in the establishment of one of the biggest diamond mining firms in the world. Oppenheimer was able to set himself and his business up for long-term success by seeing the possibilities in this developing market and acting decisively.

Nonetheless, Oppenheimer’s success in the diamond mining industry was not without controversy. The sector has a lengthy history of unethical behaviour, including violations of human rights and harm to the environment. After receiving backlash for his and his company’s role in these matters, Oppenheimer went on to support ethical mining methods. Oppenheimer’s investment in diamond mining is nevertheless seen as a pivotal event in his career and evidence of his financial ability, despite these difficulties.

How Nicky Oppenheimer Grew De Beers into a Global Powerhouse

De Beers expanded into a global diamond powerhouse, with operations in several nations under Nicky Oppenheimer’s direction. Oppenheimer was constantly searching for fresh concepts and chances to broaden the company’s horizons since he recognised the value of innovation and investing in cutting-edge technology. Along with acknowledging the significance of ethical mining methods and sustainable development, he also took action to make sure De Beers was a good corporate citizen.

In 1934, Oppenheimer founded the Diamond Trading Company (DTC), which was one of his greatest achievements in the diamond business. Sorting, grading, and selling diamonds from De Beers’ mines fell under the purview of the DTC, which soon rose to prominence as the biggest diamond trading firm in the world. Oppenheimer’s creative approach to diamond dealing contributed to market stabilisation and made sure De Beers would continue to be the leading company in the sector for many years to come.

Philanthropy and Giving Back: The Other Side of Nicky Oppenheimer

Nicky Oppenheimer was always dedicated to giving back to his community and having a positive influence on the world around him, even in spite of his extraordinary fortune and success. He was active in numerous charitable endeavours, such as the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, which provides funding for social, health, and educational development programmes in South Africa. Oppenheimer assumed his share of immense responsibility graciously and generously, knowing that great achievement carries with it great responsibility.

Nicky Oppenheimer was not only involved with the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust but also a fervent supporter of environmental preservation. He backed several groups that attempted to preserve the natural world for future generations because he thought it was vital.

Oppenheimer collaborated extensively with conservation organisations to help preserve South Africa’s natural heritage because he was especially enthusiastic about preserving the country’s distinctive biodiversity.

Also, Nicky Oppenheimer supported equality and social justice. He was dedicated to assisting in the resolution of the major obstacles and challenges that many South Africans faced. Oppenheimer provided funding to several groups that aimed to increase underprivileged people’s access to healthcare, education, and other necessities. In addition, he actively supported unity and reconciliation while striving to foster better communication and collaboration across the various communities that make up South African society.

After working for the company for many years, Nicky Oppenheimer gained a lot of insight into what it takes to be successful. He held that striving for quality and innovation were essential for keeping ahead in the ever-evolving world of today and that hard work and perseverance were the keys to reaching one’s goals. He also understood the significance of improving the world and contributing back to one’s community. Oppenheimer offers some extremely wise advice that will greatly inspire anyone who wants to leave their mark in life or in business.

Nicky Oppenheimer had a long and difficult road full of obstacles, disappointments, and victories leading up to his accomplishment. But despite everything, he never wavered in his determination to have a constructive influence on the world. Oppenheimer’s tale will inspire future generations for years to come, from his early years of laying a solid foundation to his amazing success in business and philanthropy.

Oppenheimer, whose estimated net worth is 8.3 billion USD, was ranked 23rd among British citizens on the Sunday Times Rich List 2018. With an estimated fortune of US$7.3 billion and US$7.6 billion in August 2020, he was listed as the richest person in South Africa on Forbes’ list of The World’s Billionaires for both 2019 and 2020.

According to him, “I am one of the affluent rich living the good life. But I like to think that I am doing my bit to resolve the problems of Africa and am certainly committed to Africa in the long run.”

The post Nicky Oppenheimer: A Spotlight on the African Business Czar appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The Africa Cinema Summit will serve as a platform for stakeholders in the global film industry value chain to engage in meaningful discussions, identify challenges, and explore the vast potential and opportunities in the African cinema space. The summit’s central focus revolves around two core pillars: the production of more local content and the expansion of cinema screens across Africa.

Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority and convener of the summit, emphasised the pan-African approach of the event, stating that it would have a significant impact on the African cinema industry. She passionately stated, “Africans are storytellers and story lovers, and if we don’t find a way to get the largest youth population into the cinemas, Africa will not be the only loser; major businesses may collapse, and a great culture of going to the cinema may be lost to the world forever, depriving us of the magic of cinema.”

