By Joseph muyingo
Kampala became a meeting point for prominent Pan-African thinkers, business leaders and activists from Africa and the diaspora as they called for Africans to take greater control of the continent’s development and resources.
The call came during the ninth Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards and 12th Anniversary Dinner held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, bringing together hundreds of guests from Uganda, Africa and beyond.
The gathering was attended by businessman and philanthropist Dr Sudhir Ruparelia as Guest of Honour, alongside international Pan-African voices including Zimbabwean Bishop Joshua Maponga, South African anti-apartheid activist Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala, Ghanaian entrepreneur Ambassador Clinton Arko Agyemang, Jamaican Pan-Africanist Blossom Thomas and United States-based activist Ayo Kimathi.
Unlike a traditional awards ceremony, the event provided a platform for discussions on some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, including Africa’s economic sovereignty, refugees, decoloniality and what speakers described as new forms of colonial influence.
Bishop Joshua Maponga, who delivered the keynote address, challenged Africans to rethink their approach to development and reclaim greater ownership of the continent’s economic destiny.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on Africa’s vast natural resources and the need for Africans to benefit more directly from the wealth generated from their minerals, land and other resources.
Speakers argued that sustainable development on the continent requires more than political independence, calling for stronger economic systems, local industries and greater African ownership of strategic sectors.
The awards ceremony later recognised individuals and institutions whose work was considered to be contributing to the continent’s development and Pan-African ideals.
The late businessman and philanthropist Rajiv Ruparelia was posthumously honoured with a Humanitarian Award, while Hon. Helen Nakimuli Walusimbi also received recognition for humanitarian contribution.
Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala was honoured as a Freedom Fighter for her contribution to the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.
Other awards highlighted efforts in economic development and African empowerment.
Dr Frank Mugyenyi was recognised for his work in African mineral sovereignty and governance, while Ambassador Clinton Arko Agyemang received an award for young African social and development entrepreneurship.
Jamaican Pan-Africanist Blossom Thomas was recognised for African Renaissance leadership in the diaspora.
Ugandan industrial company Victoria Sugar received the African Development Entrepreneur Award for its contribution to industrialisation and economic development.
MTN Uganda was honoured with the Lifetime Achiever Award, while Prince Wasajja Kiwanuka received the African Renaissance Award.
The gathering also served as a reminder that Pan-Africanism is increasingly being discussed beyond its historical political roots, with emphasis shifting towards economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and Africa’s ability to determine its own development path.
With participants drawn from different parts of Africa and the diaspora, organisers said the awards continue to provide a platform for connecting people who share a vision of a more integrated, prosperous and self-reliant Africa.
For Uganda, hosting the event at Speke Resort Munyonyo further positioned Kampala as a meeting point for conversations on Africa’s future and the role of its people in shaping the continent’s
