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The 2009 African Business Awards culminated in a gala ceremony held in London on 6 July 2009 organised by African Business magazine and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC). The event was attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame as well as other African government officials and leaders.

Kagame presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Pascal Dozie, who was honoured for his contribution to the development of the private sector in Nigeria. African Business of the Year went to Equity Bank while Cyril Ramaphosa, executive chairman of Shanduka, won the Business Leader of the Year. Maria Ramos, CEO of Absa received the Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year Award from Baroness Amos.

Rama Sithanen, deputy prime minister of Mauritius, picked up the Award for Most Improved Investment Climate on behalf of his country. Two new awards, Best Agricultural Development and Tourism Destination of the Year went to Malawi and Morocco respectively for their exceptional performances.

The event was co-hosted by African Business magazine and the CBC, and sponsored by BHP Billiton, Ecobank, IGI and Laurent Perrier. The awards also partnered with the Alliance for a Green Revolution (AGRA) and was supported by the African Development Bank. A panel of judges selected winners in eight categories from a pool of nominees that came from all over the African continent. The winners of the four remaining categories were selected by the advisory board comprising of the editorial team of African Business magazine, various associations and experts from the CBC.

One of the nominees commented: “It was very competitive since most of Africa's top players in business are here tonight. I am truly honoured to have been recognised by the prestigious African Business magazine in front of this impressive international audience!”

Omar Ben Yedder, associate group publisher of African Business magazine, the organiser of the event said: “We had here in London tonight an impressive gathering of African leaders, from business, government, investors, Africa watchers as well as members of civil society. We have celebrated the good and the great of Africa and it is encouraging that this list is getting longer and the pool of talent from which to choose larger, year on year.”

Dr. Mohan Kaul, CEO of the CBC, stressed the importance of these awards: “At a time of economic turmoil and uncertainty, awards such as these become even more important. The African Business Awards contribute to the reappraisal of Africa's economic potential through a competition that recognises business innovation and achievement, and offers role models for aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Afif Ben Yedder, publisher of African Business added: “Investments in Africa are safe and very profitable. The opportunities for the private sector are limitless in all sectors of the economy and not only in telecoms or banking. Africa continues to grow at a fast rate despite the slowdown. The African Business Awards have become a major event to promote the continent and give a greater visibility to the most successful business leaders and best enterprises of the year in Africa.”

IC Publications holds two annual awards ceremonies. The next one will be the African Banker Awards which will coincide with the IMF-World Bank meetings, which this year will take place on 5 October 2009 in Istanbul.

African Business Awards 2009 winners

Award for Governance

Lagos State, Nigeria

Tourism Destination of the Year

Morocco

Airline of the Year

Ethiopian Airlines

Best Global Business in Africa

Diageo

Award for Most Improved Investment Climate

Mauritius

Lifetime Achievement

Pascal Dozie, Founder and Chairman Diamond Group & Chairman, MTN Nigeria

Best Corporate Social Responsibility

Standard Chartered Bank

Telecoms Company of the Year

MTN

Award for Best Agricultural Development

Malawi

Outstanding Businesswoman

Maria Ramos, CEO, Absa

Business Leader of the Year

Cyril Ramaphosa, Executive Chairman, Shanduka

African Business of the Year

Equity Bank, Kenya

For more information, go to www.theafricanbusinessawards.com

Souce:www.bizcommunity.com

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