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, a 2020 UNESCO Report on African Cinema revealed that Africa has only 1,700 cinemas to serve a population of over 1.3 billion, translating to just one cinema screen per 787,402 people. This makes Africa the most underserved continent in terms of movie theaters. The Africa Cinema Summit aims to address these challenges and explore strategies to enhance the industry.

The two-day event boasts a rich programme, including a cocktail and networking session, film screenings, conferences, exhibitions, an awards night, and studio presentations. Dr.Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, will be the special guest, and a distinguished lineup of speakers includes industry luminaries such as Juliet Asante, Moses Babatope, Funmi Onuma, John Schreiner, Kene Okwuosa, Marie Lora-Mungai, Daniel Damah, Ope Ajayi, Motheo Matsau, Rob Arthur, Chinazo Onuzo, Jotham Micah, Oliver Dock, Khalil Staily. and the Publisher of the African Leadership Magazine, Dr. Ken Giami.

The African Leadership Magazine (ALM) is offering its full support to the summit, affirming its commitment to push the Brand Ghana agenda. The Chairman and Publisher of the United Kingdom based organization, Dr. Ken Giami. stressed the importance of film as a powerful channel for telling the African story and changing perceptions, especially among the youth and the continent leadership. He said story telling is a vital part of the African continent that cannot be left to outsiders to tell, adding the summations of the Summit aligns with the vision of the ALM which is to promote African Dignity Globally.

“Film appeals universally and transcends boundaries. It is a good platform for the international community to value Africa since the market is appreciative of African themes in fashion, films, and other units of the creative industry.”

As Ghana strives to be at the forefront of the global film industry, the NFA, in partnership with African Leadership Magazine, cordially invites all stakeholders, including government officials, film authorities, commissions, and enthusiasts from across the world, to join us in Accra for the Africa Cinema Summit.

About the National Film Authority:

The National Film Authority (NFA) is a government body established under Act 935 to regulate and streamline the film ecosystem in Ghana. The NFA is committed to working with stakeholders to position Ghana as a progressive nation, promoting high-quality film productions on the global stage.

About African Leadership Magazine,UK (ALM)

African Leadership Magazine, UK, is a publication that focuses on promoting Africa and telling the African story from an African perspective. It aims to bring the best of Africa to a global audience and evolve solutions for the continent. The magazine is published by African Leadership (UK) Limited. For more information go to the website; www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk.

Address: Portsmouth Technopole Kingston Crescent Portsmouth Hampshire Portsmouth PO2, 8FA, Portsmouth PO2 8FA, United Kingdom

King Richard is the Head of Editorial and Content Development at African Leadership Magazine, UK, and can be reached at king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk.

The post Ghana, ALM Gears Up for the Historic Africa Cinema Summit in November appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The award is in recognition of the Governor’s extraordinary performance under pressure and his compassionate, personal-touch leadership style, which has resonated at the national level, such that his name featured prominently among the preferred choices of the people.

The event took place at the just-concluded 9th edition of the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL), which was held on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the New York Hilton Midtown, USA, with the theme: African-Caribbean Cooperation and Today’s Geopolitics.

As a commissioner, H.E. Professor Babagana Umara Zulum shunned materialism, choosing instead to focus with missionary zeal on service delivery as he pursued the reconstruction of communities destroyed by terrorists, an assignment handed to him based on his track record as a former Polytechnic Rector.

Under his leadership as governor, more than 300 health centres have been renovated, and 64 new ones have been built. Building enormous, mega schools—well-equipped primary and secondary schools that compete with the standards of universities. Over 24 of these schools, each holding 1,500 students, have been finished, and 1,000 teachers have been hired.

At the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) in New York, H.E. Zulum was honoured alongside the President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali, the Vice President of The Gambia, H.E. Muhammad B. S. Jallow, and the Minister for Sea, Culture, and Tourism, Cabo Verde, Hon. Jose Gonçalves.

Other high-level policymakers and business and diplomatic leaders at the event in New York include H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia; Hon. Serign Modou Njie, Minister of Defence, The Gambia; Amb. Dr. Lamin B. Dibba, The Gambian Ambassador to the United Nations; Amb. Momodou Lamine Bah, The Gambian Ambassador to the United States; Dr. Anselmo Monteiro, President, National Institute of Social Security, Angola; Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities; Hon. Rosalyn Myers, Member, South Carolina House of Reps, USA; Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade, Afrexim Bank; among others.

