William Ruto Wins African Of The Year Award For Fostering Economic Growth Across The Continent

• Africa Leadership Magazine (ALM) released the list of the winners of the African Persons the Year award, 2023
• President William Ruto emerged the winner of the African of the Year category, while Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman, African Export-Import Bank, was the runners-up
• The awards are reserved for leading Africans contributing to the continent’s progress and positively altering its perceived negative image.

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

President William Ruto has won an international award for his role in championing peace and economic growth in Africa.

On Monday, December 18, Africa Leadership Magazine (ALM) announced Ruto as the winner of the African of the Year award.

"African Leadership Magazine announces the winners of the African Persons of the Year Awards 2023. Congratulations, William Ruto, President of Kenya, on your emergence as African of the Year. Presentation billed for February 23, 2024 in Addis Ababa," ALM said in a statement.

Who else won the African Leadership Magazine award?

Outgoing Liberian president Goerge Weah and former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kitwete also won the award in various categories. The awards are largely based on results from the online poll, which attracted vote entries from across Africa and the globe.

The ALM Persons of the Year Awards are reserved for leading Africans contributing to the continent’s progress and positively altering its perceived negative image.

According to ALM chairman Ken Giami, the winners of the 2023 awards made significant contributions to the African renaissance.

"The winner of the 2023 edition of the ALM Persons of the Year Awards made significant strides and remarkable contributions to the African renaissance in the year under review, especially in driving sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and promoting peace and political stability across the continent.

Their sacrifices, policies and actions have bolstered regional peace and cooperation, improved healthcare and education, and laid the groundwork for substantial progress, economic growth and human capital development across Africa," Giami said

Why US envoy praised William Ruto

In a related news, President Ruto was hailed for his effort to foster democracy and peace in the Horn of Africa.

In a meeting with Ruto with his envoy led by Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua, US State Secretary Anthony Blinken recognised the president's effort toward mitigation of the after-effects of climate change, and his call to nations to adopt mechanisms for climate change interventions.

Further, the US chief bureaucrat thanked Ruto for making strides in reviving the economy, promising him continued support.

"We deeply value the strong steps that you're taking to strengthen Kenya's democracy and strengthening the economy. We will continue to have our strong partnership," said Blinken.