The awards were presented at the glittering ceremony, which was co-hosted by the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) and African Business magazine, and sponsored by Zenith Bank, Ecobank, IGI and the private sector arm of the African Development Bank. A distinguished panel of judges, chaired by Omari Issa, selected winners in 16 categories. The nominees came from north, south, west and central Africa. One of the winners said afterwards that the Awards meant everything to them. “It is wonderful that your hard work is recognized and appreciated. We will never forget this night and we will always cherish these Awards.”

Omar Ben Yedder, associate group publisher of African Business magazine, the organizer of the event said “We are thrilled to honor these exemplary men, women and businesses that truly embody African excellence in the world markets.  The nominees and winners of the African Business Awards 2008 are a shining example to their peers and the global Business community. There are success stories in Africa which need to be recognized and celebrated. This year we wanted to hold the ceremony in London, the financial centre of the world, and give both the nominees and winners a platform in front of a diverse and international crowd.”

Excitement mounted prior to the announcement of three of the most coveted Awards. The suspense was almost unbearable as the quality of the nominees was exceptional. Amid deafening cheering, Mo Ibrahim won the Lifetime achievement Award for changing the telecoms landscape in Africa and also his contribution in changing the perception of doing business in Africa. Arnold Ekpe CEO, Ecobank won African Business Leader of the Year. His group has become the premier pan-African multinational. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, Director General, Nigeria Stock Exchange, African Businesswoman of the year for her inspirational work in Nigeria and also in other African countries. 

The other big winners on the night were MTN, Ecobank and Anglo American. Anglo-American won three Awards: Best Global Business, Contributor to MDGs and Gender Sensitivity. Ecobank won two Awards: Technological Innovation and Business Leader of the Year. MTN also won two Awards: Brand of the Year and Best African Business

Afif Ben Yedder, publisher of African Business added: “I am delighted to congratulate all the nominees and winners from across the African business community. Tonight we recognize and pay tribute to world class business leaders and enterprises in Africa. This is just the beginning of a great leap forward for the continent business sector. Tonight I see a new future for Africa, new energy, talent, and success.  With almost one billion people in the Continent, the new generations will make this century the century of Africa.”  

Paul Skinner, Chairman of Rio Tinto and Chairman of the CBC said" The Forum and the CBC - African Business Awards are a demonstration of the strong interest of business in Africa. The enthusiasm and confidence of investors and business leaders in Africa is palpable. The optimism is immediate and for the long term."  

Afif Ben Yedder announced that the second African Banker Awards 2008 to honor Africa Top Bankers and Banks will be held in Washington on October 13 to coincide with the World Bank Annual meeting.

CBC AFRICAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2008 WINNERS

1. Best Efforts towards Improving Investment Climate

   Ghana

2. Award for Technological Innovation

   Ecobank

3. African Businesswoman of the Year

   Prof Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke OON, Director General

   Nigeria Stock Exchange

4. African Brand of the Year

    MTN

5. Best Corporate Citizenship/Social Responsibility

    Bamburi Cement, Kenya

6. Lifetime achievement

    Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Celtel and Chairman, Mo Ibrahim Foundation 

7. Award for Gender Sensitivity

   Anglo American

8. Leader in Reducing Digital Divide

   Submarine Cable, Nepad e-Initiative

9. Leader in Social Innovation

   Small Enterprise Foundation – South Africa

10. Leader in Contributing to Achieving MDGS

     Anglo-American

11. Best SME

     Africa Invest, Malawi

12. Telecoms Company in Africa

     Celtel (Zain)

13. Airline of the Year

     South African Airways

14. Best Global Business in Africa

     Anglo-American

15. African Business Leader of the Year

     Arnold Ekpe, CEO, Ecobank

16.  African Business of the Year

      MTN