The International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) is an annual flagship event of the African Leadership Magazine that is held annually on the side of the United Nations General Assembly. Over the past 8 years, the event has become a platform that connects world leaders, especially from Africa and the Caribbean nations, policymakers, and private sector leaders, with a focus on the challenges and progress of the African people, strengthening trans-regional cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean nations, building strategic partnerships and bilateral cooperation, as well as increasing engagements in trade and investments, innovation and technology transfer, culture and tourism, and other sectors.

The post Babagana Zulum Gets African Governor of the Year Award in New York appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

In terms of African visionary leadership and impactful contributions to the world, Dr. Ken Giami stands as an exemplar. As the Chairman and Publisher of African Leadership Magazine, he has dedicated his life to promoting positive and progressive narratives about Africa and its people. Dr. Giami is not just a publisher; he is a driving force behind initiatives that foster global cooperation and development, such as the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL). Today, we celebrate his remarkable achievements and the recognition he has received from the UN-affiliated Council for Justice, Equality, and Peace.

Dr. Ken Giami’s journey towards becoming a prominent figure in African leadership and media began with a vision—a vision of Africa as a continent of boundless potential and unparalleled richness. He believed that Africa’s stories deserved to be told with authenticity, highlighting its accomplishments and addressing its challenges.

In 2008, Dr. Giami turned this vision into a reality by founding African Leadership Magazine, a monthly publication based in Portsmouth, England. This magazine swiftly became a trusted source of information on Africa and its leaders, covering a diverse range of topics including business, politics, culture, and innovation. It offered a platform for African voices to be heard on the global stage.

IFAL: A Platform for Change

Among several others, one of Dr. Ken Giami’s contributions is the creation and organisation of the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL). This annual event is a source of hope and progress, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and influencers from Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora. It serves as a dynamic platform for discussing and shaping policy directions, as well as engaging in peer-reviewed discussions.

The IFAL has, over the years, fostered deep connections between leaders from Africa, Caribbean nations, policymakers, and private sector pioneers. It has become an indispensable gathering that bolsters the socio-economic development of Africa and the Caribbean.

In recognition of Dr. Ken Giami’s outstanding contributions to global cooperation, the UN-affiliated Council for Justice, Equality, and Peace awarded him a Leadership Award and a medal of honour during the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) 2023 in New York. This prestigious accolade reflects his dogged commitment to bridging the gap between the global south and south, emphasising the significance of collaboration and cooperation for equitable development.

Dr. Ken Giami’s impactful initiatives encompass a multifaceted commitment to advancing human rights, democracy, conflict resolution, and peace education. Aligned with the values championed by the Council for Justice, Equality, and Peace (CJEP), Dr. Giami’s unwavering career cornerstone centres on advocacy for marginalised and vulnerable groups, synergizing seamlessly with African Leadership Magazine’s powerful voice. Furthermore, his diligent work through IFAL has played a pivotal role in fostering international dialogue and understanding, crucial in pursuing global peace and stability. Additionally, Dr. Giami’sinitiatives actively promote peace education and interfaith dialogue, uniting leaders from diverse backgrounds and aligning harmoniously with CJEP’s mission to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict zones.

African Leadership Magazine, since its inception in 2008, has marked an illustrious journey, marked by significant milestones that have firmly established its eminence in the realms of global media and leadership advocacy. Continuously, the magazine has served as a compelling platform for spotlighting Africa’s finest leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, thus orchestrating a celebration of African excellence on the international stage. Beyond this, it has effectively amplified the voices of African luminaries, resonating their insights on multifarious subjects spanning business, politics, culture, and innovation—a true advocate for African-driven solutions to the continent’s challenges. In the noble pursuit of awareness, the magazine has addressed critical African issues, from poverty and hunger to disease and conflict, while simultaneously shedding light on the commendable efforts of African entities and individuals engaged in addressing these formidable challenges. Moreover, African Leadership Magazine has consistently championed the cause of African business and investment, facilitating connections between African enterprises and prospective investors. A crowning achievement, the annual African Leadership Persons of the Year Awards, stands as a testament to the magazine’s enduring commitment to recognising and celebrating African excellence across diverse fields, encapsulating the spirit of its remarkable journey.

The International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) is poised for an exciting future marked by significant developments, including the imminent launch of the Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Initiative (ACTII). ACTII promises to be a catalyst for heightened trade and investment between these two regions, fostering economic growth and collaborative ventures. Simultaneously, IFAL is gearing up for the establishment of the IFAL Young Leaders Network, a pioneering initiative set to provide invaluable mentorship and support to emerging leaders from Africa and the Caribbean, cultivating the next generation of change-makers. Moreover, IFAL is committed to transparency and knowledge dissemination with the forthcoming publication of the IFAL Annual Report, offering invaluable insights into the pivotal challenges and opportunities shaping the trajectories of Africa and the Caribbean, thus contributing substantively to informed decision-making and continued progress.

A Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Ken Giami’s impact on Africa, the Caribbean, and the world cannot be overstated. His visionary leadership and focused commitment to transformative leadership, collaboration, and development have left a golden footprint in the sand of time. The recognition he has received from the Council for Justice, Equality, and Peace is a pointer to his exceptional contributions.

As we celebrate Dr. Ken Giami, we are reminded of the words of Henry Ford: “The greatest reward in life is not what we get for what we have done, but what we become by doing it.” Dr.Ken Giami has become an emblem of positive change, and his legacy will continue to inspire all of us and generations to come.

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Elected in August 2021 and Well aware of the assignment before him, Hichilema unveiled several economic policies to solve the deep-rooted economic challenges of the mineral-rich country. President Hichilema’s plan for kickstarting the economic recovery included taming inflation, job creation for the Zambian youth, restoring the confidence of international investors and addressing external debt.

Zambian citizens were hopeful that the longstanding business tycoon and opposition leader would usher them into a new period of economic recovery and prosperity.

Neighbouring African nations closely watched Zambia’s transition hoping for better diplomatic and economic relations. Here are some of the milestone acievements that made President Hakainde Hichilema ALM’s man of the week.

Piloting Zambia’s economic recovery
In awe many people have watched Zambia’s economic performance in the last one and half year. Many have wondered how the country’s economy has managed to shine in areas where almost every nation in the world has struggled.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, high debt portfolio and other headwinds decimated Zambia’s economy in 2021 to less than 3% of GDP. This represented a low from 4.9% in 2020 and another 4.0% in 2018.

After taking over the government’s reign, President pledged to implement a robust reform program. The program would reestablish macroeconomic stability and promote a private sector-led economic recovery. The government prioritized social sector spending in line with these reforms.
The President also set Zambia towards improved transparency in debt management and reporting. This was a clear commitment to increasing budget credibility, which remains essential to restoring fiscal sustainability. Consequently, Zambia has made substantial strides in driving macroeconomic recovery from a challenging economic situation compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing inflation in Zambia
Various African countries, including Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, have failed to tame rising inflation and plummeting currencies. However, Hichilema’s government has managed to reduce Zambia’s inflation from 24.4% in August 2021 to 9.7% in June 2022.

Part of President Hichilema’s vision was to quadruple Zambia’s growth through agriculture and upscaling production in all economic spheres. In keeping with the promise to support agriculture, President Hichilema’s government abolished 5% customs on chicken and cattle breeding imports. The government also offered technological and monetary incentives to farmers.

Furthermore, Hichilema’s administration provided a market for various crops and other commodities to reduce post-harvest losses. Moreover, the government also sought to encourage commercial banks to offer low-cost credit to farmers to foster productivity.

These policies have led to a sustained fall in food prices. Notably, the prices fell from 12% in July to 11.3% in August 2022. Consumer prices have also remained steady last year. However, challenges persist in Zambia’s mining sector, which accounts for up to 10% of the country’s GDP.

The government under Hakainde Hichilema had the ultimate target of inflation reduction to between 6% and 8% by June 2023. The monetary committee has since revised this goal to the first quarter of 2024.

Nevertheless, Zambia’s inflation rate has decreased as the growth in food costs eases.
Achieving currency stability through debt restructuring
Zambia has dealt with the legacy of years of economic mismanagement, with an especially inefficient public investment drive. Zambia has been in debt distress. Therefore, the country needed a deep and comprehensive debt treatment to place public debt on a sustainable path. Zambia’s bilateral creditors, including France, the UK and China, agreed in July 2022 to provide the financing assurances that Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter needed to secure a final economic bailout.

After months of negotiations, Zambia agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restructure its debt. On August 31, 2022, the IMF approved a $1.3bn loan to Zambia. This was in addition to another $1.3 billion special drawing rights apportionment from the fund it received in August 2021.

The bailout package has helped contain the rising prices due to supply-chain disruptions emanating from the war in Ukraine and the ravages caused by the covid-19 pandemic. This has seen Zambia’s national currency, the Kwacha, strengthen against the US dollar. Consequently, the Zambian kwacha is the best-performing currency in the world, rallying over 18.5% from January to September this year.

When he initially took office, the Zambian leader was mocked by critics. Many dubbed him “the calculator lad” because of his strong emphasis on the economy and his career as an accountant.

