…as Tonya Lawani Wins Global Industry Award

By Vera Opia

Group Chief Executive of SEAL Group, Tonya Osato Lawani, whose pioneering work continues to highlight the power of women in driving Africa’s industrial transformation, has called on more women across the continent to step forward and contribute meaningfully to its economic and industrial growth.

She made the call in Accra, Ghana, where she received the Global Industry Award at the Global Entrepreneurs Award Gala, held during the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF).

Speaking after receiving the award, Tonya said the recognition was not just a personal honour but a testament to the ingenuity of African women who continue to break barriers across multiple sectors.

“Receiving this award is a profound honour,” she said. “I accept it in solidarity with the many women entrepreneurs whose creativity, resilience and leadership are transforming industries across Africa. We must continue to inspire more women to take bold steps, innovate and strengthen the continent’s industrial base.”

The organisers said Tonya was chosen for her exceptional leadership in hospitality, advertising, merchandising, and branding services, as well as her commitment to modernising supply chains and promoting inclusive entrepreneurship across West Africa.

Under her leadership, SEAL Group—which encompasses Virgin Vie Angel, ABC Inflatables Nigeria, The Virgin Hospitality Company, Expose Et Al and The Quick Print Shop—has grown into a leading provider of hospitality, inflatables manufacturing, branding solutions and corporate services.
The company’s clientele includes major national and multinational organisations such as Eko Hotels, Dangote Group, MTN, UBA Group, Multichoice, GlaxoSmithKline, Samsung, Cadbury, Reckitt Benckiser and Nestlé.

Tonya’s recognition, according to the organisers, reflects a broader shift in the continent’s development trajectory, where women are increasingly becoming central to innovation, industrial expansion and business transformation.

The 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival was a three-day high-level forum held under the patronage of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.
Organised to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week, the festival brought together global business leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s event featured an innovation expo, pitch sessions, a leadership forum, the International Women’s Congress and the Global Entrepreneurs Award Gala, which honoured outstanding contributors to global entrepreneurship.

One of the keynote speakers, James (Jim) W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, said leadership requires the courage to embrace change, adding that confidence stems from preparation and education.

Other notable speakers included Stedman Graham, Chairman/CEO, S. Graham & Associates; H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Chairperson, United Africa Group (Namibia); Henry Kaestner, Co-Founder, Faith Driven Investor; Dr. Aaron Farrugia, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Malta; and Amar Deep Singh Hari, Chairman, IPMC.

Tonya’s award drew applause from participants who described her as one of the leading voices redefining industrial service delivery on the continent. Many noted that her recognition further reinforces the need for more women to occupy strategic positions in Africa’s industries.