Johnnie Walker Blue Label partners with CNBC Africa

The host countries chosen for this year's regional ceremonies are Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa with the first round to be hosted by The Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, on 28 August and broadcast on CNBC Africa on 5 September.

"AABLA celebrates the qualities that shaped Johnnie Walker Blue Label - a bold and adventurous spirit that doesn't play by the rules, but writes them. This partnership creates a link between Johnnie Walker's belief in game-changers, and AABLA's ability to create a platform to appreciate the African business people who are increasing Africa's business potential," says Stella Bischoff, Africa Reserve manager for Diageo.

The awards recognise a number of innovators in a wide range of categories, including Business Leader of the Year, Business Woman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Young Business Leader of the Year. By selecting winners from several categories, the awards recognise the diversity that characterises the field of business, and celebrates the many aspects that combine to form a visionary business landscape.

"We are excited to have Diageo align its premium brand, Johnnie Walker Blue Label with the CNBC Africa AABLA and we look forward to raising the bar even further for African business leaders. As the awards grow from strength to strength, I have no doubt that being recognized at the awards will be a crowning achievement for anyone at the top of their career," says Bronwyn Nielsen, executive director of Programming at CNBC Africa.

The winners from each region will become finalists in the AABLA grand finale to take place in Durban, South Africa later in the year.