KIGALI, Rwanda — Nigerian billionaire industrialist and Founder of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has been named CEO of the Year at the Africa CEO Awards 2026 held during the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
Rabiu was among six business leaders and companies recognised for their contributions to Africa’s economic development and transformation.
Okay News reports that organisers described Rabiu as a leading figure in Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural sectors, citing the performance of BUA Foods and BUA Cement as part of the basis for the recognition.
According to the organisers, BUA Foods recorded revenues of ₦1.77 trillion (approximately $1.3 billion) in 2025, while BUA Cement currently has a market capitalisation of about ₦14.16 trillion (approximately $10.3 billion).
“A key figure in Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural sectors, he also spearheads significant social development initiatives through ASR Africa, to which he commits $100 million annually across Nigeria and the continent,” the organisers said.
The awards recognise business leaders and organisations considered to be shaping Africa’s economic future through innovation, impact, and long-term transformation.
Organisers said winners for the 2026 edition were selected by an independent panel of internationally recognised experts following what they described as a rigorous evaluation process involving leading candidates from across the continent.
Rabiu, through the BUA Group, has expanded investments across sectors including cement, food processing, infrastructure, and manufacturing, making the company one of Nigeria’s major industrial conglomerates.
