Femi Otedola, a billionaire business mogul, has been shortlisted for the BCA African Business Book of the Year award. He made the list with his book, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business.

The annual competition celebrates the most compelling business writing that examines and shapes Africa's economic imagination. The Business Council for Africa, in partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation, African Business, and BrandComms, unveiled the shortlist for the 4th edition of the awards.

The other shortlisted books and authors are: How we made it in Africa II, by Jarco Martiz; How Africa works, by Joe Studwell; Cultural Confluence in Organisational Change: A Portuguese Venture in Angola, by Allete Vonk; Afro-Optimism Unleashed, by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer; It's About Tyme, by Adrian Saville, Bruce Whitfield; How Africa Eats, by Professor David Luke; Realizing Africa’s Potential: A Journey to Prosperity; by Landry Signé.

The judging panel is made up of respected African business and thought leaders, including Arnold Ekpe, Chairperson of BCA, and chair of the Judging Committee. Other members of the panel include Arunma Oteh, former Director General of the Nigeria SEC and Chair at the Royal Africa Society; Chris Ogbechie, former Dean of Lagos Business School; Moky Makura, CEO of AfricaNoFilter; Terhas Berhe, Managing Director and Founder of Brand Communications; Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business and New African magazine; and Anver Versi, Editor of New African and African Banker.

We're excited to have the Africa Finance Corporation join us this year as our headline sponsor, said Arnold Ekpe, Chairperson of BCA. The Africa Finance Corporation is approaching its 20th anniversary next year, and it understands the importance of narrative and the significance of documenting firsthand the business stories being created across the continent. It's crucial for them to support this initiative, and they're doing so by joining us as our headline sponsor.

The winner and runners-up for this year will be unveiled at the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in London on 3 July, at the Institute of Directors. The winner will receive a trophy and $10,000. The second- and third-placed finalists will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively.

Last year's winners included All Hands on Deck: Unleash prosperity through world class capital markets by Arunma Oteh; Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance by Bronwen Everill; and Toni Kan's Riding the Storm: The Untold Story of Africa’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, which covered the African response to the Covid-19 pandemic. These winners didn't just receive awards; they also gained recognition for their work.

The Business Council for Africa was established in 1956 to provide reliable intelligence to investors interested in African economies. Today, it's a registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting African business, championing enterprise, and connecting the continent with global opportunity. It's been doing this for over 60 years, and it's made significant progress.

Its flagship initiatives include the Annual African Business Book Awards and the Annual RED Index. For more information, you can visit: www.bcafrica.org. The website has all the details you need to know about the organisation and its initiatives.

  • The BCA African Business Book of the Year award is in its 4th edition
  • The shortlist includes 8 books and authors
  • The winner will receive a trophy and $10,000
  • The awards ceremony will take place in London on 3 July
  • The Business Council for Africa was established in 1956

The BCA African Business Book of the Year award is a significant recognition of the best business writing in Africa. It highlights the importance of documenting and sharing the stories of African businesses and their impact on the continent's economy. This recognition isn't just about the award; it's about the impact it has on African businesses.

Femi Otedola's book, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, is a memoir that shares his experiences and insights from his successful business career. As a prominent Nigerian businessman, his book is expected to provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders across Africa. They'll learn from his experiences and gain insights into the African business environment.

The partnership between the Business Council for Africa and the Africa Finance Corporation is a strategic move to promote African business and enterprise. The Africa Finance Corporation is a leading infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, and its support for the awards is a testament to its commitment to promoting African business and economic development. This partnership won't just benefit the awards; it'll also benefit African businesses.

The judging panel's diverse expertise and experience will ensure that the winner is chosen based on the quality and impact of their writing. The panel members aren't just judges; they're also experts in their fields. They'll evaluate the books based on their content, style, and overall impact.

The awards ceremony in London will provide a platform for the winners to showcase their work and connect with other business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the continent. It's an opportunity for them to network and learn from each other. The ceremony won't just be about the awards; it'll also be about the opportunities it provides.

The BCA African Business Book of the Year award is an important initiative that promotes African business writing and provides a platform for African authors to share their stories and insights. It's a celebration of African business excellence and a recognition of the continent's economic potential. The award isn't just about the winner; it's about the impact it has on African businesses and the economy.

As the awards ceremony approaches, there's excitement and anticipation about who will emerge as the winner. The shortlisted authors and books are all contenders, and the competition is expected to be fierce. The winner will be announced on 3 July, and it'll be interesting to see who'll take home the trophy and the $10,000 prize. The anticipation is building up, and everyone's eager to know the winner.

In the meantime, the shortlisted books and authors will continue to generate interest and attention. Femi Otedola's book, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, is already gaining traction, and it'll be interesting to see how it fares in the competition. The book's success isn't just about the award; it's about the impact it has on readers. The BCA African Business Book of the Year award is a significant recognition of African business writing, and it'll continue to promote and celebrate African business excellence for years to come. It's a legacy that'll continue to inspire and motivate African businesses and entrepreneurs.