President William Ruto has been honored as the African of the Year by the African Leadership Magazine (ALM) for his remarkable contributions to the African Renaissance. The United Kingdom-based organization announced Ruto as one of the winners of the 12th ALM Persons of the Year Awards 2023, following a rigorous 2-step selection process which included a call for nominations and an online voting poll that closed on December 14.

In a statement, the ALM highlighted Ruto’s active involvement in key continental issues such as climate change, debt restructuring, and global financial management. The organization emphasized that Ruto’s victory, along with other leaders such as outgoing Liberia President George Weah and former Tanzania Head of State Jakaya Kikwete, was largely based on the results of the online poll, which received votes from across Africa and the globe.

“The ALM Persons of the Year Awards are Africa’s premier vote-based endorsements, annually reserved for leading Africans contributing to the continent’s progress positively altering its perceived negative image. The 2-step selection process offers an opportunity for Africans from across the globe to be part of the process of celebrating leaders contributing to Africa’s growth and development,” the ALM stated.

In addition to Ruto’s recognition, Chief Justice Martha Koome and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu were also declared joint winners of the African Female Leader of the Year and African Political Leader of the Year awards, respectively. The winners and runners-up will be presented with their awards at a ceremony set to be held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 23, 2024.

The awards cover various categories, acknowledging individuals from diverse sectors across Africa for their exemplary contributions, including African Industrialist of the Year, African Philanthropist of the Year, and Young African Leader of the Year, among others.

This prestigious recognition celebrates President Ruto’s dedication to the continent’s growth and development, and acknowledges his significant impact as a leader in Africa.