Richard Abbey Jnr, founder of the Forty Under 40 Awards, urged young African leaders Saturday to embrace vision, integrity, and execution as he addressed the summit in Accra, celebrating the continent’s emerging business and social innovators.
Speaking to nominees, policymakers, and regional stakeholders, Abbey reflected on the journey of the Forty Under 40 Awards, which he launched in 2017 under the “410.40” brand. “What started in Ghana has grown across South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and now globally in Dubai,” Abbey said. “Our mission is to build legacies, celebrate leaders who innovate, and inspire Africa’s youth to strive for excellence.”
Abbey, who also directs Exodus Communications with branches in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and the United Kingdom, and heads Possible Technologies, said the awards were created in response to Africa’s skewed media narrative. “Too often, young people’s achievements are overlooked while crises dominate headlines,” he said. “We wanted to celebrate those who are rising, building businesses, shaping industries, and making meaningful social impact.”
The Forty Under 40 Awards recognize outstanding Africans across multiple categories, including culture, technology, social enterprise, and entrepreneurship. Abbey emphasized that success can start at any age and that recognition is vital to building networks that support long-term growth. He said the awards are as much about mentorship, collaboration, and networking as they are about accolades.
During the summit, Abbey conducted a roll call of nominees from across Africa, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Morocco, Zimbabwe, and Angola. “These young leaders have traveled far, showing faith in themselves and in Africa’s potential,” he said. “Their dedication reminds us why this platform exists.”
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Abbey also highlighted the summit’s practical elements, including an exhibition showcasing locally made products such as gold investments, art, watches, and footwear. A fashion show featuring Ghanaian craftsmanship provided another opportunity to celebrate African creativity. “The summit is about more than awards. It is about connecting people, showcasing culture, and creating opportunities,” he said.
Throughout his speech, Abbey stressed his guiding philosophy: “Let your vision scale.” He described it as the engine driving his initiatives, including the expansion of Forty Under 40 beyond Africa to global recognition. “Africa’s next generation is here,” he said. “We are committed to lifting them, celebrating them, and giving them the stage they deserve.”
Abbey also reflected on the emotional impact of recognition. “Appreciation is eternal,” he said. “I have seen people moved to tears when their achievements are acknowledged. It is more powerful than money—it is the acknowledgment of their vision and effort.”
The Forty Under 40 Awards have become a platform for fostering intercontinental networks, connecting emerging African leaders with peers, investors, and policymakers. Abbey said the initiative demonstrates that Africa’s youth are ready to drive economic growth, social innovation, and industrialization.
Looking ahead, Abbey confirmed that the awards will continue to rotate across African nations and beyond. “We are committed to returning home to Ghana regularly,” he said, “but we also aim to support young leaders across the continent and the world.”
The Accra summit capped a week of activities designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants. Through panels, exhibitions, and networking events, Abbey said, the awards aim to leave a lasting impact on Africa’s youth and encourage a culture of excellence and execution across sectors.
Background to Forty Under 40 Awards
The Forty Under 40 Awards, founded by Richard Abbey Jnr, is a pan-African platform that recognizes and celebrates young leaders under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact. Established in 2017 under the “410.40” brand in Ghana, the initiative was designed to highlight Africa’s rising entrepreneurs and social innovators—demographics often underrepresented in mainstream media coverage of the continent.
The awards have grown from a Ghana-focused recognition to a multi-regional and global program, spanning South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and a global edition held in Dubai. They include multiple categories covering business, technology, culture, and social enterprise, and are accompanied by a summit, networking events, exhibitions, and mentorship programs.
Richard Abbey Jnr is the director of Exodus Communications, which operates in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and the United Kingdom, and founder of Possible Technologies. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors UK. Known for his philosophy “let your vision scale,” Abbey emphasizes mentorship, networking, and recognition of youth achievement as central to Africa’s future economic and social development.
The awards aim to create a pan-African network of high-achieving young leaders, providing visibility, recognition, and opportunities to scale their ventures. By connecting nominees across the continent and globally, the initiative also seeks to challenge negative stereotypes about Africa and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, integrity, and excellence among emerging leaders.
