Adeshina, Sultan of Sokoto, Oyakhilome, Idaminabo make list of ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons In Africa’

August 19, 2023 News Editor

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adeshina; Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; President of Love World Incorporated, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, and Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo, Chief Executive/Founder African Achievers Awards (AAA) have been listed among the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’.

The honorees were announced by the organisers of the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’ project at an Unveiling News Conference’ on Friday August 18, 2023 in Abuja.

Other Nigerians who made the list include Former President Goodluck Jonathan; Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto; Olu Of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Cardinal John Onayekan; Pastor Jerry Ezeh, founder of streams of Joy International and former Nigerian Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo.

Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa for the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’, congratulated recipients of the honour across the continent for making the highly coveted ‘peace list’.

“This initiative celebrates the dedication of those who have labored continuously to reduce conflicts, advance social bond, and establish connections amidst diverse communities.

“By sharing their narratives, our intention is to amplify the ripples of their endeavors, produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa.

“They have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave inerasable legacies, with each narrative as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosed in the cherished values of Africa- unity, harmony, and progress”, he said.

Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo FRSA, who was named among the honorees, expressed his appreciation for the recognition of being named among the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, which according to the organizers, include Africans drawn from different backgrounds who have used their talents, positions and resources to build and promote peace across the continent.

Dr. Rex Idaminabo acknowledged the efforts of the organizers for their careful selection of those who made the list for their consistent commitment to humanitarian initiatives, positive influence on communities and youth empowerment, among other criteria.

Dr. Idaminabo, a lawyer and serial entrepreneur recognized by Forbes and Avance Media, is the Chief Executive of Reputation Poll International (RPI), a developmental branding and business innovation agency making indelible marks in building a dynamic image for the African continent through success stories of outstanding personalities through the African Achievers Awards (AAA) annual event now in its 13th year.

Also the Chief Executive of Achievers Media, and Co-founder Young CEO’S Business Forum, he is a highly accomplished reputation manager, business consultant, and strategic management expert and international business guru.

He has been graced with numerous awards and named amongst the 30 most promising entrepreneurs in Africa by Forbes magazine and listed 100 most influential Young Africans and received a British award for African development.

Celebrities who made the list include Nollywood actresses: Rita Dominic and Mercy Aigbe; Music Artistes: Davido and Rema and Ay Makun, Israel Adesanya, Cubana Chief Priest, Linda Ikeji, Hilda Bassey, Nigerian Chief and Guinesss World Record Holder, Nigerian International Football star, Victor Osimeh, Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation International Magazine, among others.

Inequality a major factor in rising crisis in West Africa – Tunis

July 25, 2023 News Editor

The Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has identified inequality as one of the major factors causing rise in crisis, including military coups and insecurity in the West African subregion.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Tunis, made this known at the opening of the delocalized meeting of the Joint Committee of the ECOWAS Parliament Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights and the Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment holding in Monrovia, Liberia.

He said that supporting the participation of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups in the decision-making and democratic processes of the societies is key to continued peace, security and sustainable development.

Tunis acknowledged that every meeting of the Parliament is an opportunity to analyze and make proposals to better understand and control political, economic, and social developments in West Africa.

While noting that the meeting will focus on one of the priorities of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which is to promote good governance and consolidate irreversible peace, security, as well as development in the region, Dr. Tunis said: “As we all know, inequality has been one of the bases or causes of subversive acts in our region.

“The marginalization of vulnerable groups from important decision-making processes, particularly ethnic or religious minorities, women and young people, provides fertile ground for conflict of violent extremism.”

He said: “We must convince ourselves that supporting the participation of people from vulnerable and marginalized groups in the decision-making and democratic processes of our societies is imperative for peace, security and sustainable development.”

The Speaker added that: “Political inclusivity has the advantage of enabling all points of view to be expressed and taken into consideration, and of enhancing the representation of every segment of the population, including women and young people.”

