On Friday (26), Mozambican businessman Michel Ussene, CEO of Mitra Energy and President of the Mozambican Association of Oil Companies (AMEPETROL), won the 13th African Business Leadership Award (ABLA) 2023, in the Young Business Leader of the Year category.

"The winning position was unexpected. I think the UXENE Smart City Project, which is essentially youth-oriented, is already recognized on the continent as a beacon for 21st century Africa and that must have motivated the voters. My team and I are very grateful for this recognition. The path is forward," the businessman told MZNews.

The prize is awarded by the renowned and prestigious African Leadership Magazine (ALM), based in the United Kingdom, which this year included 18 categories, ranging from Entrepreneurs, Trade Ministers, Companies, CEOs, Young People, Women Leaders, Brands, among others.

In the category of Michel Ussene, who won thanks to the UXENE smart city project, the runner-up prize went to Ismeal Cisse, Founder/CEO of Sirius Capital, from Côte d'Ivoire. The ALM Grammy elected personalities whose activities have had a progressive impact on the continent.

The election process included an early selection process, in which the ABLA first invited the personalities to nominate them, followed by an online vote. In addition to the evaluation and final review of the votes, the ALM Editorial Board approved the nominees.

A total of 38 ABLA 2023 Leaders were elected, as there was more than one champion and runner-up in some categories. The recipients will receive their diplomas of honor during the 8th edition of the Africa Summit 2023, scheduled for July 10 and 11, 2023 at the UK House of Lords and the Dorchester Hotel London United Kingdom.