In a powerful display of global unity and pan-African leadership, the 15th African Achievers Awards took place on July 11, 2025, inside one of the world’s most historic political institutions — the Peers Dining Hall at the UK Parliament’s House of Lords.
The event, hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, brought together an elite constellation of African royalty, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and international dignitaries. For the first time in its 15-year history, the Awards were held within the seat of British political power, underscoring the increasing relevance of African leadership on the world stage and the growing appetite for cross-continental collaboration.
The African Achievers Awards were established to recognize and celebrate individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the development and transformation of Africa. With honourees spanning governance, technology, finance, education, public service, and spiritual leadership, this year’s ceremony was not just a celebration, but a diplomatic statement.
Dr. Rex Idaminabo, the visionary founder of the African Achievers Awards, delivered closing remarks that captured the evening’s historic weight. According to Dr. Idaminabo, the ceremony was not only about spotlighting success, but about honoring the strength of character behind it. He shared that bringing the Awards to the UK Parliament was more than a symbolic gesture — it was a moment of global significance. In his words, for one night, the House of Lords became a house of African legacy, pride, and potential.
Dr. Idaminabo further emphasized that the Awards platform is evolving into a movement that seeks to connect Africa’s most dynamic leaders with new global partnerships. He shared plans to expand the Awards into a space for broader engagement — including international policy forums, youth development programs, and strategic convenings aimed at fostering innovation and economic inclusion across Africa and the diaspora.
The evening began with an elegant reception featuring violin performances and opening addresses from Baroness Uddin, Vice Chair of the Commonwealth All-Party Parliamentary Group, and Dr. Susan Fajana Thomas OBE, Chair of the Awards Advisory Board. Both leaders stressed the importance of African unity, intergenerational leadership, and the need for cross-sector collaboration.
Keynote speakers included His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Queen Olori Atuwatse III. Both monarchs used their platforms to highlight the urgency of preserving African cultural heritage, investing in ethical governance, and building a united, prosperous continent that is future-facing.
Adding a global dimension, Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the City of London. He praised African innovation and encouraged deeper collaboration on climate action, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
This year’s honourees reflected a rich and diverse tapestry of leadership and impact. Among them were:
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, Nigeria, who has blended faith-based leadership with transformative public policy
- Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State and Chair of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, recognized for her advocacy in women’s health and family empowerment
- Mustapha Njie, CEO of TAF Africa, whose real estate ventures are creating sustainable communities across the continent
- Candace V. Mitchell, CEO of MYAVANA, leading in beauty tech innovation with AI-driven hair care solutions
- Khalil Halilu, CEO of NASENI, pushing forward Africa’s tech and industrial future
- Angela Jide Jones, Managing Director and CEO of Sewa Capital, breaking new ground in financial services
- Francis Ben Kaifala, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Sierra Leone, whose bold reforms have become a model for transparency in governance
Other awardees included corporate executives, spiritual leaders, legal strategists, fintech entrepreneurs, and trailblazers in sports, all selected for their significant contributions to society and their respective industries.
One of the most compelling voices of the evening came from Busie Matsiko, President of the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce. As a business leader focused on connecting Africa with global markets, she described the event as a powerful reminder of the continent’s strategic value. She noted that Africa is a land of tremendous opportunity, especially given its youthful population and rapidly evolving economic landscape. According to Matsiko, the evening was a strong signal that Africa is no longer emerging — it is ready.
Messages of goodwill from international dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the UK, reinforced the Awards’ growing role in fostering diplomacy and cultural exchange. The presence of senior UK government officials and Commonwealth leaders further highlighted the geopolitical importance of the Awards and their growing global recognition.
The decision to host this year’s ceremony at the UK Parliament was more than ceremonial. It served as a strategic act of positioning , placing African leadership, vision, and innovation within the heart of one of the world’s oldest and most respected democratic institutions. For many attendees, the setting amplified the sense of urgency and possibility. It was a moment of both reflection and projection, looking back at how far the continent has come and forward to what it still has the power to shape.
As the African Achievers Awards looks ahead to its next chapter, it is clear that the platform is becoming much more than an annual ceremony. It is emerging as a global force — one that blends recognition with responsibility, and prestige with purpose.
For African leaders and their allies across the globe, the message from London is clear. Africa is not waiting to be included in the future. It is actively creating it.
