Presentation of PADIS SWISS AWARDS

"The AFRICAN PRIZE FOR DEVELOPMENT, INNOVATION AND SOCIAL ACTORS (PADIS SWISS AWARD) was born from a collective reflection led by several solidarity think tanks. These bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds, including communicators, journalists, academics in human sciences, social workers, financial analysts, tax consultants and trainers. This award also relies on the expertise of competence centers such as ACCI Holding and CIPINA Switzerland, as well as the support of partner media. It is officially carried by the Agency for Communication and Investment Consulting (ACCI) and the Center for Information and Promotion of the Image of a New Africa (CIPINA Switzerland Association). The PADIS SWISS AWARD is created to identify, celebrate and reward the builders of Africa in their diversity and their civic and societal commitment, and above all to foster the creation of very powerful networking, for the outreach of their activities in Africa and around the world. Business Leaders, Economic Operators, Elected Officials, Businessmen, High-Level Sportsmen, Creative Artists, Startups, NGOs, Associations, Projects, any leader with transformational leadership is eligible. The recipients will be offered a platform of business opportunities, while strengthening their capacities for more operability in their activities. They will then be able to contribute in a much more decisive way to sustainable development, to social and technological innovation, and to positive societal impact on the African continent. Our strategic vision is to promote a winning Africa as opposed to a self-centered, fatalistic and autarkic continent. A paradigm far from the clichés that feed certain social media, which relay a certain image harmful to any desire for sustainable development. Many distinctions and Awards already exist. "Products are equal but only their branding, their added value, their merchandising make the difference (Carlos Goshn)". The PADIS SWISS AWARD aims to make history among prizes and distinctions, in order to attract other promising initiatives. It does not intend to deny the merit of existing distinctions and Awards, nor to reinvent the wheel, but carries the strong ambition to add an original touch to an award that rewards a vision. This original touch already impacts our societies, that of solidarity-based development (far from being solitary) based on innovation and development. Thank you."

Charles Oulounehe TEHI General Commissioner – PADIS SWISS AWARDS