Africa’s titans of industry were named and celebrated in the glittering grand finale of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on the 8th of November.

Mr Francis Grogan, Chief Executive Officer

Paying homage to the pioneers who have shaped Africa’s business landscape in 2013, earlier this year the Johnnie Walker Blue Label CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards held three regional rounds – in West, East and Southern Africa – to select the most impactful business game-changers across five categories.

In the prestigious finale, winners from all three regions vied for the decisive title in their select fields.

The Business Leader of the Year category applauded the epic achievements of Michael Jordaan of Southern Africa, the CEO of First National Bank and a consummate professional who now holds the impressive title of Africa’s foremost business leader.

Southern Africa’s Mzinga Melu, Managing Director and CEO of National Bank of Commerce, was lauded in the Business Woman of the Year category, for her unparalleled contribution to African business.

The coveted title of Africa’s Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to the innovative and resourceful Francis Grogan, the CEO of Zambeef, one of Southern Africa’s largest integrated agri-businesses.

The Young Business Leader of the Year award celebrated the dynamism of East Africa’s Gachao Kiuna, the CEO and Managing Director of the Trans-Century Group, a Nairobi Stock Exchange-listed Infrastructure Company.

Dr. Pascal G. Dozie was named the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contribution to the African business landscape in his role as Founder and Former Chairman/ CEO of Diamond Bank, and as the current Chairman of MTN Nigeria. A true visionary, Dr. Dozie’s innovative spirit has greatly contributed to the growth of Nigerian economy in both government and private sectors.

“ABBLA’s 2013 in Durban was a resounding success. Congratulations to the nominees, winners at regional levels and the winners of the finale in Durban. The vision from the onset was to make this a continent wide award and seeing the diversity of participation and recognition from the corporate world is an indication that we are well on our way to see this vision to fruition. I look forward to greater participation next year,” says Rakesh Wahi, Founder and Vice-Chairman of the ABN Group.

“These definitive winners of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards comprise the boldest innovators and business leaders on the African continent. All have impacted the world of business through their tireless contributions to Africa’s international economic success, and these awards have paid homage to their epic achievements” says Stella Bischoff, Africa Reserve Manager of Diageo.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards grand finale special will be broadcast on CNBC Africa on November 19, 21:30, Central African Time.