GAHAwards and Business Summit Set to Unite Over 1,000 African Leaders for Innovation and Inclusive Growth

The 13th GMYT African Humanitarian Award and Business Summit is gearing up to gather more than 1,000 leaders, innovators, investors and policymakers from across Africa and the global diaspora. Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, the Convener and Executive Chair, shared this excitement during a news conference in Lagos on Monday, explaining that the summit brings together people whose daily work shapes governance, business, advocacy and social progress across the continent.

She noted that the event, themed “Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainable Growth,” will take place on December 12 at Eko Hotels & Suites. The theme reflects a clear intention: to push forward a true continental conversation about scalable African solutions across business, technology, governance, the creative space and social impact.

Oghene explained that the summit will feature influential voices from public service, aviation, human rights, development, law, finance, entrepreneurship and creative industries. For her, the press briefing wasn’t just an announcement but a chance to reinforce why the summit matters in today’s economic, social and policy environment. She emphasized that the gathering creates opportunities for partners, institutions and brands to align themselves with long-term development goals and collaborative growth.

She highlighted how the GAH platform has evolved into a powerful ecosystem that connects leaders from governance, media, fashion, sports, real estate and creative sectors. Over the years, it has positioned itself as a bridge between impact-driven individuals and the networks they need to grow.

One of the most talked-about moments during the conference was the unveiling of the GAH Elite Club Black Card, powered by Mastercard and Wema Bank. The card comes with global financial and hospitality privileges, including complimentary access to all flagship GAH events. It also connects individuals directly to CEOs, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators, serving as a gateway to influence, visibility and strategic opportunities.

This year’s edition will host an impressive lineup of dignitaries and speakers such as Dr. Babatope Agbeyo, Chairman and Group Managing Director of Cornfield Group, and the Grand Patron, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, General Overseer of Love of Christ Generation Church, will chair the occasion. Other notable speakers include the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), among others.

Since its inception in 2012, the platform has honoured over 350 Africans across 12 editions. It has welcomed more than 20,000 delegates and created media value exceeding ₦700 million.

This year’s summit promises leadership dialogues, exhibitions, high-level panel conversations and industry recognitions—an event built to inspire, elevate and chart new paths for Africa’s progress.