Held annually during the week of the United Nations General Assembly, AAI’s Annual Awards Gala is the most well-attended Africa-focused event on the New York City calendar and brings together distinguished guests including African dignitaries (heads of state and diplomats), senior U.S. government officials, business and civil society leaders, educators, journalists, philanthropists and other prominent figures who share a stake in the economic viability and future of Africa.
In 1984 at AAI’s first Annual Awards Dinner, Andrew Young, the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia was honored. Over the next fifteen years AAI honored individuals to who had worked with AAI to fulfill its mission of promoting enlightened engagement between Africans and Americans through education, training, and dialogue.
National Achievement Award
In 1999 AAI decided to also acknowledge the leadership that is manifested in the collective work of Africa’s citizenry and began presenting an annual leadership award to the People of an entire African country. Honorees to date include the People of South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria.
2007: The People of Tanzania, for their longstanding commitment to education, capacity-building and environmental conservation, accepted by President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete... Read More >>
2006: The People of South Africa, for the Black Economic Empowerment Initiative, accepted by President Thabo Mbeki... Read More >>
2005: The People of Rwanda, for their transition from conflict toward peace and prosperity, accepted by President Paul Kagame... Read More >>
2004: The People of Namibia, for their commitment to education, accepted by President Sam Nujoma... Read More >>
2003: The People of Uganda, for reducing poverty and the spread of HIV/AIDS, accepted by President Yoweri Museveni and The People of Kenya, for their peaceful transition to democracy, accepted by President Mwai Kibaki
2001: The People of Ghana, for patience and determination in transition to democracy, accepted by President John Agyekum Kufuor and The People of Senegal, for patience and determination in transition to democracy, accepted by President Abdoulaye Wade
Distinguished Alumni Award
In addition to AAI’s national achievement award, AAI also presents distinguished Alumni awards to an alumna and/or alumnus of one of AAI’s education and training programs who has made a significant contribution to their country or field of work.
Honorees to date have included:
2007: Mr. Gidion Kaino Mandesi, Executive Director, Disabled Organization for Legal Affairs and Social Economic Development (DOLASED), Tanzania Read More >>
2006: Professor Phumla Mtala, Director of Programmes, College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA) Read More >>
2005: Mr. Jonathan Lifa, Africa Regional Manager, Public Affairs, Chevron Read More >>
2005: Ms. Betty Bigombe, World Bank Consultant, Senior Fellow at United States Institute of Peace Read More >>
2004: Dr. Fred Wabwire-Mangen, Director, Institute of Public Health Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
2004: Dr. Miriam K. Were, Chair, Board of Directors African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF), Kenya
2002: Ms. Joy Phumaphi, Minister of Health, Botswana Read More >>
All titles current as of date of award
AAI Special Recognition Awards
In addition to these awards AAI regularly honors specific organizations or individuals in the fields of business, the arts and the media who have made significant contributions to U.S./Africa relations, helped build bridges between Africa and America and helped educate Americans about Africa.
Honorees in this category have included:
2007: Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Compact with Iraq and Other Political Issues, AAI Award of Special Recognition for International Development and Diplomacy
2005: Dele Olojede, Foreign Editor, Newsday, AAI Excellence in Media Award
2004: The Honorable Donald Payne (D-NJ, 10th), United States House of Representatives, AAI Award of Special Recognition for Promoting Positive U.S.-Africa Relations
2002: Anthony Lewis, The New York Times, AAI Lifetime Achievement in Media Award
2001: Rosa M. Whitaker, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, AAI Award of Special Recognition for Promoting U.S.-Africa Trade Relations
All titles current as of date of award