He revealed that the delocalized meeting, which is being held on the theme: “Enhancing political inclusivity in the participatory governance process: a mechanism for promoting peace and security “, was part of activities designed by the ECOWAS Parliament to continually demonstrate its openness to the citizens of the region, stressing that it also provides an opportunity to share experiences and collaborate with national institutions in the pursuit of the integration objectives of ECOWAS.

Liberia’s Vice President, Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor lamented that political inclusivity is still far from being achieved, insisting that going by a few statistics as indicated by a January 2023 UN Women Facts and Figures report, women on the continent particularly and globally in general are still yet to be accorded the acceptable number in distribution of political offices.

She noted that inclusive political processes are crucial to sustaining peace and conflict prevention; establishing and strengthening political processes aimed at improving the participation and political influence of citizens; making governments and institutions more accountable and transparent, and building a stronger and more inclusive social contract between government and the people for greater access to opportunities, amongst other issues.

Taylor said though much has been done over the past 30 years to bring to the front burner the issue of equal participation of both genders, but the fact remains that even at the ECOWAS Parliament where the mandatory acceptable standard is a minimum 30% representation from each member state ; current statistics indicated that out of 115 members only 21 members are females, a mere 18.26%.

She argued that: “A woman is human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is also not less…” She asked the parliamentarians that “as you navigate the discussions on the way forward towards greater peace and security in our sub-region, I crave your indulgence to proffer policy prescriptions which compel our National Governments to take affirmative actions for the inclusion of women at all levels in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of governments.”

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray also noted that the disconnect between the government and its citizens is a contributing factor to the volatility and threats to democracy in the sub-region.

Touray who was represented by Mrs Josephine Nkurumah, Permanent Representative of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia urged Members of the ECOWAS Parliament to consider the role of civic engagements as a key strategy to building a more inclusive society.

He said that the ECOWAS Parliament’s delocalized meeting was apt and the Commission awaits recommendations from the meeting that it can work with the Parliament to ensure inclusivity of all ECOWAS citizens in the democratic process of the sub region.

“The seeming disconnects between the governed and those who govern have contributed in part to the volatility of the sub-region leading to discontent in our communities.

“It is pertinent that in other to have effective inclusiveness and participatory government processes, our citizens must be engaged, involved and discerning.

“We look forward to a collaborative effort to building a more inclusive society in our governance processes for peace and security which are prerequisite to our economic and social integration as a sub region,” Touray said.

ECOWAS signs $1.034m agricultural grant agreements

July 24, 2023 News Editor

As part of the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Strategy of Youth employment in Agro Sylvo-Pastoral and Halieutic Sector, the ECOWAS Commission has signed grant agreements worth $1.034m to Promote Youth employment in Agriculture and Food Sector in 15 Members States.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, signed grant agreements with 25 Centers among which 10 special Agriculture Training Centers; 6 National Agriculture Research Centers and 9 National Research Centers of Specialization on Agricultural Innovations would build youth capacity in the 15 member States including: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo.

The total budget of the grant agreements funded by the Community levy of ECOWAS is $USD, 1,033,7991 representing about $USD 41,359.64 per centre and for an average duration of 4 months aimed at training 3142 young persons among which 30% of Women in the Region.

The purpose of each grant is to establish the framework of collaboration between ECOWAS and the recipient Centers for the implementation of the Regional Strategy of Youth employment in Agro Sylvo-Pastoral and Halieutic Sector in West Africa.

This is with the general objective of building the human resource and environmentally friendly system that will sustain and increase agricultural productivity, youth employment and create resilient rural society. Selected following due consultation and assessment process, the 25 training centres represent the 15 Member States. Each state is involved in the process.

In supporting the centres through the agreements, ECOWAS seeks to improve the quality of training and the development of the centres capacities on topical issues related to agroecology and organic production, fishery and aquaculture, breeding and seeds selection and scaling of innovations and agribusiness.

This is to increase the annual number of people trained in a. The total agriculture and food sector. The target of the Programme is 3142 young people including men and women trained by the end of 2023 in agriculture and food in the region.

