By 
All Hands on Deck by renowned Nigerian economist and former World Bank Treasurer and Director General of the Nigerian SEC, Arunma Oteh, has been named the winner of the BCA Business Book of the Year Award 2025.
In this powerful and timely work, Oteh underscores the critical role of capital and the need for integrated, well-functioning capital markets in driving Africa’s development. Through sharp analysis and compelling narrative, the book delves into the structural challenges facing the continent, while offering an unflinching look at the realities of business and economic transformation across Africa.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Institute of Directors in London, where the winner received a trophy and a cash prize of $10,000.
Held annually, the Award ceremony also features the Kay Whiteman Memorial Lecture. Whiteman was a journalist who dedicated his life covering African affairs. This year’s guest speaker was financier and investor Mr. Papa Ndiaye, non-executive Chairman of Ecobank, and a private equity veteran, founding partner of AFIG Funds.
Africonomics and Riding the Storm
The runner-up title went to Africonomics, a provocative critique of Western economic policies towards Africa, which the judges praised for exposing the persistent paternalism and misconceptions that continue to undermine the continent’s progress.
The second runner-up, Riding the Storm, recounts Africa’s struggle to secure vaccines and other essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The judges commended the book for offering a powerful African perspective on how the continent came together when everyone else retreated, showcasing the continent’s resilience and potential when acting collectively.
The runners up both received cash prizes of $5,000 and $2,500 respectively.
The winning entry was adjudged the best for the year by the panel of judges constituted by The Business Council for Africa, promoters of the awards, which is now in its 3rd year, with the support of BrandComms and African Business.
The judging panel was comprised of respected African business and thought leaders as well as media executives: Arnold Ekpe, Chairperson of BCA, and chair of the Judging Committee, Chris Ogbechie, former Dean of Lagos Business School, Terhas Berhe, Managing Director and Founder of Brand Communications, Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business and New African magazine and Anver Versi, Editor of New African and African Banker magazine.
Celebrating best business book out of Africa
This annual competition is dedicated to recognising and rewarding the authors of the best business book out of Africa which illuminate the compelling business narratives that promote Africa’s socio-economic development.
The Business Council for Africa in recognising the stories (re)shaping Africa’s business landscape brings together key figures in African publishing and business while honouring the talented authors and publishers responsible for bringing these stories of African entrepreneurship and resilience to life.
This year’s shortlist featured an eclectic and interesting mix from biographies of business leaders to a focus on manufacturing and capital market reforms, African economics and infrastructure, intra-Africa travel and the economics of skit making, gas as alternative feedstock for industry.
Commenting on the awards, Arnold Ekpe said: “We are still far from where we would like to be in terms of books that help us better understand the business landscape on the continent, which is actually dynamic and thriving. We hope the publicity generated by the BCA award and the valuable cash prizes will go a very long way to encourage more writers and businesspeople to undertake the journey and give more publishers the confidence they need to push the books beyond the often narrow confines.”
Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of African Business magazine in his own comments noted that the prize does not only recognize excellence in business writing but continues to extend the conversations around African business and enterprise. “Given the original angles one gets from African writers who project different worldviews and respond to different cultural forces should, in time, find a niche for African business writing that could become as popular as African music and fiction. These Awards are therefore an invaluable springboard for an exciting new departure in African literature.”
