Mission Africa Organisation (MAO) has renewed its call for stronger economic cooperation, innovation and unity among African countries.
It brought together participants from across the continent for its annual conference and WWMRA Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The conference, held on October 3 at the Southern Sun Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg, had the theme: ‘Rebranding Africa and exhibiting its quintessence.’
Discussions centred on creating stronger connections among Africans and identifying opportunities capable of contributing to the continent’s development.
Founded by Nigerian-born pan-Africanist Victoria Temitope Adasonla under the auspices of Woman With a Mission Organisation (WWMRA), Mission Africa is focused on promoting economic integration, driving policies, advancing ideas and expanding opportunities among African nations.
The event went beyond celebration to promote the wider vision of an Africa where people, businesses and institutions can work across national boundaries to develop solutions to common challenges.
Adasonla said the organisation was particularly interested in creating opportunities for business networking and collaboration while promoting peace, unity and socio-economic integration across Africa.
She said stronger relationships among African countries could create room for new ideas, partnerships and initiatives capable of addressing some of the challenges confronting the continent.
‘We created a platform with which substantial developmental and innovative projects were made to avail solutions and tackle problems rampaging our continent,’ Adasonla said.
She added that Mission Africa would focus on developing what she described as an ‘army of elite citizens’, particularly young people and Africans in the diaspora, who could contribute to sustainable growth across the continent.
According to her, the organisation’s vision extends beyond economic development to building an Africa where discrimination, segregation and prejudice are reduced and where Africans can work together despite differences.
The Johannesburg conference also provided a platform for networking, business profiling and the exchange of ideas, allowing participants to connect around professional, economic and social opportunities.
The WWMRA Awards formed another major part of the gathering, with individuals recognised and celebrated for their contributions in different areas.
Those honoured at the conference and awards included Tabudi Kgole, Kelebogile Virginia Nonyana, Dr Ademola Tosin Ojo (DATO), Sir Malungelo Nyawo, Lena Mdakane (Malenas), Tokollo Masango, Refiloe Mocwa and Elder Victor Olusola Ayanfe-Oyebanjo.
Directors and partners of the organisation who were present included Queen Basa Mahlobo, Diana Chodeva and Baisi Mosoane-Pambo.
Other recipients included Simphiwe Mahlobo, Phuti-Matt Manyel, Mr Sas Asfak Bendwala, Joe Mkabela, Kgosana Koketo Rakhudu Goodwill and Peter Mabitsela, among others.
The conference reflects Mission Africa’s continuing effort to use its platforms to connect Africans across countries and the diaspora, while encouraging collaboration in areas that can contribute to economic and social development.
For Adasonla and the organisation, the Johannesburg gathering was therefore positioned not simply as an annual conference and awards ceremony, but as part of a broader push to encourage Africans to build partnerships, promote innovation and take collective responsibility for the continent’s future.