The objective of the support, more specifically, is to contribute to strengthening youth capacities in agribusiness for: (i) the promotion of agricultural innovations and good practices according to the environment, (ii) the increase in the number of young people trained, in particular rural people, and (iii) their networking in the long term.

ECOWAS, AU deploy joint pre-election fact-finding mission to Liberia

July 24, 2023 News Editor

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have deployed a Joint Pre-election Fact-finding Mission to Liberia to assess the country’s state of preparedness for the polls.

The move comes 3 months ahead of Liberia’s Presidential and Legislative elections scheduled for October 10, 2023.

The July 23-29 Mission is being co-led by Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent Nigerian Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria for ECOWAS, and Ambassador Calixte Mbari, Head of Democracy, Elections and Constitutionalism of the African Union Commission.

Other members of the Mission are Ambassador Haja Alari Cole, member of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, Ms. Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Mr. Elyse Ouedraogo, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Burkina Faso, M. Muhammad Sulaiman Isa, Deputy Ambassador of Nigeria to ECOWAS, Dr Cyriaque Agnekethom, ECOWAS Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, as well as a joint technical team from the ECOWAS and AU Commissions.

The joint delegation will hold working sessions with various stakeholders in the electoral process in Liberia, including the Government, National Elections Commission, the Judiciary, Parliament, PoliticalParties, Civil Society Organizations, Security Agencies and International Development Partners.

At the conclusion of its engagements, the Mission will submit a comprehensive report that will inform the support of ECOWAS and AU to the 2023 electoral process in Liberia. Both organizations also provided similar support to the country during its last elections in 2017.

ECOWAS builds capacity of member state legal experts on African cultural artefacts return procedure

July 22, 2023 News Editor

Legal experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were participants in a capacity building initiative by the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS on the procedures for the return of cultural artefacts to their countries of origin which held from July 10-15, 2023 in Accra (Ghana).

The training was followed by a review of the ECOWAS Action Plan 2019-2023 on the Return of African Cultural Artefacts to their Countries of Origin by Directors in charge of Cultural Heritage.

The workshop aimed to equip legal experts from Member States working on the restitution of cultural artefacts to create a database and a pool of expertise on the return of cultural artefacts, and to provide Member States with a protocol on the procedures, steps and tools involved in the restitution process.

This is part of the implementation of the ECOWAS Action Plan 2019-2023 on the Return of Cultural Artefacts to their Countries of Origin, brought together about 30 participants with expertise in cultural heritage, the majority of which were Directors of Cultural Heritage and legal experts, and lasted for five (5) days.

During the training session, the ECOWAS Directors in charge of Cultural Heritage reviewed the ECOWAS Action Plan 2019-2023 on the Return of Cultural Artefacts to their Countries of Origin, which has reached its deadline, in preparation for its subsequent approval by the ECOWAS Ministers of Culture.

The Chief Director of Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr John Yao Agbeko, in his remarks, said that the training would speed up the process of returning African cultural artefacts looted or lost during colonization. He also urged Member States to work tirelessly to establish solid legal frameworks, foster international collaboration and advocate for the return of African cultural artefacts.

According to Agbeko, the restitution process is not just an act of kindness, but a concrete step towards rectifying historical wrongs. He urged for the need to work together to achieve the region’s goals regarding the return of cultural artefacts.

Prof. Abdoulaye Maga, Director of Education, Science and Culture, representing the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, commended the hard work of participants.

Maga stated that it is imperative that the various discussions lead to a common position among ECOWAS Member States in their efforts to recover their cultural artefacts, through cooperation and joint efforts by all stakeholders. He concluded by assuring participants that their recommendations would be passed on to the appropriate authorities for careful consideration.

