The 6th edition of the Rebranding Africa Awards gala evening took place on October 5, 2019. The ceremony was held at Marriott Hotel, situated in the legendary Grand place in Brussels. The winners were as usual personalities who through their actions, have left their mark on the African continent and contributed to its emergence.

Seven Rebranding Africa Awards Trophies were awarded to the following winners:

Juveline NGUM NGWA, CEO of the BLEAGLEE, an organisation specialised in the recycling of mining waste, with a social purpose. In addition to the Innovation Rebranding Africa Award, the winner received a cheque for five thousand euro from the Rebranding Africa Forum and Notre Afrik Magazine to support her project.

Jean-Baptiste Placca, Editorialist at Radio France Internationale (RFI).

A specialist in African issues, Mr Placca, a seasoned journalist whose professionalism and competence are unanimously recognised by his peers – his Editorials and columns on Africa, are unparalleled in the Parisian press – has been awarded the Media Leadership Rebranding Africa Award for his outstanding career.

Marie ARENA, Chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights.

A committed politician, Ms Arena received the Empowering Women Rebranding Award on the sidelines of the Forum for her invaluable contribution and leadership on issues relating to human rights, the protection of minorities and the promotion of democratic values in countries inside and outside Europe. She received this prize mainly because of her hard work during the passing of the legislation on conflict minerals commonly known as “blood minerals”.

Mahamadou BONKOUNGOU, CEO of EBOMAF BURKINA.

He is the head of this multisectoral economic and financial group (civil engineering, insurance, hotels, etc.), which in 30 years has succeeded in establishing itself in Africa as an alternative to Western and Chinese groups. By his accomplishment, Mr BONKOUNGOU embodies a “success story made in Africa”.

Lassina ZERBO, Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

Former Director of the International Data Centre (IDC) (2004-2013), the Rebranding Africa Forum rewarded Mr Zerbo for his contribution to making the CTBTO the ultimate nuclear test monitoring body and for the entry into force and universality of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). He is a geologist, a renowned diplomat and a herald of multilateralism, Mr Zerbo was chosen by the Jury for his outstanding contribution to nuclear disarmament and peace in the world.

Salif KEITA, Artist and Founder of the Salif Keita Global Foundation.

Nicknamed “Africa’s Golden Voice”, he is one of the most famous and influential musicians in the world. His remarkable career places him among the undisputed stars of World Music – militant artist, eminent pan-Africanist and true African icon with 50 years of musical career. This prize was awarded to him to recognise the global artist who promotes the beauty and poetry of the Mandinka language, as well as his social commitment, through his foundation, the Salif Keita Global Foundation, whose objective is to improve the living conditions of people with albinism in Africa.

S.E.M Matata Mapon PONYO, Economist and Honorary Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hailed by the Bretton Woods Institutions as one of the continent’s most reformist leaders, he has structurally transformed his country’s economy. Under his tenure as Prime Minister, and for the first time in its history, the DRC’s growth rate reached 10%.

He is considered to be the Father of the banking of payroll in the Congolese civil service. The jury wanted to salute this exceptional career, which testifies to his commitment to an Africa that is resolutely in step with the challenges and changes of today’s world.