Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah and South Africa’s Chief Justice Mandisa Maya have been named African Political Leader of the Year and African Female Leader of the Year, respectively, in the 2025 African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards.
The awards, announced on Tuesday, follows a three‑stage process that included continent‑wide nominations, editorial review and a global online poll that closed on 30 November.
Organisers said the exercise drew exceptional engagement from Africans worldwide, underscoring the significance of celebrating leadership across governance, business, philanthropy and public service.
“The 2025 winners collectively embody a pan-African community of trailblazers whose work spans sectors and geographies but aligned a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, strengthening institutional resilience and driving inclusive economic growth on the continent,” ALM publisher Ken Giami said.
“This year’s awardees exemplify leadership that strengthens institutions, drives innovation, safeguards peace, and unlocks opportunity – showing what is possible when Africans lead with vision, courage and purpose.”
Now in its 15th year, the POTY Awards are regarded as Africa’s premier public‑choice recognition, honouring leaders whose vision and actions are shaping the continent’s development trajectory.
The winners and runners‑up will be formally recognised at the annual awards ceremony scheduled for 27–28 February 2026 in Accra, Ghana.
The event is expected to host more than 400 delegates and reach a global digital audience of over one million through live streaming and media partnerships.
Highlights will include the awards presentation, investment showcases, roundtable discussions, and the unveiling of a special POTY edition of the magazine.
Other 2025 honourees include Patrice Talon, President of Benin (runner‑up, Political Leader of the Year); Esperança da Costa, Vice President of Angola (runner‑up, Female Leader of the Year); Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University (Educationist of the Year); Mbaye Cissé, Chief of the General Staff of Senegal’s Armed Forces (Peace and Security Leader of the Year); and Samuel Dossou‑Aworet, Founder of Petrolin Group (Industrialist of the Year).
The awards also recognised figures in philanthropy, agriculture, public health and youth leadership, including Ethiopia’s Samuel Tafesse (Philanthropist of the Year), Zimbabwe’s Wicknell Chivhayo (Young African Philanthropist of the Year), Namibia’s Esperance Luvindao (Public Health Champion of the Year) and Nigeria’s Khalil Suleiman Halilu (Young African Leader of the Year).
JN/APA