Igbo-born economist and international development expert, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Mrs), has made yet another history as she has won the African of the Year Award, organised by the All Africa Business Leaders Award (AABLA).

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, who formerly served Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance; and currently the outstanding candidate of the World Trade Organization’s leadership, has been recognised for ‘contributing and shaping the African economy’.

The global economist was awarded, courtesy of AABLA, in collaboration with CNBC Africa.

More so, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame was the first receiver of the award (African of the Year), an honorary category initiated by AABLA in 2018. Whereas, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group won in 2019.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was announced during a tele-broadcast on CNBC Africa on Monday.

“Who was the continent’s most promising citizen, leading transformation and change on an international stage this year? Ngozi-Okonjo Iweala as the Chair of Gavi is leading the charge for the equitable distribution of the coveted Covid-19 vaccine in Africa when it arrives,” the conveners stated.

Okonjo-Iweala currently sits on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and the African Risk Capacity (ARC).

Ozoemela Chikwas reporting, Obinwannem News