The recommendations made to the ECOWAS include:

(i) institute annual capacity-building for legal experts in the field of cultural heritage to create a bank of expertise on legal issues in the region;

ii) disapprove of the Martinez report, and firmly reject any doctrine, report or legal text that does not take into account the entire history of Africa in accordance with the provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981), and the Political Declaration of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government (2018);

(iii) encourage States to implement the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan at national levels; clearly define the role of the Regional Follow-up Committee by drafting regulations or terms of reference;

(iv) set up a digital system (platform) for pooling resources on the restitution process;

(v) seek guidance from the Authority of Heads of State and Government on the subject in order to boost regional momentum;

(vi) strengthen support for Member States, particularly in issuing requests and taking inventories, and in ratifying the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention and the 1970 UNESCO Convention;

(vii) encourage the creation of sovereign wealth funds at both the national and community levels in order to support requests for the restoration and enhancement of returned cultural artefacts;

(viii) invite all Member States to issue official requests as soon as possible in order to set the process in motion and raise awareness on the importance of the restitution process; mobilise countries in possession of African cultural artefacts in the fight against illicit trafficking to initiate dialogue in order to ensure the return of

the artefacts.

ECOWAS Parliament, EALA, NILDS To Sign Capacity Building Memorandum

July 22, 2023 News Editor

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and two regional legislative arms of government have announced that they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for capacity building of their staffers on legislative issues.

NILDS with the Parliament of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) made this known when the Speakers of EALA, Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana and his ECOWAS counterpart, Hon. Sidie Mohammed Tunis paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of NILDS, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman in Abuja on Thursday.

Tunis, who emphasised the imperative of the collaboration, stated that the training will boost the capacity of the ECOWAS member states and the entire Africa. He noted that the “African Union (AU) with its Head Office in Addis Ababa cannot determine what happens in Nigeria,” which he added makes it even more important for this collaborative efforts by the two regional bodies in order to serve their people better.

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has reached an agreement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for capacity building of their staff in legislative affairs.

Hon. Ntakirutimana in his remarks expressed delight that NILDS, which he likened to the American Democratic Institute (NDI) in terms of ideas and intellectual resources, is based in Nigeria, even as he stressed the need for “NILDS to be autonomous from the Western influence.

He welcomed the idea of capacity building as well as canvassed adequate funding for the institute by Nigerian government to enable it serve Nigeria and Africa effectively without external influence.

The EALA leader also solicited support for Dr. Tulia Ackson, the female Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, who is vying for the Speakership of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU).

The Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, said the institute revolves around Africa in all ramifications. He disclosed that the first support received by the Institute as a program under National Assembly was by Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), after which Nigerian Government took over the funding.

The former Nigeria’s Minister of National Planning expressed the willingness and commitment of his Institute to sign the pact with the two Parliaments on capacity building of their staff on legislative issues as espoused.

Olori Atuwatse III of Warri, Aduda, Abdoulaye Ba, Njoku, others honored at 13th African Achievers’ Awards

July 19, 2023 News Editor

Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, Chief Edwin Clark and Ambassador Gabriel Taminu Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum, among others, were recipients at the 13th edition of the African Achievers Awards (AAA) held in partnership with Reputation Poll International (RPI) on Friday July 14, 2023 at the Palace of Westminister, House of Lords, UK.

The African Achievers Awards is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates exceptional individuals and organizations across the African continent. It aims to honor those who have made remarkable contributions in various fields, including business, leadership, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, sports, entertainment, and advocacy.

Jenovive Chinyere (Left), CEO Dream West Africa, receiving her award at the AAA 2023

The event theme: “Unlocking Sustainable Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa – the PPP Approach” focused on the importance of addressing the challenges in Africa to work towards a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future in the continent. The 13th African Achievers’ Awards fulfilled it’s promise of brilliant interactions from interesting relations between the participating esteemed honorees and guests. From the networking to the international summit and then the awards, this year’s AAA hit the mark for it’s 2023 aim.

Dr. Susan Fajana Thomas, Chair of AAA Board, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services and Former Mayor of London, Borough of Hackney, United Kingdom; President Transcorp Group, Owen Omogiafo and Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE ... — Dr. Susan Fajana Thomas, Chair of AAA Board, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services and Former Mayor of London, Borough of Hackney, United Kingdom; President Transcorp Group, Owen Omogiafo and Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE …

The Olu of Warri, whose most pronounced attendance was complemented with his Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, made centre stage with their royal presence. As with every edition of the Awards ceremony and summit, the AAA served as a platform for industry leaders and personalities of note in Africa and of African origin to converge, and talk strategies towards development sustainability in the African continent.

