The Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership’s (SBL) Prof Douglas Boateng, was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achiever Award at CEO Global’s “Titans Building Nations Awards”.

Africa’s first Professor Extraordinaire in Supply and Value Chain Management, Boateng was recognised for his extraordinary contribution to regional, national and continental socio-economic development—especially with regard to the promotion of regional and continental collaboration for long-term socio-economic success.

The awards—which are held across the continent—honour the achievements of individuals in Africa who have not only played a pivotal role in advancing economic development and progress, but have also impacted directly on the people and communities connected to their respective regions. Similar ceremonies are set to take place in Zambia, Mauritius, Kenya, and Ghana later in the year.

“While our continent faces numerous challenges including extreme poverty and conflict, these awards recognise leaders like Boateng—“Titans”—working selflessly to build nations and unite the people of Africa. His contribution and commitment to emerging world development is inspiring to all of us at the SBL, reminding us of our individual power to do greater good and make an impact. We congratulate him on this outstanding achievement,” noted Dr Renosi Mokate, Executive Director and CEO of the Unisa SBL.

For the past 16 years, the annual Titans Building Nations Awards have been recognising leaders from various sectors who are committed to advancing the development and prosperity of Africa. This year more than 4 900 nominations were received from across the continent. Vigorous judging processes are then used to select finalists, with the winners being chosen by independent judging panels after a series of Skype interviews.

Extensive global influence

Boateng proved a compelling candidate, having been at the forefront of various vertical-specific industrial developmental initiatives. He is currently an independent distinguished extraordinary chair in operations and supply chain management for the Institute of Operations Management (IOM) Africa, the chairman of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s (CIPS) Africa Strategic Advisory Board (CIPS is the world’s largest procurement and supply chain related professional body), a Postgraduate and Doctoral supervisor for supply and value chain management at UNISA’s SBL, the president of the Institute of Operations Management (IOM) Africa, the international chartered director of IOD (UK), and an adjunct academic and elected fellow of at least eight global professional organisations including IOD, CIPS, CILT, SOE, iPlantE, IC, CMI, and IODSA.

His extensive global influence additionally extends to areas of supply chain strategy (international and local), operations, engineering and management, procurement, logistics strategy, e-commerce, TQM, BPO, international business development, corporate governance and director development, and business strategy.

This award is the third lifetime achiever award to be bestowed upon Boateng. He was previously awarded the CIPS South Africa Lifetime Achiever Award in 2013, and was presented with a Lifetime Platinum Achiever award by CIPS Ghana and the Association of Ghana Industries in January this year.

“I am humbled and honoured to have won this award,” said Boateng. “It means that the world is increasingly taking note of one’s measurable contribution to individuals, business and society alike. I would like to dedicate it to all who courageously and selflessly try to make a real and sustainable difference to the lives of others within and beyond their communities.”

*Submitted by Cilla Boucher