Accra, 2 other cities win Jose Eduardo dos Santos African Mayor Awards

Accra, 2 other cities win Jose Eduardo dos Santos African Mayor Awards

Friday, May 1, 2015 3:26 pm


Representatives of the three african cities with their trophies

Representatives of the three african cities with their trophies

The winners of the inaugural 2015 “José Eduardo dos Santos African Mayor Awards” have been announced in Luanda, Angola.

These awards acknowledge the leadership and contribution made by Mayors of large, medium and small cities and celebrate achievements and excellence in urban development in Africa.

The winning cities will receive prize money totalling $350,000 for specific initiatives.

US$50,000 will go to the city of Praia in Cape Verde (small city), $100,000 will go to Kinondoni in Tanzania (medium city) and Accra in Ghana (large city) will receive $200,000.

The formal presentation ceremony and a Gala dinner was hosted by Angola’s Minister of State and Chief of Civil House in the office of the President, Hon Edeltrudes Maurício Fernandes Gaspar da Costa and attended by over 350 guests comprising government officials, city leaders, African mayors, investors and business leaders.

The Awards took place in conjunction with the 2nd Africa Urban Infrastructure Investment Forum held from 29-30 March 2015 in Luanda, Angola. Speaking at the ceremony, the Awards organiser and Publisher of African Business magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, said that the African Mayor Awards recognise, celebrate and reward City leaders or Governors who are helping transform Africa’s growing metropolises.

“The winning cities tonight are being led by individuals who are showing essential leadership qualities as they help build cities that work. And we will need more exemplary leadership, good governance and innovative thinking, whilst paying close attention to our culture and way of living when dreaming of the cities of tomorrow. Our leaders need to be close to the people, and our winners tonight are demonstrating these qualities.”

The winners were selected by a judging panel comprising of Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, General-Secretary of United Cities and Local Governments-Africa (UCLG-A),Tokunbo Omisore, Chairman of the African Union of Architects, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for UN-Habitat, Vitor Leonel Miguel, Chairman of the Angolan Architects Union and Gaetan Siew, Chair, Construction Industry Sector of Mauritius.

Also speaking at the awards UCLG-A Secretary General, Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi Mbassi said: “The José Eduardo dos Santos African Mayor Awards aim to raise the profile of Africa’s Mayors by honouring those who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities and developed a vision for urban living, working and travelling across Africa.”


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