A Who's Who of the African business world: the first CBC-African Business Awards ceremony, held in London in July attracted over 450 participants from all over the world. It is now likely to become one of the major London-based African calendar events in the future.The first ever CBC--African Business Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel The Grosvenor House Hotel is one of the largest and most famous luxury hotels in London. It was built in the 1920s on the site of the former London residence of the Dukes of Westminster, whose family name is Grosvenor. in London's fashionable West End, attracted a veritable Who's Who Who’s Who biographical dictionary of notable living people. [Am. Hist.: Hart, 922] See : Fame of the African business world. Over 450 invitees poured in from practically every country in Africa and there was a distinguished gathering from the major diaspora locations--the UK and the rest of Europe and the US. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CBC--African Business Awards ceremony was the biggest African event in London since africa95-a major cultural and performance event. The awards are now set to become a significant annual milestone in the African seasonal calendar in Europe. The Second African Banker Awards, scheduled for October in Washington D.C. will complete the IC awards programme. A principal aim of the awards, in addition to recognising and highlighting the achievements of Africa's champion entrepreneurs, is to bring creative and practical Africans together in one venue. The subsequent cross-fertilization of ideas and concepts in a freewheeling free·wheel·ing adj. 1. a. Free of restraints or rules in organization, methods, or procedure. b. Heedless of consequences; carefree. 2. Relating to or equipped with a free wheel. atmosphere can, one hopes, lead to the explosion of creative energy that Nelson Mandela Noun 1. Nelson Mandela - South African statesman who was released from prison to become the nation's first democratically elected president in 1994 (born in 1918) Mandela, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has called for in pursuit of the African Renaissance The African Renaissance is a concept popularized by South African President Thabo Mbeki in which the African people and nations are called upon to solve the many problems troubling the African continent. . On the night itself, the CBC-African Business Awards ceremony was a combination of suitable pomp POMP n. A drug used in cancer chemotherapy and composed of purinethol (6-mercaptopurine), Oncovin (vincristine sulfate), methotrexate, and prednisone. and a very welcome African informality. The now seemingly mandatory electronic screens showed the event in close-up to the audience and also provided background information while the hard pressed Master of Ceremonies, Charles Ajayi-Khiran did his best to stick to the programme timings. But this was a celebratory, joyous event. With finalists coming from 16 categories, there was plenty of good cheer right from the beginning. This was the time to see and be seen. The ladies were dazzling in their wonderfully exotic constumes and headgears and all the men were turned out very smartly indeed. To the MC's consternation, people dashed about in between announcements, pressing flesh here, hugging somebody there. It resembled a very large family party at times and underscored the sense that no matter which country we come from or where we live, we are all Africans at heart. Afif Ben Yedder, IC Group Publisher, set the tone with an emotional but humorous speech that tried to condense con·dense v. con·densed, con·dens·ing, con·dens·es v.tr. 1. To reduce the volume or compass of. 2. To make more concise; abridge or shorten. 3. Physics a. 45 years of the group's history into a 10-minute slot. (See box). Dr Mohan Kaul, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. and director general of the Commonwealth Business Council which co-organised the event, underlined the importance of the awards by saying: "Today the continent boasts world-class companies and leaders but their names are not well known nor their achievements celebrated." Not any longer. Since the African Business and African Banker awards are international in nature and presented at what can only be described as 'world centres' in London and Washington, African achievements will no longer hide their light under bushels. The names of several outstanding African business leaders now reverberate re·ver·ber·ate v. re·ver·ber·at·ed, re·ver·ber·at·ing, re·ver·ber·ates v.intr. 1. To resound in a succession of echoes; reecho. 2. throughout the global business worlds. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But as Ben Yedder pointed out in his speech, "If one son of an African from Kenya can become the next president of the most powerful country in the world, there is no doubt in my mind that this century will the Century of Africa ... But our governments and our ambassadors don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. how to brand and sell our countries to the world." It is no good complaining of poor coverage in the foreign press if we don't set out to sell and market ourselves. If countries like the US, Japan and now increasingly China are spending billions on trying to ensure a positive image, why are we still skulking behind grey bureaucratic fences? At any rate, the private sector in Africa is never backward in coming forward, as they say. This is a wonderful change of culture from the grim days of state-owned enterprises with their cults of petty secrecy. Today, successful companies want the whole world to know about them and they are not hanging about waiting to be 'discovered'. