GroFin triumphs in the Africa Investor Awards 2008

The Africa Investor Awards are unique pan-African business and investment awards that recognize and reward the achievements of the private sector. These awards attract the market leaders from across the continent and salute their achievements. The awards reward exceptional business practices, economic achievements and investments across the investment spectrum in Africa.

GroFin entered the in the category “Best Initiative in Support of SME Development”. This category is open to companies and organizations that have demonstrated support of the development of small and medium sized enterprises. While the award is for a specific initiative, it should fit within a broader ongoing strategy demonstrating leadership in support of SME’s. Entrants should thus demonstrate the following:

-          An initiative which addresses an appropriate balance between felt and real needs of SME’s;
-          Clear actions towards facilitating creation or growth of SME’s;
-          Impact assessments;
-          Indication as to how the initiative fits into the broader strategy to support of SME’s;
-          Initiative supports SME’s in their corporate citizenship;
-          Communication of successes of the initiative as a role model for other.

This year the panel of judges consisted of:

-          Dr Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the Executive President of African Business Roundtable;
-          Dr Ken Kwaku, Special Adviser to Former President Mkapa;
-          Mr Sunil Benimadhu, CEO of the Mauritius Stock Exchange;
-          Mr Mawuli Ababio, MD of AVCA;
-          Ms. Lindie Engelbrecht, CE of the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa.

The ceremony took place on 27 October 2008 at the ICC in Durban and was attended by more than 400 delegates. GroFin was announced the winner of the category entered into, with Coca-Cola Africa the 1st runners-up and Anglo Zimele the 2nd runners-up. This achievement follows on winning AI awards in both 2005 and 2006 and is testimony of the dedication of the staff to make a difference in this under-served sector of the economy.