2011 AABLA winners announced

Earlier this year ABN Productions announced the launch of AABLA in an attempt to identify and honour those leaders who are making a difference through innovation and inspiration in their industry sectors.

Honoured guests in attendance at the ceremony included MEC for Economic Development, Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu; director general, Sibusiso Xaba of the Department of Arts and Culture; retail pioneer, Raymond Ackerman and representatives from the office of Aliko Dangote.

The winners in the categories are:

Young Africa Business Leader of the Year
• James Mworia, CEO, Centum Investment

Africa Businesswoman of the Year
• Maria Ramos, group CEO, ABSA Group, South Africa

CNBC Africa Business Success in Africa Award
• Sim Tshabalala, deputy CEO, Standard Bank Group

Africa Business Leader of the Year
• Aliko Dangote, founder, Dangote Group, Nigeria

Africa Entrepreneur of the Year
• Aliko Dangote, founder, Dangote Group, Nigeria

Leadership in Arts Award
• Sim Tshabalala, deputy CEO, Standard Bank Group

Lifetime Achievement Award
• Raymond Ackerman, founder, Pick 'n Pay

Founder of AABLA and vice chairman for ABN Group, Rakesh Wahi's vision for the awards is for it to continue to serve as a platform to discover the business leaders who are creating a culture of entrepreneurship, developing best practices and carving out powerful and sustainable models of business in the global economy.

He says that "AABLA is set to be an annual event, with plans to expand into regional awards across the continent."