ABIDJAN – The Africa CEO Forum Awards 2025 celebrated companies and leaders shaping the continent’s economy and embodying a renewal of African leadership during a gala dinner in Abidjan on 13 May 2025.
Organized in partnership with Forvis Mazars, the Africa CEO Forum Awards 2025 ceremony recognised six winners for their impact, strategic vision, and long-term commitment. For eleven years, the awards have highlighted those best representing the continent’s ambition of building sustainable, inclusive growth led by the private sector. Over 250 companies and investment funds, along withmore than fifty prominent African leaders, have previously been nominated.
For the Africa CEO Forum Awards 2025 edition, an independent jury selected six winners from numerous applications across the continent following a rigorous selection process.
The Africa CEO Forum Awards 2025 winners are:
- CEO of the Year: Idrissa Nassa, Coris Bank International, recognised for “exceptional leadership, marked by bold strategic decisions and a notable influence on Africa’s banking sector.”
- Pan-African Champion: Africa Re, honoured for “its driving role in economic integration across the continent through an ambitious expansion strategy.”
- Local Impact Champion: Danone, awarded for “its tangible commitment to local communities through sustainable social and environmental initiatives.”
- Family Business of the Year: Rawbank, celebrated for “the strength of a family business model passed down with rigor, vision, and a strong sense of responsibility.”
- Gender Leader: Schneider Electric, acknowledged for “its proactive policies in promoting gender parity in governance and advancing women’s leadership.”
- Disrupters Club: Nala, selected for “its innovative approach to financial inclusion and its growing impact on African markets and the diaspora.”
Abdou Diop, Country Leader of Forvis Mazars in Morocco and Member of the Group Governing Board, commented on the partnership: “Being a business leader in Africa today means embracing a vision that goes far beyond financial success — it’s about shaping a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient for the entire continent. At Forvis Mazars, we believe Africa’s future lies at the intersection of strong public ambitions and innovative private sector solutions. As a trusted partner to this dynamic private sector, we are proud to stand with the women and men driving a new era of leadership — one defined by excellence, purpose, and lasting impact. 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 a transformative growth.”
Founded in 2012, the Africa CEO Forum serves as a leading platform for CEOs of major African and international companies, international investors, multinational executives, heads of state, ministers, and representatives of key financial institutions active on the continent. It aims to provide a venue for high-level meetings, experience sharing, and understanding business trends, offering solutions to advance businesses across Africa.
