AAR has emerged a runner-up during this year’s Legatum Pioneers of Prosperity Africa Awards. The prestigious business recognition awards are held annually.

AAR was nominated alongside its founder, Maryjka Beckmann, during the awards ceremony held yesterday (19 November 2008) at the Serena Hotel in Kigali and presided over by Rwandese Head of State Paul Kagame. President Kibaki who is on a three-day state visit to Rwanda also attended the awards presentation ceremony.

Pioneers of Prosperity Africa Awards seek to recognize and reward the best small and medium size business enterprises in emerging markets across the continent.

Winners are chosen based on their ability to create unique value for customers through innovative products, generate sustainable profits for shareholders, investing in employees and protecting the future by way of strengthening both local and global environments.

Out of a total of US dollars 350,000 award money, AAR received a handsome US dollars 50,000 while the winner, Superflux International of Nigeria, collected US dollars 100,000.

According to the Sponsors’ press statement, ingenuity and innovation from within the continent remains a huge challenge to Africa’s perceived future prosperity. In addition, the promotion of sustainable and for – profit ventures in business is a key plank in development.

“In any given economy, small business are the largest employers, and in emerging markets, they represent the best hope for a nation to achieve economic growth and social stability” said Alan McComormick, Managing Director of Legatum, a privately owned investment group, one of the sponsors.

This year, more than 1,400 businesses submitted applications towards Pioneers of Prosperity Africa Awards from the following countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivore, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda. The companies were evaluated based on business performance, institutional leadership, labour relations and long term corporate sustainability.

During the event, AAR was represented by Executive Director Maryjka Beckmann, and Dr. Edward Rukwaro General Manager AAR Healthcare.