Diaspora leader Abdou Samb claims African of the Year at Mission Africa Awards
African Diaspora
Ambassador Samb has been instrumental in building bridges between the Global North and Africa.
Image: Supplied
THIS week, the luxurious Southern Sun Hotel in Johannesburg hosted the prestigious Mission Africa Awards Ceremony, a glittering event organised by Woman With a Mission in collaboration with Mission Africa.
The gala brought together Africa’s leading figures for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and networking, aligning with the organisation’s mission to promote economic and intellectual integration across the continent.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the coveted “African of the Year” award, which recognises outstanding contributions to Africa’s regeneration and unity. This honour was bestowed upon Ambassador Abdou Samb, a prominent business leader originally from Senegal and based in France.
As President of FRS Consulting in Paris, Honorary Ambassador of the Pan African Parliament responsible for diaspora affairs, and President of the Abdou Samb Foundation, Ambassador Samb has been instrumental in building bridges between the Global North and Africa.
The award celebrated Samb’s efforts in championing a transformative movement urging the African diaspora to return to their home countries and share their skills, expertise, and innovations.
Samb remarked: “We are going to change; we must change this. We must switch from being consumers to producers. It is our responsibility as African elites, as Africans, to change this paradigm.” He further emphasised the important role of the diaspora, saying: “All Africans just want to come back to the continent. That is why I’ve set up the Abdou Samb Foundation, to work within the system and promote an environment that is more favourable for the African diaspora to return to the continent and share what they have learned all around the world.”
Samb also called for African unity and harnessing local resources: “We have the market, we don’t need anyone else. We can do this; it’s up to us to make it happen.” Highlighting technology’s role, he said: “Africa is leading the world in mobile payment technology because we found a way to use what we have, the phone, to build solutions. We can lead the world if we build sustainable models using our environment, technology, and skills.”
His remarks underscored the necessity for leadership accountability and diasporic collaboration to propel the continent forward.
The Mission Africa Awards are part of the Woman With a Mission Recognition Awards (WWMRA), which combine education, inspiration, and entertainment to honour Africa’s achievers. The event featured a gala dinner where attendees networked with African achievers, world shakers, and groundbreakers, including dignitaries, business leaders, and influencers from across the continent and beyond.
Other notable winners at the event included Parliamentarian Imraan Moosa, recognised for his humanitarian work and advocacy for world peace, and South African entrepreneurs celebrated at various African awards ceremonies for innovation and leadership in fields from aviation to technology and philanthropy.
These leaders represent the dynamic fabric of Africa’s socio-economic progress and exemplify the spirit of the awards, to recognise and celebrate those driving change and growth throughout Africa.
The Mission Africa Awards foster an environment that elevates African excellence, recognising contributions that stimulate economic, intellectual, and social renewal across the continent and its diaspora, making it a key event in Africa’s calendar of recognition and empowerment. This year’s event not only recognised achievements but also energised the call to action for collaboration, innovation, and unity essential for Africa’s sustained transformation.
Notable people recognised at the Mission Africa Awards 2025:
- Ambassador Abdou Samb (Senegal/France) — African of the Year for his visionary leadership, mobilising the African diaspora and building bridges for Africa’s regeneration.
- Parliamentarian Imraan Moosa (South Africa) — Recognised for humanitarian work and advocacy for world peace.
- Lynda Avery — Volunteer Award winner (2025), celebrated for outstanding community service.
The event included a gala dinner where these achievers joined business leaders, influencers, and dignitaries from across Africa and the diaspora to celebrate and network.