The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) hosted the prestigious DAF Bridge Builders Award 2023 at the Kempinski Hotel. This event, held annually, aims to acknowledge and appreciate remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to bridging the gap between Africa and its Diaspora.
Over the past decade, the DAF Bridge Builders Award has recognized several iconic personalities for their outstanding efforts. Previous honorees have included Zanona Clayton, an iconic American civil rights leader, H.E. Joyce Banda, the former President of Malawi, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia, Mr. Louis Gossett Jr., an Oscar-winning American actor, and The Rev Jesse Jackson, an American political activist, among others.
This year, the Diaspora African Forum proudly bestowed honors upon seven exceptional African and Diaspora leaders who have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the mission of bridging the gap between Africa and its African family in the Diaspora. The esteemed awardees are as follows:
- H.E. Nana Akufo Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo – President of the Republic of Ghana
- H.E. Mia Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados
- Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma – Minister for the Presidency of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities, South Africa
- H.E. Prof. Benedict Oramah – President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, AFREXIMBANK
- H.E. Wamkele Mene – Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area
- Dr. John B. Sampson – Member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Africa Infrastructure Relief and Support (AIRS) project, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- H.E. Dr. Bamanga Tukur – Grand Patron and President Emeritus, African Business Roundtable
DAF recognizes the exceptional achievements of these leaders and is delighted to provide them with the recognition they truly deserve. By honoring these individuals, DAF aims to inspire and encourage further collaboration and cooperation between Africa and its Diaspora, fostering stronger bonds and a shared vision for a prosperous future.
Source: Ishmael Awudi