In an exciting development for African business literature, Nigerian billionaire and renowned business mogul, Femi Otedola, has been shortlisted for the 4th edition of the Business Council for Africa (BCA) African Business Book of the Year Awards. Otedola earned this prestigious nomination for his compelling book, “Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business,” which offers profound insights gleaned from his extensive entrepreneurial journey, a narrative sure to resonate with aspiring and established business leaders across Nigeria and the continent.
The BCA, in collaboration with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), African Business, and BrandComms, recently unveiled a diverse and impressive shortlist for the annual honours. Otedola’s inclusion highlights the increasing prominence of Nigerian voices in documenting the continent’s economic landscape and leadership principles.
Joining Otedola on the distinguished shortlist are a host of other influential authors and their thought-provoking works. These include Jarco Martiz with “How we made it in Africa II,” Joe Studwell’s “How Africa works,” and Allete Vonk’s “Cultural Confluence in Organisational Change: A Portuguese Venture in Angola.” Also recognized are “Afro-Optimism Unleashed” by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, “It’s About Tyme” by Adrian Saville and Bruce Whitfield, “How Africa Eats” by Professor David Luke, and “Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity” by Landry Signé.
This annual competition serves as a significant platform, celebrating the most impactful business writing that examines and shapes Africa’s economic narrative. From leadership memoirs that inspire a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs to sectoral deep-dives and bold analyses of the continent’s future prospects, the awards meticulously spotlight authors, thinkers, and practitioners who rigorously and ambitiously document Africa’s ongoing business and economic transformation.
With the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a leading provider of infrastructure solutions across Africa, stepping in as the headline sponsor, the shortlist vividly illustrates a continent in dynamic motion. The featured works draw inspiration from diverse economic hubs, spanning the vibrant boardrooms of Lagos and Johannesburg, the bustling food markets of Accra, the critical banking corridors of Nairobi, and the policy-making tables of Addis Ababa. This reflects a comprehensive understanding of Africa’s varied economic realities and opportunities.
The judging panel, a hallmark of the awards’ credibility, comprises respected African business and thought leaders, alongside seasoned media executives. This year’s committee is chaired by Arnold Ekpe, Chairperson of BCA. Notably, the panel also features prominent Nigerian figures such as Arunma Oteh, former Director General of the Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and current Chair at the Royal Africa Society, and Chris Ogbechie, former Dean of the esteemed Lagos Business School. Other members include Moky Makura, CEO of AfricaNoFilter; Terhas Berhe, Managing Director and Founder of Brand Communications; Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business and New African magazine; and Anver Versi, Editor of New African and African Banker.
Commenting on the quality of submissions, Arnold Ekpe, Chairperson of BCA, praised the high standard of entries while emphasizing the critical need for more African business voices to emerge. He also expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “We are excited to have the Africa Finance Corporation join us this year as our headline sponsor. As AFC approaches its 20th anniversary next year, it understands the importance of narrative and the significance of documenting first-hand the business stories being created across the continent. These stories help deepen understanding of Africa’s evolving business landscape and economic transformation.”
The winners and runners-up for this year’s prestigious awards will be announced at a grand ceremony scheduled for July 3rd in London, at the Institute of Directors. The overall winner will be awarded a trophy and a substantial cash prize of $10,000, while the second and third-placed finalists will receive $5,000 and $2,500 respectively, further incentivizing excellence in African business writing.
Last year’s winners included “All Hands on Deck: Unleash prosperity through world class capital markets” by Arunma Oteh, showcasing another strong Nigerian connection. Other acclaimed books were “Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance” by Bronwen Everill, and “Riding the Storm: The Untold Story of Africa’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic” by Nigerian author Toni Kan, which critically examined Africa’s response to the global health crisis.
Established in 1956, the Business Council for Africa (BCA) has a long-standing history of providing reliable intelligence to investors interested in African economies. Today, it operates as a registered not-for-profit organisation, wholly dedicated to promoting African business, championing enterprise, and effectively connecting the continent with global opportunities. Its flagship initiatives, including the Annual African Business Book Awards and the Annual RED Index, underscore its commitment to fostering robust economic discourse and growth across Africa.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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