Best African achievers celebrated in London

Africans who have excelled in different fields including leadership, businesses, development and culture were recently recognised at a special ceremony in London.

The maiden African Achievers Awards giving ceremony was held at the Kings College London on 22nd February 2012.

It attracted very high profile guests from across the globe including the Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Hon Thokhozani Khupe who was awarded the Women Empowerment and Democracy Award for her services to women and children in Zimbabwe/Africa.

Ms. Khupe was accompanied by the Minister of Home Affairs, Theresa Makoni and the Zimbabwe High Commissioner to UK, H.E. Gabriel Machinga and other diplomats.

Also present was one of the most powerful women in the Nigerian society, Chief Mrs Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, a business tycoon.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Orelope Akinfilure, gave a lecture on leadership and received the African Achievers Excellence in Leadership Award on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashiola (SAN).

The Creativity and Enterprise Award went to yet another powerful Nigerian woman/business tycoon, Chief Mrs Fifi Ekanem Ejindu who is also an architect.

Organisations making a difference in Africa were also recognised. Children of Songea Trust won the Charity Organisation of the Year Award.

Founded by Neil Mathers based in Edinburgh, the charity supplies school meals, education facilities and school wear to the Songea community in Tanzania.

The Southern Africa World Networks (SWAN) founded by Mr Phillip Chabata (based in US) was awarded the Organisation Making A Difference in Africa Award.

SWAN is saving lives in Africa by supplying medicine and hospital equipment in countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Southern Sudan.

Positive Runway: Global Catwalk To Stop The Spread of HIV/AIDS founded by Ms. Justina Mutale was awarded the Service to the Community Award.

The Young Achiever Award went to a talented ten year old Junior British Tennis Champion Michael Mhangami. He has won medals and trophies since the age of four.

Conrad Mwanza, founder of Zimbabwe Achievers Awards won Business Innovation Award.  

The African Woman of the Year Award went to Justina Mutale, the most inspiring London based African woman.

Ms. Mutale is a multi-award winning, globe-trotting international PR & Business Intelligence Consultant who founded the Positive Runway: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread of HIV/AIDS.

Ms. Lydia Cutler of Kemunto Fashions & Football Club based in Aberdeen, Scotland was awarded the Recognition Award for her international business skills.

The African Achievers Awards aim at celebrating outstanding organisations, excellent leaders and inspiring individuals in different fields. It also aims at inspiring more Africans to achieve highly.

The awards were founded by Mr. Rex Tonye Idaminabo, a Lawyer, in collaboration with a team of young and vibrant talents including Miss Yinka Alli-Balogun, Miss Lydia Heather Mudhari, Miss Simisola Smith and many others.