The African Business Chamber (AfBC) hosted the 2025 AfBC African Business Awards at the Millennium Conference and Hotel Kensington in central London, honouring excellence in African business leadership and entrepreneurship across 14 categories.
The awards recognised individuals and organisations making significant contributions in fields such as finance, healthcare, technology, professional services, international trade, and social enterprise.
A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of Said Adren, CEO of Bank of Africa (BOA UK), who received the Top 100 Business Leader of the Year award. Other notable winners included Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Fungai Ndemera, Dr. Olusola Idowu, and Juliana Olayinka.
The event drew a distinguished audience of diplomats, government representatives, and community leaders. His Excellency Johnston Busingye, High Commissioner of Rwanda to the UK, delivered the keynote address. Other notable attendees included:
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H.E. Macenje Mazoka, High Commissioner of Zambia to the UK
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H.E. Dineo Mathlako, Deputy High Commissioner for South Africa
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H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone
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Mawutor N.K. Alifo, Acting Head of Mission, Ghana High Commission
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Ambassador Bello Jaye, Trade Attaché, Nigerian High Commission
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UK MPs Taiwo Owatemi and Bell Ribeiro-Addy
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Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington
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Representatives from the Ethiopian Embassy and the Namibian High Commission
The evening featured live performances and entertainment, creating a festive and memorable experience.
In her closing remarks, Ruth Adams, Director at AfBC, expressed gratitude to participants and supporters:
“Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the inaugural AfBC African Business Awards 2025. Congratulations to all nominees and winners for their bold leadership and impactful contributions across the UK and beyond.”
A panel of judges selected 100 finalists through a competitive evaluation process. Additionally, 11 individuals received honorary awards for outstanding service to African business and community leadership. These honourees included:
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Prof. Gibril Faal OBE
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Dr. Justina Mutale
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Sonny Iroche
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Dr. Chinyere Almona
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Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung
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Dr. Collins Igwe
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Prof. Caroline Makaka
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Dentaa Amoateng MBE
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Edgar Chibaka
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Mr. Juvenal Shiundu
2025 AfBC African Business Award Winners
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Top 100 Business Leader of the Year: Said Adren, CEO, Bank of Africa (BOA UK)
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Business Excellence Award: Edward Obi-Chartered, CEO, HR Hub Plus Limited
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Entrepreneur of the Year: Codilia Gapare, Founder & CEO, Eylure C-Lash
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Startup of the Year: Michaelle Kubwimana, Founder & CEO, Kawah Coffee Ltd
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Technology & Innovation Excellence Award: Dr. Olusola Idowu, Director, HexisLab Limited
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Healthcare Excellence Award: Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Mid and South Essex NHS
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Creative Industry Excellence Award: Juliana Olayinka, London Bureau Chief, Channels TV
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Financial Services Excellence Award: Jeff Madzingo, Founder & CEO, Diaspora Insurance
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Professional Services Excellence Award: Leslie Owusu, Co-Founder & CEO, Gazelle Global
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Women in Business Excellence Award: Fungai Ndemera, Entrepreneur and STEM Ambassador
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International Trade Excellence Award: Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO, Critical Minerals Africa Group
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Social Enterprise Excellence Award: Leah Chikamba-Mulando, CEO, Angels of Hope for Women
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Diaspora Excellence Award: Jabo Butera, CEO, Diversity Business Incubator
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Business of the Year: Bank of Africa UK
Upcoming Events
AfBC announced the following major events:
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UK–Africa Business Forum 2025: 24–25 September 2025, London
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AfBC African Business Awards 2026: 29 May 2026
