The 20th edition of the African Banker Awards, which were held last night at the Kempinski Hotel in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual meetings, honoured banks and bankers from across the continent in a clear reflection of a financial sector that is not only healthy and resilient but one that is maturing and contributing significantly to the continent’s economic development.
Attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, representing the President of the country, Denis Sassou Nguesso, as well as leading banking dignitaries including the President of the AfDB, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, 18 winners were announced on a night of recognition, celebration and acclamation which was enlivened with a rousing performance by Congolese legend, Koffi Olomide.
In his speech at the African Banker Awards ceremony, Omar Ben Yedder, Chair of the Awards Committee, emphasised the importance of financial sovereignty for banks in Africa: “nothing significant will move on this continent without strong banks and strong financial institutions at the centre. The coming decades will be defined by how courageous our business leaders are and by how willing our banks are to walk with them into new sectors, new markets and new models of collaboration.”
