Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu, President and Founder of the Afro-Arab Group of Companies, has announced a bold new initiative to support 50 university graduates 25 young men and 25 young women with interest-free loans to kick-start their entrepreneurial journeys. The initiative, he revealed, will be rolled out through Afro-Arab Microfinance and the Yaa Salaam Opportunity Center.
He made this announcement on Friday, July 25, during his acceptance speech at the 2025 Ghana CEO Vision and Awards, held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra, where he was honoured as the Best CEO in the Microfinance category.
“We have brilliant young minds leaving our universities every year, but too many of them are stuck without capital to begin their entrepreneurial journeys,” he stated. “I want to support at least 50 of them with interest-free loans so they can build their dreams and contribute to our economy. This is my little way of giving back and nurturing the next generation of business leaders.”
The initiative reflects Ambassador Salamu’s deep-seated commitment to financial inclusion, youth empowerment, and community development values that also earned him the award recognition that evening. Afro-Arab Microfinance, a key subsidiary of his business empire, has gained nationwide acclaim for its focus on providing affordable credit and financial literacy training, especially for women and youth in underserved communities.
Now in its fourth edition, the Ghana CEO Vision and Awards is organised by Globe Productions and aims to honour visionary CEOs who embody excellence, innovation, and social impact across multiple sectors of the Ghanaian economy. The 2025 ceremony was held under the theme “Mobilising Domestic and International Tourists and Investors Through CEOs.”
Ambassador Salamu was celebrated for leveraging the power of microfinance as a tool for social transformation, particularly within Zongo communities. Afro-Arab Microfinance has emerged as a beacon of inclusive finance, creating sustainable opportunities for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Salamu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Almighty Allah and dedicated the award to his dedicated team and the resilient communities they serve.
“First and foremost, I thank Almighty Allah for this great honour. I’m truly humbled to be recognised among such distinguished CEOs,” he said. “This award is for the hardworking team at Afro-Arab Microfinance, and for the women and youth in our communities who inspire us to keep going.”
He further called on fellow CEOs across Ghana to lead with conscience and purpose. “As Ghanaian CEOs, we have a responsibility to lead with purpose. At Afro-Arab Microfinance, we believe that by supporting women and youth with the right tools, we are not just changing individual lives, we are building a stronger nation,” he added.
The event brought together a cross-section of Ghana’s business elite, traditional authorities, government representatives, and diplomats. Notable dignitaries included Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, who graced the occasion alongside other key stakeholders.
Another major honoree of the night was Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), who was named CEO of the Year – Africa / CEO of CEOs for his outstanding leadership across the West African sub-region.
Ambassador Salamu’s recognition adds to his growing list of accolades as a visionary leader, committed philanthropist, and champion of inclusive economic growth. Through the Afro-Arab Group, Afro-Arab Microfinance, and the Yaa Salaam Opportunity Center, he continues to exemplify a model of leadership where business success is paired with social responsibility.
His latest pledge to empower 50 young entrepreneurs serves as yet another bold step toward creating sustainable, youth-driven development in Ghana and across Africa.
