The Forty under 40 Awards, an initiative from Xodus Communications Limited seeks to identify, honour and celebrate a cross-section of the nation's most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age forty from a wide range of industries, who are committed to business growth, professional excellence and community service and have risen through the ranks of their companies or industries at a relatively young age.

The 2019 Forty under 40 received 170 entries from various parts of the country and industries. 14 individuals were disqualified based on eligibility, thus they were not chief executive officers nor co- founders of their companies. 46 more applicants did not meet the first criteria selection process. The selection into shortlisted nominees requires some significant achievements with some degree of evidence from the nominator or the nominee.

The Awards puts the spotlight on these young achievers not only to celebrate them but also build a strong platform for them by giving a voice and opportunities to the next generation of industry pacesetters whiles building a positive attitude in our youth to strive for excellence at a tender age.

The third edition of the Awards which is slated for 4th October, 2019 at Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel is endorsed by the Ministry of Business Development, National Youth Authority and the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation. It is under the supervision of an Awarding Board with eminent members of the society comprising; Prof. Atta Peters, Dr. Ken Kwaku, Prof. Essilfie Conduah, Dr. Ato Conduah and Dr Paul Fynn

According to Richard Abbey Jnr, the Events Director the Awarding Board is seeking to celebrate under forty emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals in the public, private and non-profit sectors and will recognise attributes such as achievements in business, experience and innovation, vision, leadership and community involvement. Last year the Awards Gala brought together about 400 guest of which 121 were nominees

The Award category covers a wide range of all the various sectors you can think of, ranging from banking and finance, energy, family business, agriculture, theatre and arts, journalism, fashion, law, sports, event management, health, technology and innovation amongst others.