By Isseu Diouf Campbell
During the United Nations General Assembly, the Africa-America Institute celebrated and recognized the extraordinary dedication and pioneering achievements of US and African leaders at the AAI 2016 Annual Awards Gala.
The 2016 Honorees were Aliko Dangote, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group; Ali Moshiri, President, Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Company; Stephen Hayes, CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa; and Sunil Benimadhu, Chief Executive of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius.
The Awards Gala also announced the unanimous vote of the AAI Board of Trustees to appoint Kofi Appenteng, Chairman of the Ford Foundation, as the Chief Executive Officer of The Africa-America Institute.
This year’s theme is “Education: The Key to Africa’s Economic Growth”. Nearly 400 U.S., African and global leaders gathered for one of the most high profile events celebrating African achievement in New York City.
“The presence of so many people here demonstrates strong support for the Africa-America Institute,” said Appenteng.
“For 63 years, AAI has continued our great tradition of providing bright, motivated African students with a world-class university education as well as professional development and leadership training in the United States and in Africa, through 23,000 scholarships that have benefitted more than 15,000 Africans.”
Rwanda was recognized with the AAI 2016 Regional Integration Award for their support of the African Union’s “single African passport”, which will allow for visa-free travel for citizens of African countries to other African states and free trade of goods.
The Honorable Claver Gatete, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda, accepted the award on behalf of The People of Rwanda.
Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo served as Honorary Gala Chair of AAI’s 2016 Annual Awards Gala.
The Africa-America Institute is the premier U.S.-based international organization that works to increase the capacity of African individuals and institutions through higher education initiatives, leadership development, professional workforce training, convening activities, program implementation and management.
