Top economic experts, government officials, entrepreneurs, captains of industry, policymakers, and professionals are set to converge in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, for the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit 2025.
The summit, scheduled from July 4 to 6 at the Marriott Hotel in Kigali, aims to foster discussions on Africa’s economic growth, governance, investment opportunities, and sustainable development, the organisers of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa said.
It aims to showcase and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African leaders and businesses, among other things, to inspire future generations and promote a positive image of Africa globally.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Project Director Africa, for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe celebrated the selected Africans who made the highly enviable Peace Icon list while noting that the summit promotes cross border initiatives that allow Nations to share best practices in areas like agriculture, education and health.
According to the organisers, the summit hopes to drive positive change and economic growth initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and innovation and strengthen governance and education across the African continent.
Among those to be honoured include Egyptian ace footballer Mohammed Salah, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, music superstar Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, renowned investor Femi Otedola, DG WTO Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other notable Africans.
It will also advocate for policy reforms and initiatives that promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in Africa’s public and private sectors.
The platform supports startups, innovators, and small businesses through mentorship and market access. Collaborating with local and international partners and NGOs, it implements community-based projects focused on education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment.
It also offers leadership development workshops, executive training programs, and mentorship opportunities to empower emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.
“Today, we celebrate trailblazers shaping Africa’s future, capturing leaders’ attention across Africa and business Executives.
“There is a pressing need for visionary leadership, strategic governance, transparency, and partnerships to drive positive change and unlock the continent’s full potential”, Amafibe said.
He went on to lament that Africa is grappling with Global economic challenges and stressed the need for open dialogue and strategic partnerships to drive economic transformation.
He highlighted that the event is a dynamic platform for people to come together and explore significant trends, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
Among other confirmed participants are Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo (COZA Global), music stars Tems and Diamond Platnumz, industrialist Tony Elumelu, Munyakazi Sadate, Chief Executive Officer, Karame Rwanda, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Zainab Nasir-Idris, wife of the Kebbi State Governor, and Huriyya Dauda-Lawal, wife of the Zamfara State Governor.
Others who made the list are Nduka Obaigbena (Chairman, Arise Media Group), Mr. Aigboje Imoukhuede (MD, Access Bank), Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Dr. Imane Kendili, Chief Executive Officer of Global Health Morocco, and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube. Others include Dr. Nimi Briggs, Chief Executive Officer of NIMPAT Group, Nigerian star footballer Victor Osimhen, and other African icons.
Discussions at the summit will focus on governance reforms, business capacity development, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital development, all geared toward job creation and youth empowerment across Africa.
Meanwhile, prominent political, business, and traditional leaders will be honoured at the upcoming Aso Prestigious Awards, featuring Aso Cultural Fiesta and being organised by Aso Multimedia.
The list of those to be honoured includes the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the governor of Niger State, Umar Mohammed Bago, his Katsina state counterpart, Dikko Umaru Radda, Hajia Aisha Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi State First Lady, and several others.
The upcoming edition, the 20th Aso Prestigious Award, will feature categories including Man/Woman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Female Personality of the Year, Real Estate Personality of the Year, Governor of the Year, Minister of the Year, Bank of the Year, Business Personality of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Media Icon of the Year, and Special Recognition Awards.
While the Hajia Lami Tumaka will bag Woman of the Year, Wike will be recognised as Man of the Year, Gov Radda of Kastina State, Best performing governor of the Year. Other Awardees include Hon Imaam Suleiman- Ibrahim, Hon Minister for Women’s affairs, Dr Enitan Oteju ibironke, HRH Erelu Pearl Ogbulu, Mr Akinwale Abidakun, Dr Prince Adewale Adedeji, Amb Mubarak Tijjani, Dr Sanusi Bala Turaki, Dr Sa’adatu Adamu, Hajia Aisha Abdulsalam, Mr Mohammed Jammal, Mrs Simisola Adeyemo, Otunba Emmanuel Fayose.
Also, the CEO of Grosvenor Group, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, will be recognised as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. First, Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya (Dr) Aishatu Lami Bala Mohammed, will be recognised as the First Lady of the Year.
The Project Coordinator of the Aso Prestigious Award, Amb Kingsley Tolu Agboola, said it is designed to celebrate Outstanding Achievements and Personalities in the Private and Public sectors who have contributed to Nigeria’s development.
Other activities expected during the Aso Prestigious Awards 2025 include Aso Cultural Fiesta 2025, Art and crafts Exhibition, Cultural displays, fashion Shows, Music and Comedy and more.
Agboola explained that this year’s edition will be held on Friday, June 13th, at 6 p.m. at The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Asokoro, Abuja.
