FIN GUIDES AFRICA TO PROSPERITY
The FIN (Foreign Investment Network Ltd) with the Africa-UAE Trade and Investment Forum held the Forbes Best of Africa Energy Award, on November 21st, 2021 at the opulent 7-star Burj Al Arab, Dubai. The objective was in continuation of its bid to promote emerging economies in Africa and serve as a platform for Africa’s linkage to the world. Under the patronage of Sheikh Tahnoon Al Nahyan, with the support of the Dubai government, the forum & awards, is aimed at stimulating wider inclusiveness between countries to accelerate and promote a more prosperous Africa.
The Chairman of Foreign Investment Network (FIN) Group, Mrs Olayinka Fayomi delivered the welcome address, said: “The impact of COVID-19 is estimated to drag African economies to a drop of around 1.4% of GDP, with small economies facing a contraction. up to 7.8%. So, now is the time to turn to trade and investment to help build better bilateral trade and investment platforms and boost the economy as well as increase productivity and export capacity.“
The international energy forum was held on November 22nd – 24th, 2021 at Shangrila Hotel, Dubai, showcased the latest inventions in the extractive industries, technology, mining, inventions, software developers, gas exploration equipment manufacturers and multinational companies demonstrated their innovations and provided an opportunity for greater investment in exploration amid the challenges of global warming. The exhibition area was from oil and gas technology, inventions, software developers, gas exploration equipment manufacturers and multinational companies, who demonstrated their innovations.
Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), Global shipbuilding giant received the Forbes’ Best of Africa Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities Development Award.
The representative of SHIN, Mr. Youngkwon Lee, was very grateful and honoured, while he received the award, said: “Our winning at Forbes Award is yet another proof of our corporate philosophy that responsible investment, powered by a belief in people, unlocks potentials that can drive real change. Samsung believes in the future of Africa; we have a Pan African vision.”
The leading indigenous marketer of choice, OVH Energy Marketing of Nigeria was the winner of the Forbes Best of Africa Downstream Company of the Year. Huub Stokman, the Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy Marketing, said on receiving the award “We’re humbled to receive the Forbes Best of Africa Award and a big thank you to the Forbes team for this recognition and award. We owe profound gratitude to our customers for their unwavering patronage over the years”.
Harry Ebohon, Founder and CEO of Propetrol Limited was honoured with the Outstanding CEO Award at the Forbes Energy 2021 Best of Africa awards.
“Under your leadership, Propetrol’s business model continues to evolve, expanding operations to other niche markets in Southern Africa and South Asia. Forbes acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leaders like you, top businessmen, political leaders, and dynamic personalities with records of making far-reaching impacts and positive contributions to the development of their respective countries, sectors, and industries.”
The event was graced by royalty, business communities, policymakers, entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders, the media, Forbes’ partners and international investors, Forbes’ representatives in Nigeria, Foreign Investment Network (FIN) amongst others. Africa UAE trade and Investment Forum: African Presidents’, Trade Ministers, Business leaders, UAE Royal family affirmed their support.
Nasir el-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State and Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, were among the dignitaries who attended the FIN Africa-UAE Trade and Investment Forum and the Forbes Best of Africa Energy Award sessions.
Other dignitaries who attended the awards, H.E. Zulfiquar Ghadiyali, Executive Director, Directions Investment Holding Company (DIHC); Beata Habyarimana, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda; Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade and Industry, South Africa; Nike Akande; former Minister of Trade and Investment, Nigeria; Prakash Parmanand Hinduja, Swiss businessman of Indian origin, among others.
As the award function continued, the guests enjoyed a lavish dinner and conversed with their colleagues and dignitaries.