The Director-General of World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will get an award at the 2024 African Heritage Awards (AHA) for advancing the image of African women in leadership.
The Chairman of Heritage Times and the organisers of the event, Mr Moses Siasia, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the second edition of the awards would hold in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 13.
According to him, the pan-African event is a gathering to celebrate and recognise outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and in the Diaspora.
“The award focuses people in areas of Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment & Arts, Culture, Science & Technology and Social Innovation, he said.
Siasia said that the 2024 AHA would be chaired by Sir Seretse Khama, former President of Botswana.
He said the event would be attended by former Heads of States and Captains of Industries across the African continent.
The organisers said the awards have become imperative to sustainably foster the African culture of excellence and create an ecosystem that would retell the true African story towards the advancement of the continent’s full potentials.
“Besides conferring international prestige and recognition on these deserving Africans, the awards will focus on the critical importance of culture and leadership.
“Which lies at the core of any shared advancement of socio-economic and political development in Africa,’’ he said.
Siasia said the awards would cast spotlight on individuals who, under challenging circumstances, have empowered Africans and impacted their sphere of influence to pave the way for sustainable and equitable development.
He said other to be awarded included: African-American billionaire Philanthropist, Robert Smith, Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Texas, United States, Dr. George Weah, and former President of Liberia.
Others are John Mahama, former President of Ghana; and Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Founder of Mama Doing Good Organisation.
Also shortlisted for honours are Mr and Mrs Strive Masiyiwa, Founder/ Executive Chairman of International Technology Groups, Econet Global and Cassava Technologies; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman/Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners.
Prof. Thulisile Madonsela, Founder, Thuli Madonsela Foundation; Victoire Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo; Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director, Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited among others.
