Southern Africa's AABLA nominees announced

With five categories open to finalists, the AABLA recognises the diversity that characterises and strengthens Pan-African business.

"These finalists prove that there is no shortcut to true, durable success in business. I commend the AABLA judges for their diligence in the selection process - which makes the awards the most credible reflection of Africa's dynamism," says Roberta Naidoo, managing director of the ABN Group.

Southern African finalists

Business Leader of the Year

• Francis Grogan - managing mirector of Zambeef
  
• Michael Jordaan - CEO of First National Bank
  
• Roland Sassoon - CEO of Sasfin

Business Woman of the Year 2013

• Sylvia Banda - managing director/owner of Sylva Food Solutions Limited
  
• Mizinga Melu - managing director and CEO of National Bank of Commerce

Entrepreneur of the Year 2013

• Jay Ramnundlall - CEO of PC Training & Business College
  
• Dr. Marko Saravanja - chairman of Regenesys Business School
  
• Francis Grogan - managing director of Zambeef

Young Business Leader of the Year 2013

• Ceaser Siwale - CEO of Pangaea Holdings Limited

• Rob Stokes - CEO of Quirk

The winners of the Southern African round will automatically become finalists in the finale to be held in Durban, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 8 November, in which winners from the Western, Eastern and Southern African rounds will vie for the ultimate title of Africa's most iconic businessperson in their respective fields.