The African Business Chamber (AfBC) unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2025 AfBC African Business Awards at a glamorous ceremony held at the Millennium Conference and Hotel Kensington in central London.The awards evening celebrated outstanding African business leadership and entrepreneurial excellence across 14 diverse categories, including finance, healthcare, technology, professional services, international trade, and social enterprise.
One of the evening’s major highlights was the recognition of Said Adren, CEO of Bank of Africa (BOA UK), who received both the Top 100 Business Leader of the Year award. Other notable winners included Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Fungai Ndemera, Dr. Olusola Idowu, and Juliana Olayinka, among others.
The event welcomed a distinguished audience of dignitaries and diplomats. The keynote address was delivered by His Excellency Johnston Busingye, High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK. Other esteemed guests included:
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H.E. Macenje Mazoka, High Commissioner of Zambia to the UK
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H.E. Dineo Mathlako, Deputy High Commissioner for South Africa
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H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone
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Mawutor N.K. Alifo, Acting Head of Mission, Ghana High Commission
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Ambassador Bello Jaye, Trade Attaché, Nigeria High Commission
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UK MPs Taiwo Owatemi and Bell Ribeiro-Addy
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Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington
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Representatives from the Ethiopian Embassy and Namibian High Commission
The evening also featured dynamic entertainment and live performances that elevated the celebratory atmosphere and created lasting memories for all attendees.
Ruth Adams, Director at AfBC, expressed her appreciation during closing remarks:
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the inaugural AfBC African Business Awards 2025. Congratulations to all nominees and winners for their bold leadership, outstanding achievements, and the powerful impact they are making across the UK and beyond.”
A total of 100 finalists were carefully selected by a judging panel following a rigorous evaluation process. Eleven individuals also received honorary and special recognition awards for their exceptional contributions to African business and community leadership. Honourees included:
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Prof. Gibril Faal OBE
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Dr. Justina Mutale
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Sonny Iroche
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Dr. Chinyere Almona
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Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung
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Dr. Collins Igwe
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Prof. Caroline Makaka
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Dentaa Amoateng MBE
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Edgar Chibaka
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Mr. Juvenal Shiundu
2025 AfBC African Business Award Winners
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Top 100 Business Leader of the Year: Said Adren, CEO, Bank of Africa (BOA UK)
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Business Excellence Award: Edward Obi-Chartered, CEO, HR Hub Plus Limited
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Codilia Gapare, Founder & CEO, Eylure C-Lash
- Startup of the Year: Michaelle Kubwimana, Founder & CEO, Kawah Coffee Ltd
- Technology & Innovation Excellence Award: Dr. Olusola Idowu, Director, HexisLab Limited
- Healthcare Excellence Award: Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Group Assoc. Medical Director, Mid and South Essex NHS
- Creative Industry Excellence Award: Juliana Olayinka, London Bureau Chief, Channels TV
- Financial Services Excellence Award: Jeff Madzingo, Founder & CEO, Diaspora Insurance
- Professional Services Excellence Award: Leslie Owusu, Co-Founder & CEO, Gazelle Global
- Women in Business Excellence Award: Fungai Ndemera – Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, STEM Ambassador
- International Trade Excellence Award: Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO, Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG)
- Social Enterprise Excellence Award: Leah Chikamba-Mulando, CEO, Angels of Hope for Women
- Diaspora Excellence Award: Jabo Butera, CEO, Diversity Business Incubator
- Business of the Year: Bank of Africa UK
To conclude the evening, AfBC announced two major upcoming events:
- UK–Africa Business Forum 2025: 24–25 September 2025, London
- AfBC African Business Awards 2026: 29 May 2026
For more information, visit www.african-chamber.com/afbc-awards