The African Business Chamber (AfBC), the United Kingdom’s premier African business network, has officially released the list of finalists for the highly anticipated 2025 African Business Awards. This year’s ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, 3rd July 2025, will be held at the prestigious Millennium Gloucester Hotel & Conference Centre in Kensington and Chelsea, London. The event is expected to draw dignitaries, high-profile entrepreneurs, and representatives from across the African continent and the diaspora.
Now in its latest edition, the African Business Awards serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of African-led businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals operating in the UK. The 2025 theme, Celebrating African Business Excellence, Innovation and Leadership, underscores the significant contribution of the African diaspora to the UK economy and its evolving role in shaping transcontinental business relations.
This year’s awards process attracted a record number of nominations, with over 100 finalists shortlisted across fourteen distinct categories. These categories include Business Excellence, Entrepreneur of the Year, Technology & Innovation, Healthcare, Creative Industries, Financial Services, Professional Excellence, Women in Business, Diaspora Engagement, and International Trade, among others.
Among the high-profile individuals recognised this year are Said Adren, Chief Executive of Bank of Africa UK, Lara Oyesanya FRSA, an Independent Non-Executive Director at PensionBee, and Tevin Tobun, CEO of ROUTD Technology and GV Group. Organisations such as Foundervine, Diaspora Insurance, and AFFORD (African Foundation for Development) also feature prominently, demonstrating the increasingly institutional nature of diaspora-driven economic activity.
Eugene Nizeyimana, Chief Executive and Executive Founder of AfBC, expressed his admiration for the finalists. “These awards celebrate the outstanding entrepreneurs, leaders, and businesses at the forefront of innovation, economic growth, and job creation. They are tackling critical societal challenges, attracting investment, and delivering high-value employment opportunities,” he noted.
He further emphasised the high calibre of entries in 2025, commending the strength, creativity, and vision evident across all nominations. “Every nominee should be proud of their achievement. The calibre of submissions this year was remarkable, showcasing bold vision, resilience, creativity, and leadership. Our finalists represent the very best of African business talent in the UK and their transformative impact is undeniable.”
The Awards Gala is expected to attract an array of dignitaries, including African High Commissioners and Ambassadors from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone. UK-based officials, Members of Parliament, and mayors are also expected to attend, signalling institutional recognition of the African diaspora’s growing socio-economic role.
AfBC, registered in England and Wales, has played a pivotal role in supporting African businesses, professionals, and investors in the UK through a variety of initiatives. These include enterprise development, market access facilitation, skills training, networking, and fostering bilateral trade relations. The Awards will also serve as the launchpad for AfBC’s forthcoming five-year strategy, which focuses on amplifying African enterprise, advancing digital transformation, and enhancing inclusive economic participation.
The judging process, which involved a panel of seasoned professionals, analysts, and business leaders, assessed nominees based on impact, scalability, leadership, and contribution to their respective industries. Finalists in the ‘Start-Up & New Business of the Year’ category include emerging innovators such as Michaelle Kubwimana of Kawah Coffee Ltd and Patrick Obidoyin of Digital InfraCo (UK) Limited. In the ‘Technology & Innovation Excellence’ category, finalists include Prof Bamidele Adebisi MBE and Dr Ollie Folayan MBE, noted for their leadership in digital and engineering advancement.
Healthcare was also a prominent focus, with NHS professionals such as Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi and Dr Brighton Chireka recognised for their outstanding service delivery and health leadership. In the ‘Creative Industry Excellence’ category, trailblazers like Yinka Shonibare CBE and Adesegun Adeosun Jr (SMADE, co-founder of AfroNation) have been acknowledged for their cultural contributions and global impact.
According to Mr Nizeyimana, the Awards not only reflect business success but also represent a broader vision for inclusive economic growth. “These individuals and organisations embody our core values—entrepreneurship, growth, innovation, transformation, and resilience—and highlight how business can drive both economic prosperity and social inclusion,” he said.
The Awards will also feature special recognition categories and honorary accolades for distinguished individuals whose work spans impact investing, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership.
Registration for the event is open and attendance is by advance booking only. Spaces are limited, and early registration is advised via Eventbrite. Sponsorship and media inquiries can be directed to AfBC’s Events Management Team at info@african-chamber.com.
Founded with the mission of strengthening trade, investment, and collaboration between Africa and the UK, the African Business Chamber continues to shape new narratives and unlock opportunities through advocacy, business promotion, and capacity development. To learn more about AfBC’s ongoing programmes, visit www.african-chamber.com.
