London, UK – 11 July 2025 – The 15th edition of the African Achievers Awards (AAA) took centre stage at the iconic Peers Dining Hall, House of Lords, UK Parliament, uniting a constellation of influential voices from royalty and government to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and global leadership in a landmark celebration of African excellence, vision, and transformative change.
Graciously hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and respected member of the House of Lords, the event honoured individuals and institutions that are actively shaping Africa’s future through courage, innovation, and service to humanity.
The evening opened with a warm reception and elegant violin performances, followed by a stirring opening remark from Baroness Uddin, Vice Chair of the Commonwealth APPG. Dr. Susan Fajana Thomas OBE, Chair of the AAA Advisory Board, delivered the welcome address, underscoring the importance of unity, visionary leadership, and a pan-African agenda of progress.
Keynote addresses by His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Queen Olori Atuwatse III brought depth and inspiration, highlighting the urgency of preserving African cultural heritage, fostering integrity in leadership, and building a united, future-facing continent.
Adding to the global dimension of the evening, Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, delivered a heartfelt goodwill message. He emphasized the vital role of sustainability, inclusive leadership, and global collaboration, encouraging African changemakers to continue leading boldly on climate action and innovation.
2025 African Achievers Honourees:
This year’s honourees reflect an extraordinary spectrum of leadership bridging public service, business, faith, and advocacy to drive real impact across Africa and the diaspora:
• Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia – Executive Governor, Benue State, Nigeria: Merging faith, policy, and transformative governance.
• Her Excellency Amb. Prof. (Mrs) Olufolake Abdulrazaq – First Lady of Kwara State & Chair, Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum: Championing women’s health, education, and family empowerment across Nigeria.
• Mustapha Njie – CEO, TAF Africa: Real estate visionary building sustainable communities across the continent.
• SHC Alex Alegieuno Omiogbemi – GMD, Rainbow Group & Philanthropist: Driving inclusive development through enterprise and giving.
• Electina Wasike Wanyoike – Senior Accountant, Government of Kenya: Leading with integrity in public sector finance.
• Khalil Halilu – CEO, NASENI: Advancing Africa’s tech infrastructure and industrial innovation.
• Candace V. Mitchell – CEO, MYAVANA: Transforming the beauty tech landscape through AI and data science.
• Apostle Ernestina Diogo Matias – Spiritual Leader, Pentecostal Church of Faith: Guiding lives through compassion, healing, and spiritual leadership.
• Zurina Saban – General Counsel, Africa50: Legal strategist powering Africa’s infrastructure renaissance.
• Isha Johansen – Former FA President, Sierra Leone: A global trailblazer for women in sports and community development.
• Angela Jide Jones – MD/CEO, Sewa Capital: Breaking barriers in finance and investment advisory.
• Dr. Vumile Msweli – CEO, Hesed Consulting: Elevating African talent through career development and strategic leadership.
• Tracey Abiola – Founder, OAPay: Fintech entrepreneur advancing remittance solutions and financial access.
• Ezekiel Solesi – Founder, LIMBsimple: Personal development champion empowering young African leaders.
• His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf – Governor, Kano State (represented): Advocating for inclusive growth and transparency in governance.
• Francis Ben Kaifala – Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission, Sierra Leone: Pioneering anti-corruption reforms with bold leadership.
Distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the UK, also shared powerful goodwill messages, reinforcing the global importance of African leadership and the Awards’ role in international diplomacy and cultural bridge-building.
In closing, Dr. Rex Idaminabo, Founder of the African Achievers Awards, remarked:
“Tonight, we honour not only achievement, but the character behind the achievement. These leaders are proof that the African spirit is bold, resilient, and deeply committed to a legacy greater than self.”
Now in its 15th year, the African Achievers Awards remains one of the continent’s most respected and impactful platforms for celebrating leadership, excellence, and the enduring potential of Africa and its people.
