Bako Ambianda Recognized in Forty Under 40 Africa Industry Awards
By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
Bako Ambianda, a Cameroonian and entrepreneur, has been recognized in the Forty Under 40 Africa Industry Awards for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and community service in Africa.
The Forty under 40 Awards Africa celebrates the continent’s most influential young entrepreneurs and business leaders under the age of 40. It identifies, honors, and celebrates a cross-section of Africa’s most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of forty from a wide range of industries, who are committed to business growth, professional excellence, and community service, and have risen the ranks of their companies or industries at a relatively young age.
The Forty Under 40 Award categories cover banking and finance, energy, environmental & climate sustainability, family business, agriculture, theatre and arts, journalism, fashion, law, sports, event management, health, technology and innovation, amongst others.
Mr. Ambianda was recognized by Forty Under 40 in the Environmental & Climate Sustainability category.
Speaking about his Forty Under 40 award, Bako Ambianda said, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognised by Forty Under 40, especially in the Environmental & Climate Sustainability category. The recognition highlights my leadership in accelerating clean energy, energy transition, sustainability finance, and community development across West Africa.
“I’m honored to be included among such inspiring leaders who are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future in Africa. This recognition strengthens my commitment to advancing impactful climate solutions and collaborative innovation. This is Afridevelopism! #TransformingAfrica.”
Mr. Bako Ambianda is a self-made serial entrepreneur, international development expert, and a leading advocate for sustainable energy solutions in Africa.
He is the CEO of Bako Enterprises and the Chairman of the Labacorp Group of Companies, a conglomerate with investments across diverse sectors, including solar energy, electric vehicles, fintech, plastic recycling, and agriculture. With a portfolio spanning over 10 privately held companies in six countries, his work continues to drive both economic and social progress in Africa.
Mr. Ambianda’s career began with the establishment of his first company in 2011, and he has since grown his ventures into a multi-million-dollar operation.
He has been a recipient of numerous accolades, such as Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 (2020), the Ooni of Ife Royal African Leadership Award (2024), and the Most Admired Young Global African (2019). His impact is felt across multiple continents.
In 2024, Mr. Ambianda made significant strides with Bako Enterprises’ ventures in Ghana, including the development of the Bako Events Center, Bako Studios, and a cutting-edge water treatment project in Kade, which provides clean, safe drinking water from the heavily contaminated Birim River.
Additionally, he launched SEDA Africa, a modern fruit distillery that helps convert Ghana’s agricultural produce into high-quality distilled products.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Mr. Ambianda is also committed to fostering development in Africa through initiatives like the Africa Worldwide Alliance Partnerships (AfriWAPA) and the Africa Trade and Investment Global Summit (ATIGS). These programs aim to strengthen Africa’s position in global trade and investment.
