President William Ruto of Kenya has won the African Political Leader of the Year award, just months after completing a year in office. Liberia’s George Weah and former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania have also been feted.
The trio emerged as winners at the 12th African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year Awards 2023, following a voting process that concluded on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
“The trio secured victories in the African of the Year, African Political Leader of the Year, and African Peace and Security Leader of the Year award categories, respectively,” African Leadership Magazine (ALM) stated.
“These wins were largely based on results from the online poll, which attracted vote entries from across Africa and the globe, registering a 29% increase in the votes cast compared to last year,” added ALM.
The ALM Persons of the Year Awards represent a prestigious recognition in Africa, annually dedicated to influential individuals making significant contributions to the continent’s progress and positively transforming its often negatively perceived image.
With a two-step selection process, the awards provide an opportunity for Africans worldwide to participate in celebrating leaders who contribute to Africa’s growth and development.
Dr. Ken Giami, Chairman of the African Leadership Organisation and publisher of the African Leadership Magazine, highlighted, “The winner of the 2023 edition of the ALM Persons of the Year Awards made significant strides and remarkable contributions to the African renaissance in the year under review.”
ALSO READ: President William Ruto says in 10 years Kenya will be unrecognizable
He further emphasized that the winners’ sacrifices, policies, and actions have enhanced regional peace and cooperation, improved healthcare and education, and set the foundation for substantial progress, economic growth, and human capital development across Africa.
The formal presentation of awards to the winners and runners-up is scheduled to take place during the flagship annual ALM Persons of the Year awards ceremony on February 22–23, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the African Union headquarters.
