Ghanaian company among finalists for prestigious business awards

Accra, June 1, GNA - A Ghanaian company, mPedigree Network, has been shortlisted for the finals for the fourth edition of the highly prestigious African Business Awards. The company, founded by Ghanaian activist, Mr Bright Simons, the inventor of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs)_-shortcode method for instant detection of counterfeiting, is the only Ghanaian company and also the only social enterprise (a company that tracks both social impact and commercial results) to make the final shortlist. A statement from the company said this year's selection boasts of an impressive list of contenders with several newcomers up in the running. Commenting on the honour, Mr Selorm Branttie, mPedigree Ghana's Strategy Director, said: 93I think we have broken the tide. Our selection alongside some of Africa's biggest companies for the innovation prize clearly indicate that the time has come for African and global leaders to look to innovation from the grassroots, youth and SMEs as the best response to Africa's developmental challenges." Other highly competitive categories in the Awards are "Business Leader of the Year" and 93Businesswoman of the Year" prizes. The nominees for the Award for Business Leader of the Year include Vimal Shah of Bidco, Kenya; Aliko Dangote Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dangote Group, Nigeria; James Mwangi of Equity Bank, Kenya; Niza Juma, Chairman of Jubilee Holdings, also from Kenya and Phuthuma Freedom Nhleko, former CEO of MTN Group. This year's Award for Outstanding Businesswoman features a crop of stellar candidates who have made a significant mark on the business landscape in Africa and abroad. They are Sandie Okoro with Barings Asset Management; Stella Kilonzo, Chief Executive of the Kenya Capital Markets Authority; Pedu Adebajo of the Mouka group in Nigeria; and Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of footwear company soleRebels of Ethiopia. Organised by IC Publications, publishers of the African Business magazine, the Commonwealth Business Council, and BusinessinAfrica Events, the African Business Awards brings together prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, heads of state and other high-ranking government officials from across the world to celebrate the achievements and successes of those who have played a pivotal role in driving Africa's economic development forward. Now in its fourth year, the African Business Awards has established itself as the key annual event on the calendars of the African business community. The winners would have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the continent, the economic aspirations of its citizens and the transformation of Africa's image in international markets, while displaying high standards of good corporate citizenship and social and environmental responsibility.