The Group Chief Executive of Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions provider, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu, has been recognised with the African Icon Award at the Africa Trade Conference hosted by Access Bank Plc in Cape Town, South Africa.
The award recognises Mr Tinubu’s contributions in advancing Africa’s energy landscape and his role in championing indigenous enterprise within the continent’s evolving economic framework.
Commenting on the recognition, Mr Tinubu expressed gratitude for the honour.
“I am indeed grateful. It is wonderful to be honoured alongside exceptional individuals such as Aliko Dangote CON and iconic institutions such as Afreximbank and the African Development Bank Group, who have and continue to champion the next phase of Africa-first capitalism.
Access Bank remains a steadfast supporter of Oando's audacious vision and a valued partner in our exciting and purposeful growth ambitions. The work of building the Africa of our dreams is a collective endeavour, and this award is a reminder of that fact. Thank you to the Access Bank team for continuing to champion African trade and the bold ideas that move Africa forward.”
Africa-first capitalism, as referenced by Mr Tinubu, reflects a growing shift towards retaining value within the continent by strengthening indigenous enterprises, deepening regional trade, and mobilising African capital to fund African opportunities. This approach prioritises long-term value creation, reduced dependency on external markets, and the development of resilient, self-sustaining economic systems across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and finance.
Mr Tinubu was recognised alongside leading figures and institutions shaping Africa’s economic trajectory, including Aliko Dangote, as well as African Export-Import Bank and African Development Bank Group.
The Africa Trade Conference, now in its second edition, brings together policymakers, business leaders, development finance institutions, and global investors to accelerate Africa’s role in global trade. Hosted by Access Bank Plc, the conference features participation from senior public and private sector leaders, including Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc; Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General for Southern Africa at the African Development Bank Group; Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director, Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Tiroeaone Ntsima, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, alongside global finance and advisory leaders. The conference programme includes ministerial panels, plenary sessions, and industry-led discussions focused on translating Africa’s trade potential into measurable outcomes.
This recognition further reinforces Oando’s positioning as a key player in Africa’s energy sector and its commitment to delivering long-term value through strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives.