Some of the eminent award recipients at the convergence are: Owen Omogiafo, Transcorp Group CEO; Oumar Abdoulaye Ba, Managing Director of the Senegalese Reforestation Agency and the Great Green Wall (ASERGMV); Dr. Adeshola Cole, CEO Tritek Consulting Limited, UK; Tunji Akintokun, Boards and Councils of Grant Thornton TechUK, Teach First and The Aboretum London; Temi Ofong, Global Head of Customer Channels at HSBC; Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary at Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD); Ambassador Emmanuel C. Njoku, Chairman Emma Njoku Foundation; Georgia Akuwudike, Director of Operations with Amazon UK and Dr. Smelly Dube, Group CEO Rivervalley Group, Zimbabwe.

Amb. Emmanuel Njoku and Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE

Some others include: Dr. Tom Ilube CBE, CEO of Crossword and Chair of the Rugby Football Union; Bayo Dosumu, Chief Executive at Lambeth Council; Peter Kolade Fashesin-Souza, Enterprise Technology Risk, Governance and Change Professional at the Bank of England; Kenneth Raydon Sharpe, CEO WestProp Holdings, Zimbabwe; Jenovive Chinyere, Chief Executive, Dream West Africa; Lady Josephine Nwanyinaya Nwaeze, MD/CEO, News Engineering Limited; Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO The Diana Awards; Omadevuae Iviemena Maria, MD/CEO Etionary Properties; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, Former Speaker, Kaduna House of Assembly and Tobi Akerele, CEO Gidi Real Estate Limited.

Peter Kolade Fashesin-Souza, Enterprise Technology Risk, Governance and Change Professional at the Bank of England and his wife.

Others are: Bishop Dr. Archibald Cole; Ambassador Nir Gess, Honorary Consul of Malawi in the State of Isreal; Excellence in African Trade and Investment, Dr. Olori Boye-Ajayi; Jennifer Achu, CEO, JAchu Ventures; Dr. Tinashe Manzungu, Infrastructure Development Expert, Zimbabwe; Dr. Florence Britton, Rainbow Care Solutions, UK; Dr. Oluwatosin Olatujoye, GCEO Zylus Group International; Christian Balis Dokosi, Chris Dokosi Foundation, Ghana; Gisele Dede Aklobessi, CEO Lumiere Group and Titilayo Regina Giwa, Company Secretary/Head of Legal, Ripen Marine Contractors Ltd.

The Right Honourable Lord Simon Woolley, Member of the House of Lords, UK Parliament (Palace of
Westminster) and Tom Ilube CBE, CEO of Crossword and Chair of the Rugby Football Union

Speakers at the event include Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE; Owen Omogiafo, Transcorp Group CEO/President; John Anderson, 3rd Viscount Waverly and Member of the House of Lords and Canon Otto, among others, with a special presentation by Titi Harsfall.

The Right Honorable, Lord Simon Woolley, is the host for this year’s event. He is Member of the House of Lords, UK Parliament; Palace of Westminster. He is a British politician, activist, and the founder and director of Operation Black Vote and Trustee of the charity Police Now.

Cllr. Michael Situ, Mayor of Southwark and Ambassador Gabriel Taminu Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum

Created in 2010, the African Achievers Awards has become one of the most reputable awarding bodies on the African continent and one of the biggest annual gatherings of influential African achievers globally.

Over the years, the Awards event has honoured and celebrated great African trailblazers whose works have had a meaningful impact on development in Africa. Former laureates include worthy African political leaders, exceptional young achievers, passionate and dedicated community builders, and captains of industries.

Africa sees new wall in EU’s carbon border scheme

July 14, 2023 News Editor

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the European Union’s measure to encourage countries where it sources imports to adopt cleaner manufacturing.

The CBAM which goes into force on a transitional basis in October introduces a carbon tax on exports to the EU.

