…Promises pan-African agenda on innovation, sustainability
The Global African Honours (GAH) Awards and Business Summit will hold its 13th edition on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with organisers announcing expanded programming and renewed commitment to driving conversations around innovation, inclusion and sustainable growth across the continent.
This year’s edition, according to the Convener and Executive Chair, Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, represents a major elevation from the previous year, with the summit expected to convene more than 1,000 leaders, policymakers, CEOs, investors and innovators from within and outside Africa.
At a press conference in Lagos, Oghene described the 2025 summit as a defining chapter for the GAH platform, noting that it continues to evolve from a recognition ceremony into a continental movement shaping governance, business and enterprise development. She said the gathering would provide an avenue for leaders to engage on Africa’s economic direction while amplifying voices driving transformation across multiple sectors. She emphasised that the theme, “Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion & Sustainable Growth,” highlighted the platform’s commitment to advancing progressive, practical and future-driven solutions.
A significant announcement at the briefing was the unveiling of the GAH Elite Club Black Card, developed in partnership with Mastercard and Wema Bank. Oghene explained that the card is designed not only as a premium financial instrument but also as a strategic tool for influence, visibility and executive connectivity. The Black Card grants holders global financial and hospitality privileges, special access to GAH events throughout the year, and membership in a continental network of entrepreneurs, policymakers and innovators. Representatives of Wema Bank described the initiative as a step toward strengthening executive mobility and enterprise capacity within Africa’s expanding commercial ecosystem.
The 2025 summit will bring together high-profile dignitaries including Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation; Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR, Ooni of Ife and Grand Patron of GAH; Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace; Prof. Obiora Gregory Okonkwo, a leading business and aviation figure; Engr. Tony Attah of Renaissance Africa; human rights advocate Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin; human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN; and Senator Dr. Basiru Ajibola, National Secretary of the APC. Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi will serve as Chairlady of the Day, while Dr. Babatoke Abeyo, Group Managing Director of Pointfield Group, will chair the 2025 edition.
Since its establishment in 2012, the GAH platform has grown into one of Africa’s most influential leadership and enterprise recognitions. Organisers reported that more than 350 honourees have been celebrated across 12 categories, over 20,000 participants have attended its events, media visibility and partnership value have exceeded ₦700 million, and more than 12,000 women and youths have been empowered through GMYT training programmes. Dr. Oghene added that through the GMYT Foundation, over 5,000 women have received training, mentorship and scholarships, which she described as central to the long-term impact the organisation seeks to achieve.
Responding to questions from journalists, she acknowledged the significant challenges that accompany hosting a summit of this scale in Nigeria. She cited rising operational costs, fluctuating sponsorship commitments, staff development gaps, and broader economic pressures affecting corporate participation. She also referenced the lasting impact of COVID-19 on the events industry and the demands associated with maintaining global-standard production quality. Despite these obstacles, she said the GAH platform has remained resilient by strengthening its internal structures, deepening partnerships and maintaining its commitment to excellence.
Oghene noted that the 2025 edition will include keynote speeches, sector-focused panel discussions, the Anthem Challenge and Anthem Release, private leaders’ sessions, and a gala event designed to deepen strategic partnerships. She said the GAH ecosystem, which includes the GAH Elite Club, GAH Elite Magazine, GAH Media, GAH Sports and the GAH Experience Zone, is increasingly becoming a hub for cross-sector collaboration, enterprise expansion and continental leadership development.
She concluded that Africa is undergoing a process of reimagination, and platforms such as GAH are helping define what that future will look like. According to her, the 2025 summit aims to strengthen the networks, ideas and partnerships that will accelerate sustainable development on the continent.