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Western companies have milked mass exposure and thus branding for centuries and made fortunes in the bargain and now emerging markets are waking-up to the huge benefits mass recognition brings to any enterprise. The awards help towards the same objective. Nominees and winners immediately come to the attention of the rest of the continent and beyond. Their activities, innovations, successes and even failures are discussed and analysed. Companies and individuals compare and contrast. There is a synthesis of ideas and approaches, not to mention admiration and a wish to emulate. In sum, awards such as these generate new energy, raise the bar of achievement and make everything seem possible. No one can ask for more. Nominees and winners The list of final nominees in 16 categories produced a reasonably accurate cross-section of the best performing companies across the continent. The nominees in each category also reflected the relative development of their national economies. Thus the larger, more sophisticated economies tended to throw up more nominees and eventually winners than their less developed peers. In hindsight, the identities of the nominees did not come as a surprise--outstanding companies and performances anywhere are rare enough. However, some of the decisions of the judges in terms of eventual winners in each category did create a degree of surprise, even astonishment. But this is part and parcel of the process and everybody accepted the judges final decisions with good grace and the vow to reenter re·en·ter also re-en·ter v. re·en·tered, re·en·ter·ing, re·en·ters v.tr. 1. To enter or come in to again. 2. To record again on a list or ledger. v.intr. strongly next year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It was wonderful to see the Prime Ministers of Cameroon and Lesotho, Ephraim Inoni and Bethuel Mosisili presenting awards. Stephen Hayes
(2) (Compatible Communications A , Neville Isdell, chairman of Coca Cola Noun 1. Coca Cola - Coca Cola is a trademarked cola Coke cola, dope - carbonated drink flavored with extract from kola nuts (`dope' is a southernism in the United States) and other distinguished diplomats and businesspeople also added to the luster of the evening by presenting awards. Anglo-American enjoyed an astounding a·stound tr.v. a·stound·ed, a·stound·ing, a·stounds To astonish and bewilder. See Synonyms at surprise. [From Middle English astoned, past participle of astonen, evening picking up no less than three awards. Ecobank and MTN MTN A short-form for Medium Term Note. MTN Medium term notes issued by corporations, much like shorter-term commercial paper. MTN See medium-term note (MTN). picked up two awards each while Kenya's Bamburi Cement Bamburi Cement is one of sub-saharan Africa's largest cement producers. The company is listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and its name is abbreviated to BCC. Bamburi has operations in Mombasa and Nairobi. It is headquartered in Nairobi. , one of my own favourite companies, won the Best Corporate Citizenship Corporate Citizenship The extent to which businesses are socially responsible in meeting legal, ethical and economic responsibilities placed on them by shareholders. The aim it to create higher standards of living and quality of life in the community in which it operates, while award. (See full list of winners). Amid great anticipation, the individual awards went to Arnold Ekpe, the CEO of Ecobank and Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, chair of the Nigeria Stock exchange. Ekpe was selected Business Leader of the Year from a field that included Aliko Dangote Aliko Dangote is a businessman based in Nigeria. He is the owner of the Dangote Group, which has operations in Nigeria and several other countries in West Africa. A wealthy supporter of erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo and the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), Dangote (Dangote Group), Tony Elumelu (UBA UBA Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina) UBA Umweltbundesamt (German: Federal Environment Agency) UBA Ubiquitin-Associated UBA Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc UBA Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc. ), Patrice Motscpe (African Rainbow Minerals), Isaad Rebrab (Cevital) and NassefSawaris (Orascom Construction Industries). Madam Okereke-Onyiuke won the Businesswoman of the Year award from a short list that also had Sylvia Banda (Sylvia Food Solutions), Dr Cecilia Ibru (Oceanic Bank), Wendy Luhabu (IDG IDG International Data Group IDG Integrated Drive Generator IDG Installation Design Guide IDG Internet Discussion Group IDG Inset Dielectric Guide IDG International Dangerous Goods (mail, shipping) ), Nku Nyembezi-Hweita (ArcelorMittal SA) and Evelyn Oputu (Bank of Industry). The Lifetime Achievement award went to the one and only Mo Ibrahim Mohamed "Mo" Ibrahim (born 1946) is a Sudanese-born British mobile communications entrepreneur. He worked for several other telecommunications companies before founding Celtel. , the founder of Celtel. RELATED ARTICLE: The African century The African Century is a term that has a variety of meanings. First, the term expresses the belief that the 21st century will bring peace, prosperity and cultural revival to Africa, or is used to draw attention to the need of such an evolution. Awards Extracts from Afif ben Yedder's speech We are here in the financial capital of the world to celebrate Africa as a successful continent. A continent with impressive economic growth. We are here tonight to honour the successful African entrepreneurs, the men and women who are behind the economic and social development of the continent. I would like to share two ideas and a love story with you. The first is about publishing in Africa and the second about the image of Africa. Around this time 45 years ago, I was passionately, madly in love. I was 23 years old and I had just left university. I was in love with my companion and wife Emena whom I had known two years earlier. I also fell in love at the same with journalism and publishing. This, I think, I inherited from my mother who also has a love affair with books. You will always find my mum reading magazines and books, even now, despite her failing sight. And finally, I fell in love with Africa, the continent of my birth. My country, Tunisia was the famous Carthage of history. Before that, it was called Afriqiya which than became the name the name given to the whole continent. I had spent three months travelling around Africa.