Kenyan born Corporate Executive, Mr. Shayless Panchmatia Saluted as a Beacon of Light on Africa’s Development by Banking on Africa’s Future (BOAF) Committee

Brian Kazungu, 04/05/2021

Kenyan born Corporate Executive, Mr.  Shayless Panchmatia who has business interests in companies such as Ndovu Trading South Africa, World Logistics, Ambassador Voyages, and World Tours & Travels was yesterday saluted as a beacon of light towards the development of the African continent by the 1873 Network’s Baking on Africa’s Future (BOAF) Committee.

1873 Network, a member-based non-profit organization established in South Africa which is founded to provoke, inspire and ignite new and innovative ways of problem solving in Africa based on connected, equipped and forward leaning voluntary actors

Baking on Africa’s Future awarded the business man with a Certificate of Induction into the 10 000 Points of Light of Hall Fame in recognition of his brilliant ideas and positive actions that helps to transform Africa into a progressive, prosperous and inclusive continent.

The 10 000 Points of Light which refers to individuals who are recognized as shining examples in their respective communities and industries because of the great work they do to raise the continent’s flag high

The induction ceremony, which was a collaborative initiative between BOAF, Connections2Communities (C2C) and the Africa Heritage Society was held at The ROYAL INDIA RESTAURANT located on No.2 Maude Street in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Panchmatia whose life journey represents the triumph of the human spirit was born and brought up in Kenya (East Africa) before he settled in the UK in 1982 following political upheavals in the country of his birth.

Based on his passion for the development of the African continent and because of his maintenance of strong ties with people in his of country upbringing, he later came back and started logistics businesses in East and Central Africa.

In the early 2^nd millennium, he opened branches in Freetown (Sierra Leone), Conakry (Republic of Guinea), and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Durban (South Africa) during 2010

He later on diversified into the hospitality industry (travel & tours) in 2000 where he opened IATA accredited offices in Conakry, followed by London and affiliates in Kenya.

BOAF – 10,000 Points of Light Project Director, Mr. Jagjit Singh congratulated Panchmatia saying “We are pleased to induct Mr. Panchmatia as a Point Of Light in the African continent.

I am excited that we all will benefit from downloading his rich experiences, insights, ideas, and knowledge and I believe that his inclusion into the community of other light bearers will inspire many people to rise up and participate in the development of Africa.

I have no doubt that no one can doubt that this man is a point of light and has earned his place in this Hall of Fame and I salute him for having distinguished himself as a determined negotiator with a strong business background and an entrepreneurial eye for spotting opportunities.” Mr Singh explained.

Singh added that BOAF is convinced that Panchmatia’s over 46 years of experience in dealing with various commodities in many African countries inspires, ignites, and provokes other people to tap from his experiences in the pursuit of their own dreams to the benefit of everyone.

In accepting his recognition and induction, Mr. Panchmatia said: “I am indeed humbled by this unexpected gesture as I am encouraged that when hope is challenged, there are Africans with the creative genius to provoke positive thinking and consequential change.

I am intrigued that today I am being inducted into the 10,000 Points of Light – Hall of Fame in recognition of my small contribution in shaping and defining the character and personality of the Africa I want to see.

My journey of life speaks for itself and my choice of Africa, the land of my birth speaks volumes about my passion to lift the continent from where it is to another level.

I am most grateful for having been nominated so that my name is included in this library of possibilities and I am excited to continue to play my part and to pass on the torch to a new generation of actors in the corporate space.

Management Consultant, as well as C2C, AHS and BOAF member, Ms. Janice Greaver said she was impressed by Panchmatia’s exploits.

“I was impressed by Mr. Panchmatia’s resume and track record. The depth therein provokes many others to think of a new and better ways to make Africa shine again.

I have no doubt that I will not be alone in saluting Mr. Panchmatia for his record of accomplishments and for his display of an indomitable spirit that Africans need at this juncture in our history.

Contact:  Project team at The Africa I Want

Contact:  Project team at The Africa I Want

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