This week, Johannesburg's luxurious Southern Sun Hotel hosted the prestigious Mission Africa Awards Ceremony, a glittering event organized by Woman With a Mission in collaboration with Mission Africa.

The gala brought together Africa's most influential figures for an evening of celebration, inspiration and networking, aligning with the organization's mission to promote economic and intellectual integration across the continent.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the highly coveted "African of the Year" award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the regeneration and unity of Africa. This honor was bestowed upon Ambassador Abdou Samb, a prominent economic leader of Senegalese origin residing in France.

As President of FRS Consulting in Paris, Honorary Ambassador of the Pan-African Parliament in charge of diaspora affairs, and President of the Abdou Samb Foundation, Ambassador Samb played a key role in building bridges between the countries of the North and Africa.

The award celebrated Mr. Samb's efforts to champion a transformative movement that urges the African diaspora to return to their countries of origin and share their skills, expertise, and innovations.

Mr. Samb stated, “We are going to change; we must change this. We must move from being consumers to being producers. It is our responsibility, as African elites, as Africans, to change this paradigm.” He further emphasized the important role of the diaspora, stating, “All Africans simply want to return to the continent. That is why I created the Abdou Samb Foundation, to work within the system and promote a more favorable environment for the return of the African diaspora to the continent, so that they can share what they have learned around the world.”

Mr. Samb also called for African unity and the development of local resources: “We have the market; we don’t need anyone else. We can do it; it’s up to us to make it happen.” Emphasizing the role of technology, he added: “Africa is a world leader in mobile payment technology because we have found a way to use what we have—the phone—to build solutions. We can lead the world if we build sustainable models using our environment, technology, and skills.”

His remarks underscored the need for accountability from leaders and collaboration with the diaspora to propel the continent forward.

The Mission Africa Awards are part of the Women With a Mission Recognition Awards (WWMRA), which combine education, inspiration, and entertainment to honor African achievements. The event included a gala dinner where attendees networked with accomplished African figures, opinion leaders, and pioneers, including dignitaries, business leaders, and influencers from across the continent and beyond.

Other notable award recipients of the evening included Parliamentarian Imraan Moosa, recognized for his humanitarian work and advocacy for world peace, as well as South African entrepreneurs who have received awards at various African award ceremonies for their innovation and leadership in fields ranging from aviation to technology to philanthropy.

These leaders represent the dynamic fabric of Africa's socio-economic progress and embody the spirit of the awards, which is to recognize and celebrate those driving change and growth across Africa.

The Mission Africa Awards foster an environment that elevates African excellence by recognizing contributions that drive economic, intellectual, and social renewal across the continent and its diaspora, making this event a key milestone in the African recognition and empowerment calendar. This year's edition not only celebrated achievements but also reaffirmed the call to action for collaboration, innovation, and unity, essential for Africa's sustainable transformation.

Notable figures honored at the Mission Africa 2025 Awards:

· Ambassador Abdou Samb (Senegal/France) — African of the Year for his visionary leadership, mobilizing the African diaspora and building bridges for the regeneration of Africa.

• Parliamentarian Imraan Moosa (South Africa) — Recognized for his humanitarian work and advocacy for world peace.

· Lynda Avery — Recipient of the Volunteer Award (2025), celebrated for her outstanding community service.

The event included a gala dinner where these accomplished individuals joined business leaders, influencers, and dignitaries from across Africa and the diaspora to celebrate and network.