25 October 2009
Addis Abeba — An Ethiopian Company, Holland Car Plc, was declared the top small business in Africa at the third Africa SMME Awards 2009 function held at Spier Wine Estate South Africa on 15th of October 2009.
According to the judges, Holland Car plc won the overall 2009 Africa SMME Award because of the company's ability to create and sustain jobs in a challenging environment. Furthermore, the business is built on solid principles and has established itself as a world leader in manufacturing, assembling and distribution of its products.
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Bongi Ntuli, presented the award to the winner at a ceremony in which African dances were performed and attended by people from all over the continent.
The Africa's SMME Awards, an initiative of the Africa Growth Institute in Cape Town, is set to highlight African entrepreneurial development calendar annually. The evening was in no way a predominantly South African event, as the best small, medium and micro enterprises from all corners of the continent showed their mettle.
"Judging by the entries received from all over the continent, the event certainly seemed to have captured the imagination of African entrepreneurs," said the president of the Institute; Prof Nuholas Biekpe, according to the press release. "With the current global financial crisis strangling small businesses worldwide, this sector needs all the encouragement it can get from African governments and African lending institutions," he said.
Businesses that enter the awards are expected to be well established; in good financial shape and enjoy a reputation for quality, integrity and service. Furthermore, they should operate in a socially responsible manner, support community development efforts, and create a worker involvement in which their employees can learn and grow, it said.
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