It is with excitement that we congratulate JMKF’s Settlor and Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who has received the prestigious 12th African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year Awards for 2023.
Dr Kikwete, alongside other awardee’s President William Ruto of Kenya and former Liberian President George Weah, won the Peace and Security Leader of the Year category after garnering over 74.95 % of votes cast from the results of an online poll.
President Ruto won the African of the Year award, and H.E. George Weah received the African Political Leader of the Year Award.
The ALM Persons of the Year Awards, is renowned as Africa’s premier vote-based endorsement, recognises exemplary leaders who significantly contribute to the continent’s progress, reshaping its narrative and fostering positive development.
The Chairman of the African Leadership Organization, Dr Ken Giami, emphasized the winners’ substantial strides and contributions to Africa’s renaissance in driving sustainable development, economic growth, and political stability.
“Their efforts have bolstered regional peace, improved healthcare and education,
and laid a solid foundation for economic prosperity and human capital development across Africa”, he said.
The formal presentation of honours took place during the flagship annual ALM Persons of the Year (POTY) awards ceremony on March 15, 2024, at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the headquarters of the African Union.
Dr. Kikwete was awarded by the Guest of Hon. Aynalem Nigusie, Minister of Revenue of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, and Dr. Ken Giami, Chairman of the African Leadership Journal.
Accepting the award, Dr. Kikwete thanked the ALM and Africans in general and
dedicated the award to countless Africans—political leaders, economic influencers, religious figures, members of the security forces, dedicated civil servants, and ordinary individuals—who wake up every day and play their part in making the African continent a better place to live.