Hollard Ghana’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Patience Akyianu has achieved continent-wide recognition as the African Female Business Leader of the Year at the just-ended 6^th Invest in Africa Summit 2021 (virtual) organised by the prestigious African Leadership Magazine.

The award ceremony was held as a highlight of the 6^th Invest in Africa Summit, organised under the theme: Africa 4.0: Redefining Growth, Sustainability, and Innovation.

African Business Leadership Awards seeks to acknowledge and commend top-performing individuals for their selfless services to nation-building.

The award recognises leading lights on the continent, contributing towards changing the African narrative.

The selection process ethics entails three steps, involving nomination, subsequent voting, and final screening by the editorial team of the African Leadership Magazine.

Patience Akyianu emerged winner of the African Female Business Leader of the Year category.

She was recognised as an exceptional female leader with fantastic managerial skills who has shown resilience, courage, and sagacity in building a brand despite stiff competition in a male-dominated world.

Receiving the award, Patience Akyianu, in her acceptance speech, expressed profound gratitude to God, the advisory council, the editorial team, and Dr Giami of the African Business Leadership Awards.

“I am so delighted to be honoured as the African Female Business Leader of the Year, and I give all the glory to God from whom all blessings flow. I am completely stunned by the massive support I have received from Africa, especially Ghana, during the voting process. I thank everyone for this overwhelming vote of confidence.

"It is clear to me that I could not have emerged the winner of this prestigious award without the help and support of my family, friends, my church community, colleagues at Hollard Ghana, and the various networks I’m part of”.

“I, therefore, dedicate this award to my entire network and all the people who have contributed to making me who I am today.

"I’m very encouraged by this recognition and will continue to contribute my best to the financial services sector and the development of our continent.

"Together, through hard work, we will create and secure a better future for all. Thank you for this international honour,” she added.

According to Dr Giami, the Publisher of the African Leaders Magazine, the 2021 Africa Business Leadership Award (ABLA) celebrates grit, purpose, and impact in Africa’s business environment, especially in what continues to be a difficult period for most people due to the impact of coronavirus.

He further added that the leaders who have emerged winners in the various categories have exhibited these celebrated attributes in admirable capacities and deserving great accolades.