Looking back, it is clear that Zambia needed these abilities to get out of the economic quagmire it was in at the time. Hakainde Hichilema has guided Zambia towards economic recovery and stability since taking office in August 2021. The proven stability approach sets an example for other African nations looking to bounce back from a raft of economic and inflationary pressures.
These and many More made Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, The sitting President of Zambia the ALM Man of the week.

Zambia’s President- Hakainde Hichilema is ALM Man of the Week

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The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Simbi Wabote, has received the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) African Local Content Icon Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to improving local content in Nigeria.

Mr. Wabote received his award at the ALM Summit which was held virtually on September 17, 2021, with the theme ‘Africa 4.0: Redefining Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation’. In his remarks, he expressed his appreciation to the Magazine for carving out the African Local Content Icon Award to reveal the importance of local content within the continent and globally. In the same vein, he appreciated people who voted for him during the vetting process for the award, noting that he is encouraged by such recognition.

“I give special thanks to those who voted for me online and in-person during the selection process. This gave me encouragement to say that despite the headwinds that you face in implementing strategy, there are people out there who recognize what you do” he said.

He also commended other award recipients as he pointed to the burden on their shoulders as leaders to lift Africa out of poverty. Concerning the development of the continent, he recognized the NCDMB’s ongoing collaboration with other African countries in the journey to improve and develop local content in the continent. These countries include Angola, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger Republic, and Uganda.

Mr. Wabote dedicated the award to his family and members of staff of the NCDMB as he restated his commitment to seeing the organization achieve more in the future.

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As we count down towards hosting some of the continent’s finest, business, political and diplomatic leaders in the annual African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Award, the board, and management of African Leadership Magazine invites nominations from Africans and friends of Africa from across the globe. Do you have an African Hero or heroine? Is he or She breaking or setting records in service to humanity, impacting society, and making our world a better place? Does he or she deserve to be the ideal Person of the Year in their diverse callings – inspiring the future generation of African leaders? Now is the time to honor them on a global platform.

The African Leadership Magazine, which is a publication of African Leadership (UK) Limited has opened nomination for the 2019 Persons of the Year in the following categories:

• ALM Person of the Year 2019

This recognition is open to an African whose actions have greatly impacted the continent positively in the year under review and helped shape his or her immediate society and continues to inspire globally.

• African Female Leader of the Year 2019

This recognition is open to an African woman who has defied the odds, risen above the patriarchal systems in the continent to positively affect the continent or influence women to aspire for excellence in various fields.

• ALM Political Leader of the Year 2019

This recognition is open to an African, whose contribution has immensely contributed to deepening democracy and democratic values in the continent.

• ALM Young Person of the Year 2019

Criteria: Must be between the ages of 18-38; Young persons of African descent, making a difference globally via diverse sectors such as business, IT, entertainment, sports, etc,  remaining a positive role model and re-defining creativity, resilience; hard work and ingenuity of the continent’s young people.

Qualification

Nominations are open to all Africans, and nominees can be business, political, or community leaders, who have contributed immensely to Africa and her people

Some past recipients of the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year were as follows: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, then President of Liberia (2011); Sudanese Businessman Mo Ibrahim, founder, Ibrahim Prize for Leadership (2012); Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria  (2013); Fmr Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete(2014); Fmr Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan (2015); and Tanzanian Businessman and Philanthropist Mo Dewji(2016); His Excellency Paul Kagame (2017); His Excellency Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia (2018)

Nomination Process

This is the first step in a unique vote-based process towards the emergence of the Persons of the Year 2019, which will culminate into who would eventually emerge the winners of the prestigious African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year 2019.

Nominations may be sent via our social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn using the hashtag #ALMPersonsoftheyear; or via email to nominations@africanleadership.co.uk; or via hard copy letters/submissions to our UK Head office (The 2019 Selection Committee, African Leadership Magazine, Portsmouth Technopole, Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8FA, United Kingdom) or on our website by following this link; http://africanleadership.co.uk/nominate-for-an-award/

Additional Supporting Documents could include:

• A nominating letter/Email to the chairman of the ALM Persons of the Year Selection Committee
• A summary detailing the relevant achievements of the candidate (maximum 2 – 3 pages)
• A curriculum vitae; and any other supporting documents, links, media coverage, etc

Nominations will be reviewed by the selection committee and the Editorial Board, and a shortlist of nominees would be unveiled after an assessment and verification of claims and submission. Nominations close on Friday, 7^th November 2019, at midnight Central African time.

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