Business leader Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and financial institution Bank Windhoek have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA). Organized by the African Leadership Magazine, the awards recognize outstanding contributions to corporate governance, leadership excellence, and sustainable development across the continent. The nominees, announced this week, will compete in categories celebrating Africa’s most transformative business minds and institutions, with winners to be honored on 9 July 2025 at the House of Lords in London, United Kingdom.
Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, co-founder of the United Africa Group, has been shortlisted for the Young Business Leader of the Year award, a category highlighting emerging visionaries under 40 driving innovation and growth. Her nomination underscores her role in expanding the United Africa Group’s footprint across sectors such as hospitality, energy, and infrastructure, cementing its reputation as one of Namibia’s most dynamic conglomerates. Meanwhile, Bank Windhoek, a cornerstone of Namibia’s financial sector, has been nominated for African Brand of the Year, a testament to its enduring legacy of customer trust, innovation, and community impact.
The African Business Leadership Awards, now in their 15th edition, employ a rigorous four-stage selection process. Following open nominations and editorial shortlisting, the third phase—public voting—is now underway until 29 May 2025. Public sentiment accounts for 65% of the final decision, with the remaining 35% based on verifiable evidence of a nominee’s impact. This hybrid model ensures winners reflect both popular acclaim and measurable achievements.
For Namibia, the dual nominations represent more than individual accolades—they signal the country’s rising stature as a hub of entrepreneurial talent and institutional excellence. Namundjebo-Tilahun’s trajectory mirrors Namibia’s broader economic ambitions. Since co-founding the United Africa Group in 2010, she has spearheaded initiatives such as the Hilton Windhoek, Namibia’s first internationally branded five-star hotel, and invested in renewable energy projects aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on imported power. Her leadership has also prioritized youth empowerment, with training programs targeting Namibia’s next generation of business leaders.
Bank Windhoek’s nomination, meanwhile, spotlights its pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion and stability. With over 40 branches nationwide and a suite of digital banking solutions, the institution has become synonymous with accessibility and innovation. Beyond its core services, Bank Windhoek has championed corporate social responsibility.
The ABLA ceremony, a highlight of the Africa Summit–London, will gather policymakers, investors, and industry titans to celebrate Africa’s economic potential. Namibia’s representation among nominees from 54 countries—including powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt—reflects a strategic alignment with continental development goals.
Public participation is now critical to securing victories for the Namibian nominees. Citizens and stakeholders are urged to cast votes online via the African Leadership Magazine’s platform, amplifying Namibia’s voice in a competitive field. A win for Namundjebo-Tilahun would mark the first time a Namibian claims the Young Business Leader title, while Bank Windhoek faces stiff competition from continental giants like Egypt’s Commercial International Bank and Ethiopian Airlines.
The awards also coincide with Namibia’s push to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy. Recognitions such as these enhance the country’s visibility among international investors, particularly in sectors like finance, renewable energy, and tourism. Notably, Namibia’s nominees align with national priorities outlined in the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, which emphasizes youth empowerment, digital transformation, and sustainable industrialization.
The final results, determined by a blend of public votes and editorial review, will be unveiled at the London ceremony, where winners will join a prestigious alumni network of past honorees, including Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe. For Namibia, the event offers a platform to showcase its economic potential and reinforce partnerships critical to achieving its Vision 2030 goals.