The General Commissioner of The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar Ndiaye conducted a mission to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from November 16 to 22, 2024. This mission was part of the follow-up to the Babacar Ndiaye Trophy, awarded this year to the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
During his stay, the General Commissioner had the great honor of being received in audience by H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and Head of State. At the General Commissioner’s suggestion, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo agreed to host, in September 2025, the first summit titled the « Africa’s Great Builders Summit ». This event will bring together Heads of State who have previously received the Super Prize Great Builder – Trophée Babacar Ndiaye to exchange experiences and visions regarding road and transport development. It will primarily serve as an opportunity to catalyze strategic initiatives aimed at developing a modern, integrated, and sustainable road and transport network across the continent.
Beyond receiving the Babacar Ndiaye Trophy, H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to constructing numerous high-quality roads. Equatorial Guinea boasts one of the highest rates of paved roads in Africa, a vision and achievement personally championed by the President.
Equatorial Guinea also has world-class infrastructure to host high-level summits. Around ten Heads of State will be invited by H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and his government. Notably, this summit will mark the 10th anniversary of The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar Ndiaye.
Discussions with H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo also covered other topics, including the promotional campaign for the Babacar Ndiaye Trophy. The General Commissioner informed the President that several activities have already taken place or are planned both in Africa and internationally, culminating in the 2025 Inaugural Conference scheduled in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the General Commissioner proposed that the 2025 Inaugural Conference be held under the High Patronage of H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, a proposal to which the President agreed.
The General Commissioner expressed his profound gratitude to H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, congratulating him warmly for his dedication to advancing road infrastructure across Africa. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the government and people of Equatorial Guinea for their hospitality.
Special thanks were conveyed to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and the entire AfDB team for their unwavering support for The Africa Road Builders – Trophée Babacar Ndiaye. Appreciation was also extended to all institutions, organizations, and companies backing this initiative.
At this moment, the General Commissioner paid tribute to the late Dr. Babacar Ndiaye, former President of the AfDB (1985-1995), who personally supported this project from its inception. He also expressed gratitude to the Babacar Ndiaye family.
Established in 2016, The Africa Road Builders –Trophée Babacar Ndiaye is awarded annually to an African Head of State in recognition of outstanding achievements in road and transport development. The trophy presentation is held every year during the Annual Meetings of the AfDB.
The General Commissioner,
CEO of ACTUROUTES,
Barthélemy Kouamé (Mr)