--and I have never stopped since. I am still as much in love today with my wife, my profession and Africa as I was 45 years ago. The flame is even brighter. After graduating from university, my destiny was to become a journalist and a publisher, specialising on Africa. Our mission was very simple: We wanted to give the continent the high quality publications it deserves. We wanted to publish pan-African magazines which could compare with the best in the world. Later, we naturally expanded into other fields of the communication industry. we put our expertise and know-how in publishing and communications at the service of our long term African partners. We help them in their communications strategy and in promoting their brands. We also organise conferences and events to give a high profile to Africa's major players in business and government. The African image We want to portray the new image of Africa. We will be soon one billion people in the continent. And the new generation of Africans are changing the face of Africa. They went to the best universities in Africa Universities in Africa, along with many in the developing world, face problems like fast-growing student numbers and competition from unregulated degree programmes. Overcrowding has forced institutions like Uganda's Makerere University to hold lectures in shifts, with classes held and in the world. They are bright, they are successful and they are among the best in the world. They are making a huge contribution to the development of our countries. If one son of an African from Kenya can become the next president of the most powerful country of the world, there is no doubt in my mind that this century will be the Century of Africa. We represent the last frontier. How can we make it happen? Our governments and our ambassadors don't know how to brand and sell our countries to the world. So the challenge is really for the private sector in Africa to intervene and fill the gap. It is up to us all, each and every one of us to improve the image of the continent. We want to attract more investments and more tourists. All of us have a responsibility to act now and make a change, we need to make the voice of Africa heard loud and clear. Only us, the sons and daughters of Africa can do it. We at IC are ready to help make this happen. And your help is necessary to make it happen. RELATED ARTICLE: A job very well done Organising committee Organising an event of this magnitude involving high profile people from virtually around the world was always going to be a significant challenge. Associate Publisher Omar Ben Yedder from the IC side and Steve Godfrey from the CBC (1) (Cell Broadcast Center) See cell broadcast. (2) (Cipher Block Chaining) In cryptography, a mode of operation that combines the ciphertext of one block with the plaintext of the next block. and their teams rose to the task magnificently. The IC team consisted of: Isabelle Dana, African Business Awards co-ordinator, Michael Messam, Anna Rosenberg, Carole Lambert, Anna Saenen, Alex Enahoro and Lea Jabre. The CBC team consisted of Daniela Severino, Sharon Stephenson and Coralie Castel. Christian Udechukwu, the managing director of Business in Africa Events took personal charge of several aspects of the organisation supported admirably by Lorraine Samuel. The creative talents of graphic designer Carlo Nicolaou and Clement Huelse (webmaster) ensured first class communications at all times. The editor, the editorial staff, correspondents and advertising staff of African Business magazine send heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the organising committee of the first African Business Awards for a job very well done. We are all eagerly looking forward to the event next year. RELATED ARTICLE: CBC - AFRICAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2008 WINNERS 1. Best Efforts towards Improving Investment Climate Ghana 2. Award for Technological Innovation Ecobank 3. African Businesswoman of the Year Prof Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke OON, Director General Nigeria Stock Exchange 4. African Brand of the Year MTN 5. Best Corporate Citizenship/Social Responsbility Bamburi Cement, Kenya 6. Lifetime achievement Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Celtel and Chairman, Mo Ibrahim Foundation 7. Award for Gender Sensitivity Anglo American 8. Leader in Reducing Digital Divide Submarine Cable See Telegraph. See See also: Cable Submarine 9. Leader in Social Innovation Small Enterprise Foundation--South Africa 10. Leader in Contributing to Achieving MDGS MDGS Michigan Dairy Goat Society MDGS Maryland Geological Survey Anglo-American 11. Best SME (1) (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) See SMB. (2) (Subject Matter Expert) An individual who is well-versed in the policies and procedures of a particular department or division. Africa Invest, Malawi 12. Telecoms Company in Africa Celtel/Zain 13. Airline of the Year South African Airways South African Airways (SAA) is South Africa's largest domestic and international airline company, with hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It is also known in Afrikaans as Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens (SAL) 14. Best Global Business in Africa Anglo-American 15. African Business Leader of the Year Arnold Ekpe, CEO, Ecobank 16. African Business of the Year MTN SPONSORS Zenith Bank, IGI IGI International Genealogical Index IGI International Gemological Institute IGI I'm Going In IGI I Get It IGI Institute of Geologists of Ireland IGI Inspector General for Investigations IGI Institution Gang Investigator (prisons) , African Development Bank Above: Everyone a winner. From left to right: Tito Alai (Celtel/Zain); Farooq Oreagba (Nigeria Stock Exchange); Tabita Wood (Africa Invest); Clever Gatete (Rwanda's Ambassador to uk); Jill Beck Jill Beck (born 1949) is an American dancer, scholar, administrator and educator. She is the 15th and current president of Lawrence University. A native of Worcester, Massachusetts, Jill Beck received her B.A. in philosophy and art history from Clark University, an M.A. (South African Airlways); Simon Rutter, Edward Bickham and Vivian Pratt (Anglo American); and Ibironke Wilson and Christophe Joctane-Lawson |
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