A Night of Business Excellence: The Inaugural AfBC Awards 2025

In a remarkable celebration of excellence and innovation, the African Business Chamber (AfBC) held its inaugural Annual African Business Awards and it is no doubt that, that particular night will be remembered for years to come. With over 250 distinguished guests in attendance, the event was not just a gathering; it was a powerful proof to the potential of the African business community.

As guests arrived, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation. The elegance of the venue, paired with the brilliant minds of Africa's business leaders, set the stage for an unforgettable night. The evening kicked off with inspirational speeches that resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the hard work and dedication that fuels their success.

The highlight of the evening was the powerful keynote address delivered by His Excellency Johnston Busingye, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Kingdom. His words ignited a sense of pride and motivation among the attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and vision in navigating the future of African business.

As the night unfolded, the AfBC took a moment to celebrate the extraordinary nominees and award winners, whose contributions have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Each award represented not just individual success, but a collective stride toward excellence within the African business community.

The prestigious awards included:
- Top 100 Business Leader of the Year: Said ADREN
- Business Excellence Award: Edward Obi Chartered FCIPD, MIRP, TechIOSH
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Cody Gapare (CMgr MCMI MBA)
- Startup and New Business of the Year Award: Michaelle Kubwimana
- Technology and Innovation Excellence Award: Olusola (Sola) Idowu
- Healthcare Excellence Award: Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi
- Creative Industry Excellence Award: Juliana Olayinka


- Financial Services Excellence Award: Jeff Madzingo
- Professional Services Excellence Award: Leslie Owusu
- Women in Business (WIB) Excellence Award: Fungai Ndemera
- International Trade Excellence Award: Veronica B.
- Social Enterprise Excellence Award: Leah Chikamba-Mulando
- Diaspora Excellence Award: Jabo Butera
- Business of the Year Award: Bank Of Africa UK

The evening was further enriched by uplifting entertainment and live performances that brought smiles and laughter, creating a festive atmosphere that encouraged networking. Guests shared ideas, forged new connections, and celebrated a shared vision for the future of African business.



But the excitement doesn’t stop here. The AfBC is already gearing up for the next Annual African Business Awards, set to take place on Friday, 29 May 2026. Planning is underway to make this event even more impactful, and attendees are encouraged to save the date and secure their places early. https://lnkd.in/gsXz9WJA

As we look forward to the next awards, let’s carry the momentum and inspiration from this night into our future endeavors. Together, we can achieve greatness.