The Africa CEO Forum Awards 2025 honoured six outstanding business leaders and companies whose bold initiatives, strategic foresight, and long-term commitments reshape the African continent’s economic future. Held during a high-profile gala dinner in Abidjan, the event marked over a decade of recognising excellence in African private sector leadership.

Organised in partnership with Forvis Mazars, the prestigious awards ceremony spotlighted individuals and organisations leading the way in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. An independent jury selected winners after a rigorous vetting process from a pool of applicants across the continent.

This year’s CEO of the Year title was awarded to Idrissa Nassa, head of Coris Bank International, for his “exceptional leadership, marked by bold strategic decisions and a notable influence on Africa’s banking sector.”

Africa Re was named Pan-African Champion for its instrumental role in driving economic integration through a robust expansion strategy, while Danone earned the Local Impact Champion award for its continued commitment to sustainable social and environmental initiatives benefiting local communities.

The Family Business of the Year award went to Rawbank, praised for maintaining a strong family business tradition rooted in responsibility, vision, and generational continuity.

In the area of gender equity, Schneider Electric received the Gender Leader award for its proactive policies promoting gender parity in leadership and governance.

Meanwhile, fintech company Nala joined the Disrupters Club for its innovative approach to financial inclusion and its growing footprint in African markets and the diaspora.

Abdou Diop, Country Leader of Forvis Mazars in Morocco and member of the firm’s Governing Board, highlighted the broader significance of the awards during the ceremony.

“Being a business leader in Africa today means embracing a vision that goes far beyond financial success,” Diop said. “It’s about shaping a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient for the entire continent. Our partnership with the Africa CEO Awards is a natural extension of this commitment, reflecting our dedication to supporting Africa’s business leaders on their journey toward transformative growth.”

Now in its 11th year, the Africa CEO Forum Awards have previously recognised over 250 companies and investment funds, along with more than 50 prominent African leaders. The awards are part of the wider Africa CEO Forum, launched in 2012, which has become the continent’s leading platform for CEOs, investors, policymakers, and international stakeholders to connect, share strategies, and chart Africa’s economic path forward.

The 2025 edition reaffirmed the Forum’s core message: Africa’s future will be led by bold, innovative, and inclusive private sector champions committed to long-term progress.