Calm, humble and visibly moved, Nwanze admitted he did not expect the recognition.

“I was just coming to enjoy the evening, meet people, have good food and go back home,” he said. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

A Win That Represents the Future of African Finance

As Chief Financial Officer of Heirs Energies and Chief Investment Officer for Heirs Holdings, Nwanze plays a central role in shaping financial strategy within one of Africa’s most influential business groups. He highlighted the growing importance of strong financial leadership as African economies expand.

Investing in the Next Generation of African Leaders

Through Heirs Holdings and its partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, he helps mentor and develop young African entrepreneurs.

Why Financial Discipline Matters

“Business is about the numbers,” he said. “The vision may be strong, but without disciplined financial management, that vision will never materialise.”

A Message for Young Africans

“Keep dreaming. But be disciplined. Financial discipline will take you further than you can imagine.”

AABLA 2025 — A Milestone for Financial Leadership

His journey is a model for young professionals across the continent.

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Graceful and composed, Dr Omogiafo accepted the honour with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. She stood as a symbol of what African women can achieve when determination, discipline and purpose come together.

“Who said a mother can’t do it?”

After receiving her award, she addressed a question many women in leadership face: How do you manage everything?

Her response was honest and empowering.

“I am always a mother. I am always a wife. I am always a Group CEO. And I am always Owen. The key is to integrate everything. Work–life balance is hard to achieve. Work–life integration is what works.”

Leading Nigeria’s Powerhouse

Dr Omogiafo oversees Transcorp Group, one of Nigeria’s most influential conglomerates. The company provides a significant share of Nigeria’s power supply, owns the country’s largest hospitality portfolio, drives new investments in renewable energy and is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Behind all of this is a mission she champions with conviction: to improve lives and transform Africa.

A Recognition She Values Deeply

Winning at AABLA was especially meaningful because of the calibre of the judges and the scope of the event as Africa’s finest businesswomen.

“They looked across the continent at many extraordinary women leading major corporations and they chose me. I am honoured and very proud.”

The Glass Ball Philosophy

Dr Omogiafo shared the life principle that guides her through demanding responsibilities. She calls it the Glass Ball Theory.

“We are all juggling. Some balls are glass, some are plastic and some are rubber.”

The Power of a Support System

Dr Omogiafo’s leadership journey is anchored in the people around her. She expressed heartfelt appreciation for her husband, her children Sosa, Precious and Abigail, her parents, in-laws, trusted executive team and close friends.

A Message to Young Women

“You can do it. You can lead. You can build. Your circumstances do not define your future.”

AABLA 2025: A Moment for the Continent

Dr Owen Omogiafo’s recognition as Businesswoman of the Year is a celebration of African leadership, an affirmation of women in executive spaces and a reminder that excellence grows where purpose is present.

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The atmosphere was electric at the 13th Annual All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) as Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies, was honoured with the prestigious Business Leader of the Year 2025 award. The accolade recognises exceptional leadership, innovation, and transformative impact on the African business landscape.

Still absorbing the moment, Mali expressed deep gratitude:

“I’m humbled… I’m still numb. This award is a tribute to our team.”

From Loss-Making to Industry-Leading

Lesaka Technologies — previously struggling and loss-making — has, under Mali’s leadership, become a profitable, community-driven fintech powerhouse.

Lesaka serves some of the most overlooked sectors in South Africa:

• Township and village merchants

• Spaza shops and taverns

• Grant beneficiaries

• Underserved consumers excluded by traditional banking

“We deal with people who are often ignored by mainstream institutions,” Mali said. “We wanted to show them dignity — to show they are valued customers. They repaid us with loyalty.”

A Leadership Approach Rooted in Respect

Mali’s philosophy is people-centric:

 “Respect and dignity matter. My colleagues must trust me, and I must trust them. I always communicate the WHY. Our why is the unseen and underserved customer.”

This clarity of purpose has played a vital role in Lesaka’s turnaround.

AABLA Recognition as a Platform for Inspiration

Beyond personal achievement, Mali sees the award as an opportunity to inspire young Africans.

 “We’ve never fully told the Lesaka story,” he said. “Tonight I shared it, and I hope it inspires the next generation of leaders.”

His message carries weight, given his own journey:

“At 18, I had been expelled from school. I was in and out of jail. I saw no future.”

Today, he leads a fintech listed on both the Nasdaq and the JSE.

 “Your past cannot determine your future,” he told the youth. “It’s the fire inside you that matters. I believe in you.”

Continuous Learning as a Superpower

Asked about the role of education, Mali stressed the importance of lifelong learning:

“Education matters — not for certificates, but for knowledge. The world is changing fast. To make an impact, you must keep learning.”

AABLA 2025 Marks a Milestone for Lesaka

As applause filled the room, it was clear that Mali’s leadership — grounded in humility, service, and dignity — is shaping not only Lesaka’s success but inspiring leadership across the continent.

For Lesaka Technologies and the communities it serves, this award marks a powerful milestone and the beginning of an even greater chapter.

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