African Banker Awards debuts in Africa

The African Banker Awards, an event for the banking and financial community in Africa, have in the past coincided with the annual World Bank/IMF meetings, but this year the committee have decided to 'take it home to Africa' and hold the ceremony under the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). It will take place in Arusha, Tanzania at the end of May.

The AfDB has been a continuous supporter of the African Banker Awards and Nkosana Moyo, former vice president of the bank, has previously served on the awards' judging panel.

Commenting on the AfDB, Omar Ben Yedder, publisher of African Banker magazine, said, "The African Development Bank Group has become the institution of choice for African affairs and continues to grow in stature and influence at a critical juncture for Africa. It is to be commended for the way it has led Africa through the financial crisis and worked to dampen the repercussions of the global economic crisis. Africa's survival of the credit storm has been keenly observed worldwide and the African Development Bank has certainly been part of the recipe for this achievement.

The bank is committed to the promotion of excellence in Africa's financial sector and has always been a strong supporter of the work we do for our events. We're honoured to increase our strong ties with the AfDB and are especially excited about hosting the awards on home soil, which is where they belong."

Now in its 6th edition, the African Banker Awards is an annual event organised by African Banker and IC Events in partnership with Business in Africa Events. It brings together over 300 key industry players and top government officials from Africa and around the world to honour the achievements of companies and individuals who have contributed significantly to the reform, modernisation and expansion of the continent's banking and financial system, driving Africa's sustained economic growth in the process.

For more, go to [[www.ic-events.net/awards/african_banker_awards_2012