Forbes Africa and ABN Productions have hosted the Forbes Africa top listed West African Companies Awards Ceremony.

The list covered the Top 25 companies in the West African capital market comprising of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Ghanaian Stock Exchange and the Abidjan-based Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières SA (Regional Securities Exchange SA) or BRVM. The awards were ranked in terms of market capitalization, revenue and profit.

L-R Andy Ojei, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Oscar Onyema, CEO Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Edwin Devakumar, Group Executive Director, Dangote Group and Rakesh Wahi, Vice Chairman, ABN 360 Group

Mr. Chris Bishop, Managing Editor Forbes Africa before presenting the awards to the top five companies said “All too often the lists of the world have overlooked the success of African companies. Nights like this show how important successful African companies are in the progress of the world economy.”

Also speaking at the ceremony was Mr.Rakesh Wahi, Vice Chairman ABN 360 Group, parent company of CNBC Africa. Mr Wahi stated “We have a 5 year history of analysing and reporting economic and commercial data on the continent, and now believe we are in a unique position to begin celebrating the success of African companies and business leaders who have performed exceedingly well despite the economic crisis. These awards will be the most sought after on the continent especially because of the brands associated with them and the high level of diligence and integrity connected with them.

Mr Wahi concluded the event by congratulating Mr. Aliko Dangote and Dangote Group for winning the award for the top West African Company.

According to organisers, the Forbes Africa Top Listed West African Companies celebrates the success of risk takers and job creators. It is an important initiative that aims to encourage organisations to strive for sustained excellence and also promote their profiles not only in their home country but around the world.