Keroche boss crowned business woman of the year

Investors in the region have been awarded for their exemplary achievements during the East African round of CNBC Africa All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) in Nairobi at the weekend.

Keroche Breweries CEO Tabitha Karanja came tops in the Business Woman of the Year category.

Ms Karanja was lauded as an industry leader owing to her 18 years at the helm of the brewer, a firm that employs over 300 people and gives back to the community through youth education.

The East African Business Leader of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award both went to Dr Reginald Mengi, CEO of IPP Limited. Dr Mengi has pioneered corporate social responsibility in Tanzania.

TECHNOBRAIN

The founder and CEO of Technobrain Ltd in Tanzania, Mr Manoj Shanker, was named Entrepreneur of the Year owing to his successful efforts to build a unique firm that puts Africa first as a communications technology solutions developer.

East Africa’s Young Business Leader of the Year award went to Helvetic Solar CEO Patrick Ngowi. Mr Ngowi founded Helvetic Group of Companies, the fastest-growing network in renewable energy in EAC. Mr Ngowi has over 300 people under his leadership.

“We salute the East African AABLA winners who represent the highest standard of boldness and rare character in the region’s business landscape,” Kenya Breweries managing director Joe Muganda said.

With East Africa’s business champions crowned, the Southern and West African regional finals will take place in October, leading up to the pan-continental AABLA finale in November 4, in Johannesburg, South Africa.