The 2025 Global Excellence Summit and Awards (GESA), scheduled for May 23-24 in Lagos, Nigeria, is poised to be a landmark event, amplifying Africa’s burgeoning role as a global powerhouse of excellence. More than a mere summit, GESA 2025 is envisioned as a continental movement designed to celebrate exemplary achievements, foster transformative leadership, and reshape Africa’s narrative on the world stage. The summit will serve as a dynamic platform for engaging discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking among global leaders, diplomats, innovators, and influential figures from diverse sectors. With the overarching theme of “Global Excellence in Diplomacy and Leadership: Africa’s Path to Prosperity,” GESA 2025 will delve into critical areas such as diplomacy, governance, trade, innovation, gender equity, and sustainable development, all crucial components in shaping Africa’s future trajectory.
Central to the GESA 2025 vision is the recognition and celebration of individuals and organizations driving positive change across the African continent. The summit aims to showcase success stories, inspire future generations of leaders, and foster a culture of excellence in various domains. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives, GESA 2025 aims to create a synergistic environment for collaboration and the exchange of best practices. The presence of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, underscores the significance of the event and the Nigerian government’s commitment to promoting excellence and leadership within the country and across the continent.
Ambassador Fatoumatta Gaye, Convener of GESA 2025 and Vice Chairperson of the AU Agenda 2063 Women and Gender Committee, emphasizes the transformative potential of the summit. She envisions GESA not merely as an event but as a catalyst for change, propelling Africa’s emergence as a leading force in global affairs. The summit’s focus on excellence aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the continent’s socioeconomic transformation. By highlighting and celebrating achievements across various sectors, GESA 2025 aims to inspire a collective pursuit of excellence and contribute to the realization of Agenda 2063’s ambitious goals.
The summit’s comprehensive program reflects its multifaceted approach to promoting excellence. The two-day event will feature a rich array of activities, including keynote speeches by distinguished global and regional leaders, interactive panel discussions, insightful masterclasses on leadership and diplomacy, and engaging exhibitions showcasing innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies. These sessions will provide invaluable opportunities for participants to learn from experts, share their experiences, and forge meaningful connections. The program will delve into key areas such as diplomacy and leadership, governance and policy, trade and investment, innovation and technology, gender equity and women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, providing a holistic perspective on Africa’s path to prosperity.
The culmination of GESA 2025 will be a prestigious awards gala, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exemplary leadership and made significant contributions to their respective fields. The Global Excellence Awards, the AU Women Impact Awards, and the He-for-She Honours will be conferred upon deserving recipients, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. The He-for-She Honours, specifically, will recognize male allies who have championed gender inclusion and actively promoted women’s empowerment, highlighting the importance of male allyship in achieving gender equality.
The impressive roster of dignitaries expected to attend GESA 2025 further underscores the event’s prominence. Justice Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, Chairman of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Tribunal, and High Commissioners from The Gambia, Zambia, and Sierra Leone, along with prominent business and policy leaders from across Africa and the diaspora, will grace the summit with their presence. Their participation will enrich the discussions, provide valuable insights, and contribute to the summit’s overall impact. GESA 2025 promises to be a momentous occasion, showcasing Africa’s potential and inspiring collective action towards a more prosperous and equitable future for the continent.
