The 2015 Africa-Italy Excellence Awards (AIEA) night is to be hosted in the Italian northern city Modena on December 5 at BPER Bank Forum Hall (located at Via Aristolele 33).

The yearly event, initiated by Ghanaian-born Ms. Freda Cooper under the outfit ‘Divino Friends Organisation’, attracts a wide public attendance in its 5 years of existence. The occasion, remarkably dosed with ecstatic atmosphere and smartly dressed audience, is a special initiative that aims to recognise individuals who have made a significant difference in the African community in Italy and Europe and also to identify and celebrate notable Africans who have genuinely excelled in various spheres of life, as well as individuals in society who have contributed to the advancement of Africa as a whole.

According to the young enthusiastic Ms. Cooper, for decades Africa has been saddled with the negative image of socio-economic development and effective leadership. “More often than not, the Africa continent is noted for negativism through the lenses of the social media especially in our part of this world. Africa, the Land of Opportunity we always say, is far beyond the backlashes and falsified criticism we have been reading and hearing about, the land is more of business opportunities and resources. It is in this vein that we from ‘Divino Friends Organisation’ has been organising a programme as such to unearth and reveal the true African story and Africans in the diaspora. This is to encourage and support the award winners to showcase their impact on their communities on the local, national and international levels, especially the practical application or creation of jobs and wealth which will generate substantial value for Africans and the Diaspora.”
AIEA was founded on November 26, 2011 and has since gained eminent popularity. Its events earlier was restricted to Ghanaians and Italians and for that reason was formerly known as the ‘Ghana-Italy Excellence Awards’ but because it spread its wings to cover other African nationals and Europeans; thus the name ‘Africa-Italy Excellence Awards’.

The Organisation Board has selected 27 categories of which awards will be given on the night’s bill subjected to 45% public vote and 55% reserved for selected judges’ votes which will be composed of renowned experts in the field of immigration, economics, information and law. Among the awards are:

Best Event Organiser (This award is geared towards the recognition and celebration of the African continent through the tangible impact of events on society and its international accreditation).

Best Diaspora TV Broadcaster/ Program (In recognition of one’s ability in creating a TV Station and being able to be in the market more than 2 years with elevating listening audience. Widely known and of great popular interest both in Africa, Italy and Europe in general. This personage of interest will be awarded along side the most popular TV Show).

Best Online Magazine (Awarded to the best excelling media house that champions the dissemination of information that enhances the life and career of blacks in the diaspora in areas of writing, lifestyle and affairs that focus on integrating the black continent in Italy and beyond).
Best Film Maker/Producer (This is given in recognition of someone who has constantly been productive in the film making field and in charge of making, leading and developing movie production).
Best Movie /Actor-Actress (This award recognises the uniqueness and originality of the story and the ability of the actors to convince the audience that they are the character they are portraying and the camera crew must capture the scenes in manner that best illustrate the story).

Outstanding Achievement in Education (This award goes to someone who has achieved their educational goals in academic performance and demonstrates outstanding level of academic excellence).

Best Youth Entrepreneurship. (This recognises the youth who has been innovative and creative in the job creation industry. This person must have obtained an alternative route for advancement from what is perceived to be dead-end job).

Most Promising Star of the Year (This is awarded to someone who shows favourable development and future success and has a good chance of becoming a leading role).
Development Project (This is awarded to someone who has contributed to the growth of Africa through implementation of innovative ideas that has spun across the agricultural, technological, media and the educational sector).

Best Foundation (NGO). Awarded to the corporation that operate independently from any form of government intervention and not conventional for profit business.
Business Optimiser Award (Awarded to those that have a business core in bringing Investors to Africa for development project).

This year’s event is being sponsored by BPER (Bank), Roberto Bucci Company and Western Union. Eugenio Garavini of BPER Bank, expressed his enthusiasm and how the Bank is happy to associate its brand to AIEA.