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By Special Correspondent, CMU

In a prestigious recognition of outstanding leadership, the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) has honoured the former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and University of Dar es Salaam Chancellor, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete at the 12th African Persons of the ALM Year Awards 2023 ceremony for his continuous and active engagement with global stakeholders, advocating for peace, security, and sustainable development in Africa.

Dr. Kikwete was presented with the African Peace and Security Leader of the Year award at the event held on 15 March, 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event’s theme was: “Building Resilient African Economies,” and it drew in over 300 attendees, including academics, business executives, industry titans, legislators, investors, and representatives of international development organisations.

Speaking at this event, Dr. Kikwete said that he was very grateful for the award and urged other African leaders to make it priority addressing present challenges including poverty, food insecurity, climate change, diseases, illiteracy, politics conflicts and wars.

“The truth is that I am so much honoured to receive this award which is not only mine but also for all other African leaders such as religious, political, economic leaders and members of security domains, civil servants and ordinary citizens who wake up every day to do their part in ensuring the African continent a better place to live”, said Dr. Kikwete.

The ALM Persons of the Year Awards are Africa’s premier vote-based endorsements, annually reserved for leading Africans contributing to the continent’s progress, positively altering its perceived negative image.

This follows the 2-step selection process which included a call for nominations and an online voting poll that closed at midnight (CAT) on Thursday, 14 December 2023. The 2-step selection process offers an opportunity for Africans from across the globe to be part of the celebrating leaders contributing to Africa’s growth and development.

Significant strides and remarkable contributions

Earlier, in his remarks, the Chairman of the African Leadership Organizations and Publisher of the African Leadership Magazine, Dr. Ken Giami said the winners of the 2023 edition of the ALM Persons of the Year Awards made significant strides and remarkable contributions to the African renaissance in the year under review.

Dr. Giami said the winners’ contributions considered were especially “in driving sustainable development, fostering economic growth and promoting peace and political stability across the continent”.

 Dr. Giami also asserted that “their sacrifices, policies and actions have bolstered regional peace and cooperation, improved healthcare and education, and laid the groundwork for substantial progress, economic growth and human capital development across Africa.”

About ALM Persons of the Year (POTY)

The ALM Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony is a flagship annual event of the African Leadership Magazine, which has been held consecutively over the past 12 years, convening policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and all stakeholders from across Africa and the rest of the world to discuss issues bothering Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.

The event, which features roundtable panel discussions, keynote addresses, talks about partnerships and investments, and high-level networking opportunities, among its main attractions, has become a prestigious platform for honouring people-centred leadership and Africans who are pursuing a pan-African agenda in their chosen fields of endeavour.

About African Leadership Magazine

Published by the African Leadership Organization (UK), the African Leadership Magazine focuses on presenting the best of Africa to a global audience. It shares the African story from an African perspective, offering solutions to current challenges on the continent.

For the past 16 years, the organisation has dedicated itself to promoting impactful leadership and African opportunities globally through quality Afro-positive content, African trade facilitation, market entry solutions, Afro-centric communities, business networking platforms, and public sector training and consulting.