———————————-
Two members of Qalaa Holdings’ executive leadership team are chosenby Paris-based Think Tank, Institut Choiseul for theirprestigious annual listing of young Africans who will play a major role in the future development of the continent
Qalaa Holdings (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange, formerly Citadel Capital), a African leader in infrastructure and industry, is pleased to announce that its Co-Founder and Managing Director, Hisham El-Khazindar and its Managing Director for the Transportation Division, KarimSadekhave ranked highly on JeuneAfrique’sannual “Top 100 African Leaders Under the Age of 40,” a list compiled by Paris-based Think Tank, Institute Choiseul.
El-Khazindar who is also a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader placed third on the prestigious listing. He co-founded Qalaa Holdings in 2004 with Ahmed Heikal and has since played an instrumental role in growing the firm into the largest private equity investor in Africa and the Middle East with investments of US$ 9.5 billion spanning 15 countries and 15 industries.
“It is an honor to be ranked and recognized amongst such an influential list of young Africans. We have always seen vast potential in African economies,” said El-Khazindar. “But in order for these economies to achieve their full potential we must bridge the knowledge gaps and provide more opportunities for youth to lead the way with new ideas and initiatives. Education will be key; from providing youth with the opportunity to pursue international-standard higher level education to ensuring access to public education and vocational training,” he added.
“Africa has outstanding macro fundamentals—including what will become the world’s largest and fastest-growing working age population by 2040—and a new generation of leaders in business and government are working to reshape the economic and political landscape. I am proud to be identified alongside a group of people who are all working to help African economies achieve their full potential,” said Sadek, who has overseen the successful turnaround of Rift Valley Railways (RVR), the national rail operator of Kenya and Uganda and a unit of Qalaa Holdings in the East African transportation and logistics sector.
The “Choiseul 100 Africa” is an annual listing based on a study conducted by the Institute Choiseul whichprovides a relevant perspective on Africa’s economic leaders and includes up-and-coming business leaders, successful entrepreneurs, investors, senior executives and high-potential managers of successful companies. The French institute describes the young African leaders as “individuals who embody the dynamism and renewal of a whole continent and carry the hopes of an entire generation.”
