The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), organised by African Leadership Magazine, recognises individuals and institutions driving positive change in Africa’s business and economic sectors. Photor courtesy ABLA
The African Leadership Magazine has announced the winners of the 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), with several East African individuals and institutions earning top honours.
The awards, based on a rigorous four-stage selection process, highlight the role of leadership in linking business performance with broader public good.
Winners were selected through a points-based system that weighted global online voting at 65% and verified documentation at 35%, including evidence of institutional growth, innovation, sustainability, and measurable impact.
This year’s awards reflect a growing intersection between business leadership and social responsibility, with East African honourees recognised for contributions in energy regulation, inclusive finance, public sector accountability, and enterprise development.
A Strong Showing from Kenya
Kenya emerged with notable representation across both public and private categories.
Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), received the Special Commendation Award for Regulatory Excellence.
Under his leadership, EPRA has focused on cost-reflective energy pricing and increased sector transparency.
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Energy, the country’s installed electricity capacity surpassed 3,000 MW in 2024, with EPRA overseeing sector compliance and investment regulation during this expansion.
Esther Muchemi, CEO of the Samchi Group, was named African Female Business Leader of the Year.
Samchi Group spans telecommunications, microfinance, and real estate.
Muchemi has been vocal about the need for financial inclusion and women-led enterprise, with Samchi’s micro-lending platform known for its broad reach and significant impact on numerous clients across Kenya.
In the corporate space, Bidco Africa was named African Company of the Year. The firm has expanded into multiple consumer goods sectors and increased regional exports.
Bidco has also made investments in agro-processing that support smallholder supply chains, contributing to both rural livelihoods and local manufacturing.
Tanzania and Somalia Also Represented
Tanzania’s private sector also received attention.
Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi, CEO of KOM Group, was named Co-Winner in the African Female Business Leader of the Year category.
KOM Group has interests in construction, finance, and energy, and has promoted regional trade partnerships and SME engagement.
Ally Edha Awadh, CEO of Lake Oil Group, was recognised as Industry Personality of the Year. Lake Oil is one of Tanzania’s largest petroleum trading firms and has operations in several African countries.
Awadh has previously advocated for improving cross-border fuel trade efficiency through better infrastructure and harmonised regulation.
From Somalia, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh was one of three winners in the African Finance Minister of the Year category.
Egeh has led efforts to rebuild Somalia’s public finance system, including domestic revenue mobilisation and improved budget transparency.
His tenure has seen the country reach the HIPC Completion Point in December 2023.
According to the IMF, Somalia cleared its arrears with the World Bank and IMF in 2020, a critical milestone that enabled the subsequent reforms and debt relief process under which Egeh has further restructured its tax code and payroll systems.”
Regional Recognition with Broader Impact
The awards also featured co-winners from countries in the greater East Africa region.
In South Sudan, Marial Dongrin Ater, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, was recognised for his role in stabilising public finances during a period of economic transition.
His ministry has overseen reforms in oil revenue management and fiscal transparency in coordination with international financial institutions.
From Ethiopia, Jemal Ahmed Abdu, CEO of MIDROC Investment Group PLC, was named Co-Winner of Industry Personality of the Year.
MIDROC is a major player in Ethiopia’s industrial and construction sectors, having supported several infrastructure projects aligned with the country’s growth goals.
Ethiopian Airlines, often cited for its efficiency and profitability, was named African Brand of the Year.
It is Africa’s largest airline by fleet size and revenue, and continues to expand its regional and international routes.
The airline also runs a training academy that supplies aviation professionals across the continent.
The Business–Social Impact Link
While the ABLA awards do not exclusively recognize charitable activities, many of the winners operate at the intersection of business leadership and social impact, advocate for improved public services, responsible corporate growth, or more equitable market access.
For instance, microfinance platforms like those run by Samchi Group help bridge credit gaps for small businesses and informal traders.
Public regulators like EPRA ensure fair competition and energy security in a market essential to economic stability.
Meanwhile, corporate actors like Bidco Africa and Lake Oil influence supply chains that employ thousands and affect consumer prices.
These outcomes align with broader development objectives, such as access to finance, job creation, and improved infrastructure, without relying solely on public funding or external aid.
A Measured Recognition Model
The ABLA framework emphasizes verifiable outcomes.
The scoring method—65% from public voting and 35% from supporting documentation—aims to balance public perception with tangible results.
This approach ensures that recognition is not based solely on visibility or influence but also on what can be measured: growth, innovation, regulatory improvements, or service expansion.
As Dr. Ken Giami, Founder and CEO of the African Leadership Organisation, noted:
“On behalf of the Board, we warmly congratulate the winners of ABLA 2025 for their unwavering commitment, groundbreaking achievements, and visionary leadership. Their exemplary contributions are not only transforming Africa’s business landscape but also inspiring a new era of sustainable growth and opportunity across the continent.”
Looking Ahead
The award ceremony will take place on July 9–10, 2025, in London, at The Landmark Hotel and the UK House of Lords, as part of the Africa Summit London 2025.
Honourees will also be featured in the upcoming ABLA 2025 Honourees Edition of the African Leadership Magazine.
This year’s East African winners reflect a practical approach to leadership—one that values efficiency, reform, and market-based solutions to persistent economic and social challenges.
Their selection speaks not only to personal or institutional success but also to the broader effort to align business and governance with inclusive development.
About the African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA)
The African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA), organised by African Leadership Magazine, recognises individuals and institutions driving positive change in Africa’s business and economic sectors.
Honorees are selected through a four-stage process combining public nominations, editorial screening, global online voting, and a final review based on verified impact.
The awards aim to spotlight practical leadership in both public and private sectors, with a focus on governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
