The 2009 African Business Awards took place as a side event at the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey. African banking, over the past five years has not only broken its national and regional shackles, it has also broken international boundaries, and has taken its first tentative steps outside the continent.
The Awards are designed to recognize the reforms, rapid modernization, consolidation, integration and expansion of African banking. The objective is to identify and reward the leading banks and bankers from Africa who are increasingly playing crucial roles in the world banking system.
The year's awards identify the rising stars and the champions of the banking and financial industry in Africa, thereby honoring individuals and companies for their positive impact on the industry, their workforce as well as for their overall contribution to the development of the African continent.
The high participation of the African banks testifies their readiness to showcase to the world, the work they have been doing and highlight their successful results, excellent performance and innovative practices as well as their commitment to social responsibility and gender equality.
Private Sector Operations Director, Tim Turner, on behalf of the AfDB President, gave the welcome remarks at the opening ceremony of the awards. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Nkosana Moyo received the Award for Best Development Bank of the Year on behalf of the Bank from Mr. Andrew Alli, CEO, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Nkosana also gave out the award for Investment Bank of the Year to Clive Tasker, Standard Bank, South Africa, while Tim Turner gave out the Award for African Bank of the Year which went to Ecobank-ETI and was accepted by Arnold Ekpe.
Awards at the ceremony and nominee include:
African Banker Awards Winners 2009
African Banker of the Year, Tayo Aderinokun, Managing Director/CEO, GTB Nigeria
African Bank of the Year, Ecobank-ETI
Best Local Bank in Africa, NBC, Tanzania
Most Innovative Bank; ABSA, South Africa
Socially Responsible Bank of the Year, Nedbank, South Africa
Investment Bank of the Year, Standard Bank, South Africa
Microfinance Bank of the Year, Equity Bank, Kenya
Deal of the Year, Nedbank Capital, Bakwena Refinance
Investment Fund/Private Equity Fund of the Year, Citadel
Lifetime Achievement Award, Paul Derreumaux, President, Group Bank of Africa, Mali
Finance Minister of the Year, Dr. Youssef Boutros-Ghali, Minister of Finance, Egypt
Central Bank Governor of the Year, Tito Mboweni, Governor, South African Reserve Bank
Best Development Bank in Africa, African Development Bank, Tunisia, African Export-Import Bank, Egypt
Best Global Bank in Africa, Barclays Bank
This year's event, organised by African Banker magazine and IC Events in partnership with BusinessinAfrica Events, was supported by the Bank's Private Sector in line with its commitment to build a strong and vibrant African banking industry. Sponsors included Ecobank, Lexmark International, Inc. and Centigon.
Contacts
Onike Nicol-Houra