But the measure has elicited concern in Africa which counts Europe as a major export market.

A study carried out by the African Climate Foundation and the London School of Economics suggests that the CBAM’s economic repercussions will be ‘far-reaching’ and most strongly felt in Africa.

Their modelling based on €87 per ton suggests that the CBAM would lead to around $25 billion in losses based on 2021 GDP levels, nearly four times higher than what the EU gave to Africa in development assistance in 2021.

Products such as iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertiliser, hydrogen, and electricity – which make up a significant portion of Africa’s exports to Europe, will be the first victims of the mechanism.

After 2026, the CBAM’s scope will extend to other products, potentially leading to bigger economic loss.

Experts say the measure is punitive, and dramatically reduces the space for developing countries to achieve growth and to create jobs.

Our guest this week is Faten Aggad, the senior advisor climate diplomacy and geopolitics at the African Climate Foundation.

Uganda mulls zero tax on electric cars

Uganda is racing to switch to e-mobility despite having limited infrastructure in the country. Authorities say waiving tax on electric vehicle imports will encourage mass adoption.

The goal is to reduce pollution and to improve Kampala’s green credentials.

East Africa sees record growth in FDI

East African countries defied economic turbulence in 2022 to post a 17 percent growth in foreign direct investment, with South Sudan and Kenya seeing the highest percentage increases.

On the contrary, Inflows fell in Southern, Western and Central Africa.

(Business Africa)

13th African Achievers’ Awards honor outstanding Africans today in London

July 14, 2023 News Editor

The much anticipated 2023 African Achievers’ Awards (AAA) and International Summit holds today at the House of Lords, UK Parliament, United Kingdom.

The AAA, in its 13th Edition, in partnership with Reputation Poll International (RPI), has scaled through stages in the build up to the Awards event from the launch of event’s schedule to call for nominations into it’s various categories and announcement of judges.

Lord Woolley was the chair of the Government of the United Kingdom Race Disparity Unit Advisory Group until July 2020. He is first Black Principal of the Homerton College, Cambridge University. Woolley has been a crossbench member of the House of Lords since October 2019.

As with every edition of the Awards ceremony and summit, the AAA will serve as a platform for industry leaders in Africa to converge, and talk strategies towards development sustainability in the African continent. The theme for 2023 is: “Unlocking Sustainable Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa – the PPP Approach” will ensure critical aspects of the conversation is touched.

The selection process of ‘Achievers’ in the various categories for the awards is rigorous. The categories include: Community development, Arts & Culture, Business & Entrepreneurship Agriculture, Community Service, Rural development, Education.

The judges for this year’s edition are: Former President of Mauritius, H.E. Dr. Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim; Cabinet Member for Community Safety,

Dr. Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas OBE, DCL. Chairperson AAA and Former Trade Adviser on Infrastructure at the Department of International Trade (DIT) of the British High Commission in Ghana, Selork Kofi Dake.

Other esteemed members of the jury for the 2023 AAA are: Founder of Wintrade Global, Dr. Yvonne Thompson, CBE, FRSA, Deputy Lieutenant for the King for Greater London and Dr. Rex Idaminabo, FRSA.

On the choice of this year’s theme: “Unlocking Sustainable Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa – the PPP Approach,” Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo, Chief Executive Officer of the African Achievers Awards, reiterated the importance of addressing the challenges in Africa to work towards a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future in Africa.

Some of the notable names who have been laureates at previous editions of the African Achievers Awards include Late Emeritus Arch. Bishop Desmond Tutu; H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Former Chairperson the African Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, former Deputy Secretary-General of The Commonwealth; Dr. Margaret Blick Kigozi, former Executive Director at the Ugandan Sports Authority – who currently works as a consultant at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO);

Others are Divine Ndikhuluka, former Chairperson, Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce; Late Prof. Attah Mills, former President of the Republic of Ghana; Mo Abudu, CEO Ebony Life Television; Late Rilwan Lukeman, former Secretary-General, OPEC; the Kofi Annan Foundation; Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, popularly known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz; amongst many others.