Shortlist Revealed for the 4th BCA Africa Business Book of the Year Awards
The Business Council for Africa (BCA), in collaboration with the African Finance Corporation, African Business, and BrandComs, has unveiled the dynamic shortlist for the 4th BCA Africa Business Book of the Year Awards.
Notable Authors Among the Selection
This year’s shortlist features billionaire businessman Femi Otedola for his book, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business. Other distinguished works include How We Made It in Africa II by Jarco Martiz, How Africa Works by Joe Studwell, and Cultural Fusion in Organizational Change: Portuguese Ventures in Angola by Arete Fonck. Additional titles include Afro Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumizah, It’s About Time by Adrian Saville and Bruce Whitfield, How to Eat Africa by Professor David Luke, and Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity by Landry Sinier.
Celebrating Africa’s Economic Narratives
This annual competition highlights the most engaging business literature that delves into Africa’s economic landscape, encompassing a range of genres from memoirs to in-depth sector analyses. The awards have become a platform for recognizing influential authors and thought leaders who chronicle Africa’s evolving business environment with insight and ambition.
Acknowledging Contributions Across the Continent
Now in its fourth year, the awards showcase works that reflect Africa’s diverse economic experience—from the corporate offices of Lagos and Johannesburg to the bustling markets of Accra, alongside the banking hubs of Nairobi and the policy discussions in Addis Ababa. This shortlist demonstrates the continent’s rich tapestry of business narratives.
Judging Panel Composed of Industry Leaders
The panel of judges includes prominent African business figures and media professionals, such as Arunma Oteh, the former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria, and President of the Royal African Society; Chris Ogbechie, ex-Dean of Lagos Business School; Moky Makula, CEO of AfricanNoFilter; and Terhas Berhe, Managing Director and Founder of Brand Communications. Omar Ben Yedder and Anver Velshi, both esteemed in the African media landscape, are also part of the panel.
Pioneering a Stronger Narrative for African Business
During the announcement, BCA President Arnold Ekpe applauded the impressive quality of this year’s submissions and emphasized the necessity for a stronger voice representing African business interests. He expressed excitement about the involvement of the African Finance Corporation as the headline sponsor for the event, highlighting their recognition of the significance of telling authentic business stories that contribute to a better understanding of Africa’s transformation.
A Highlight of the Awards Ceremony
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony scheduled for July 3 at the Directors’ Guild in London. The overall winner will receive a trophy and a cash prize of $10,000, while the second and third place finalists will be awarded $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Last year’s accolades were presented to works including Arunma Oteh’s All Hands on Deck: Unleashing Prosperity through World-Class Capital Markets, and Bronwen Everill’s The African Economy: A History of Western Ignorance, among others.
The Economic Council for Africa, founded in 1956 to provide reliable information to investors in African markets, operates as a non-profit organization focused on promoting African business, fostering entrepreneurship, and connecting the continent with global opportunities. Among its key initiatives are the annual African Business Book Awards and the RED Index. For more details, visit www.bcafrica.org.
