September 30th, 2020: H.E Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, received the 2020 award for the African Finance Minister of the Year during a virtual ceremony at the 5th US–Africa Investment Forum & Policy Dialogue 2020.The award was presented to him in recognition of his dedication in leading substantive economic reforms since his appointment as the Minister of Finance by H.E. the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on October 2018.  Ato Ahmed award was predicated on his effort to driven economic reform agenda of the government leading the home-grown economic reform agenda, mobilizing large resources for development,improved debt management and debt stock of the country as well as promoting regional economic cooperation in the horn of Africa. Ato Ahmed’s recognition has also paralleled with his and the Ministry’s effort in driving the government’s strategy to lessen the macro economic impact of the Covid pandemic by availing the necessary financial and policy driven support for various sectors of the economy that were heavily impacted by the pandemic.

As you all know, 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. The unprecedented challenges of the Covid pandemic and our aim to save lives, primarily, and sustain the rapid economic growth path of the country has faced a strong headwind which we all are collectively addressing in the continent. Therefore, winning this award at this challenging time makes the recognition even more pertinent” said Ahmed in his remarks, upon accepting the award. He also said “We have examined our growth model and identified that despite the significant strides in infrastructure and human capital over the past decade, we needed to revitalize the economy by broadening the role of the private sector for a more sustainable development path. We believe that this path we have embarked on will pave the way for job creation, poverty reduction and inclusive growth.”

The 2-day US – Africa Investment forum was used to bring together policymakers, private sector leaders, Industry Titans, civil society and stakeholders in the US-Africa ecosystem to contribute to shaping a new future in the US-Africa relations. Throughout the forum extensive discussions were held focusing on harnessing US – Africa Economic Cooperation and Investment Opportunities in Africa as well as addressing challenges in US – Africa Relations in a Post COVID-World in areas such as migration, youth unemployment and jobs creation.  

Participants of the forum include H.E. Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, Prime Minister of Swaziland; H.E President Ernest Bai Koroma, Sierra Leone’s former, Hon. Samuel Tweah, Liberian Minister of Finance and Development Planning; H.E. Lee Kinyanju, Kenyan Governor of Nakuru and Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana;

The forum was also used to highlight the 2020 edition of the African Business Leadership Awards presentation ceremony. The ceremony was led by HE Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone who recognized all the nominees for their creativity, commitment, experience and strong leadership. Organizer of the award event Dr Ken Giami, who is also the Chairman and Publisher of the African Leadership Magazine said “Our winners and all the nominees truly deserve to be recognized for the outstanding work they have done over the last year, and they continue to do for the development of our continent.”

This award provided every year under different categories is used to help shine a spotlight on the exceptional work being done by corporate practices and outstanding achievers in Africa’s business landscape and its private sector, across various categories.