Alhaji Salamu Amadu (born 3 May 1987) is a Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist.[1][2] He is the founder, CEO, and board chairman of Afro Arab Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including import and export, real estate, travel and tourism, microfinance, and sports.[3][4]

Alhaji Salamu Amadu
Personal details
Born (1987-05-03) 3 May 1987 (age 37)
NationalityGhanaian
OccupationEntrepreneur
TitleAmbassador
Websitehttps://afroarabgroup.com

Early life

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Amadu is ethnically Zarma and Hausa. He serves as the Zabarma Youth Ambassador for Ghana and Zongo Youth Ambassador, representing more than 3000 Zongo communities in the Ghana. His formative years were influenced by his family's involvement in Bureau de change, a profession characteristic of the Zarma people in Ghana, instilling in him an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age.[5]

Business career

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After completing his Senior High School education in 2004, Alhaji Salamu founded Elecafetelero Ghana, initiating a livestock-keeping enterprise. In February 2007, he established Afro-Arab Company Limited, concentrating on the import and export of agricultural produce and metal scrubs. With time, he broadened the Afro-Arab Group, encompassing Afro-Arab Properties & Construction, Afro-Arab Travel & Tour, Afro-Arab Microfinance, Pure Paints West Africa, Spartans Football Club, and the Yaa Salam Opportunity Center which operates as the group's Corporate Social Responsibility arm.[6][7][8]

Philanthropy and social initiative

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Alhaji Salamu Amadu is widely recognized for his humanitarian initiatives. He founded the Yaa Salam Opportunity Center, a non-profit organisation offering educational and mentorship programs to disadvantaged youth. Additionally, he passionately advocates for women's empowerment and poverty alleviation.

In 2018, Alhaji Salamu Amadu inaugurated the Afro-Arab Arena, a versatile stadium with a seating capacity of 1000, located behind the Afro Arab Group head office. This stadium serves various communities, including Niima, Maamobi, Accra Town, and Kokomlemle.

One of his most ambitious projects is the construction of over 200,000 homes within a decade for low and middle-income earners. He firmly believes in housing as a fundamental human right, asserting that every Ghanaian deserves to own a home.[9][10][11][12][13][14]

Honours and awards

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Alhaji Salamu has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career. He was named the Banking and Finance Personality of the Year Africa by 40 under 40 Africa.[15] Additionally, he has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians,[16] the Young CEO of the Year,[17] and one of the 100 Most Influential Youth in Africa.[18]

Notable achievements

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  • Founder, CEO, and board chairman of Afro Arab Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors[19]
  • Banking and Finance Personality of the Year Africa by 40 under 40 Africa (2019)[20]
  • 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians (2022)[21]
  • Young CEO of the Year (2022)[22]
  • Sports Personality of the Yeah Africa by 40 under 40 Africa (2018)[23]
  • 100 Most Influential Youth in Africa
  • Afrikicks Ambassador[24]

References

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  1. ^ "Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu, 'Nima Mayor". GhanaWeb. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  2. ^ "Zongo Youth Empowerment Soars: Ambassador Salamu Amadu Lights the Way". GhanaWeb. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  3. ^ Alhaji Amadu, Salamu (2018-12-14). "CEO of Afro-Arab Group Ranked Among 50 Young CEO'S In Ghana 2018". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  4. ^ "I'm A National Asset – Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu". GhanaWeb. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  5. ^ "Zongo Youth Empowerment Soars: Ambassador Salamu Amadu Lights the Way". GhanaWeb. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  6. ^ Dickson, Boadi (2022-06-24). "Africa Is Beyond Aid – Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu | News Ghana". newsghana.com.gh. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  7. ^ "Afro-Arab named 2017 Top Non-Bank Financial Company". graphic.com.gh. 2018-03-12. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  8. ^ "Afro-Arab boss wins Karifest Award in Nigeria". graphic.com.gh.
  9. ^ Tigo, Joshua (2020-03-20). "Coronavirus: Afro-Arab Group boss distributes free hand sanitizers in Zongo communities". Adomonline.com. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  10. ^ Reporter, Openlife (2023-03-27). "Africa's Leading Philanthropist, Ambassador Amadu, Calls For More Investments In Africa As He Dedicates 40 Under Forty Award To Zongo Youth | Openlife Nigeria". Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  11. ^ "Afro Arab boss Alhaji Salamu Amadu fulfills pledge to Besiktas Ladies Accra". ghanasoccernet.com.
  12. ^ "Kanu, former Black Stars players join Afro-Arab to launch Emirates Arena at Nima". GhanaWeb. 2019-09-30. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  13. ^ "Emirates Arena opened in Accra". ghanasoccernet.com.
  14. ^ Dickson, Boadi (2021-09-19). "Afro-Arab Microfinance will continue to empower women and youth | News Ghana". newsghana.com.gh. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  15. ^ "Afro Arab Group CEO Alhaji Salamu Amadu Honoured In South Africa". Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  16. ^ Etefe, Juliet (2023-03-01). "Alhaji Salamu Amadu makes the '50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians' list 2022". The Business & Financial Times. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  17. ^ Danyels, Kwasy (2018-12-14). "CEO of Afro Arab Group Ranked Among 50 Young CEO'S In Ghana 2018". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  18. ^ "Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu Ranked Among 100 Most Influential Youth In Africa". GhanaWeb. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  19. ^ "Afro-Arab Group Chairman receives citation from YEA organisers | GhHeadlines Total News Total Information". ghheadlines.com. 2020-12-13. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  20. ^ "Afro-Arab boss wins '40 under 40' Banking and Finance award". graphic.com.gh.
  21. ^ "Avance Media announces 2022's 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians". GhanaWeb. 2023-02-21. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  22. ^ "Beryl Agyekum-Ayaaba & Alhaji Salamu Amadu voted 2022 Young CEOs of the Year". BusinessGhana. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  23. ^ "Afro Arab Boss Grabs Top Award". DailyGuide Network. 2018-10-25. Retrieved 2023-09-19.
  24. ^ "Afro-Arab CEO Alhaji Salamu Amadu appointed Ambassador in Ghana for Afrikicks". ghanasoccernet.com. Retrieved 2023-09-19.