Paris, December 15, 2024 — During the General Assembly of African Diasporas, a prestigious event held under the high patronage of His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, the Trophée de l’Africanité, along with the honorary title of Man of the Year 2024, was awarded to delegate Moussa Keita on behalf of Tidiane Koita. President of the National Union of Artisanal Miners of Guinea and President of the Tidiane Koita Foundation for Aid and Development (Fotikad), Mr. Koita was celebrated for his exemplary commitment to the economic and social development of Guinea.

In his acceptance speech, Moussa Keita emphasized that this distinction goes beyond personal recognition: “This trophy is a tribute to the Guinean people and to all the actors who work tirelessly every day to transform the artisanal gold sector into a driver of sustainable growth. It is also a call to the African diaspora to unite their forces to consolidate and expand this impact.”

Guinea, rich in its natural heritage, has seen artisanal gold mining become a strategic pillar of its economy, generating over 70% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings between 2020 and 2023. Moussa Keita highlighted the urgent need for increased support, through technical and financial investments, to maximize the benefits of this sector and contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.

Nasrallah Belkhayate, President of the Trophée de l’Africanité Foundation, praised Tidiane Koita’s inspiring leadership and visionary impact: “As Man of the Year 2024, Tidiane Koita embodies the vision of a continent where every resource, human or natural, is harnessed for the common good. His journey is a lesson in resilience and innovation, a source of inspiration for future generations. This trophy symbolizes the recognition of his efforts and serves as an encouragement to continue lighting the path of progress.”

This award, reflecting the values of solidarity, excellence, and innovation cherished by the Trophée de l’Africanité Foundation, also highlights Tidiane Koita’s embodiment of the core values of Africanity:

1. Solidarity and Community: Tidiane Koita has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening community ties and promoting collective solutions. He has successfully mobilized local and international stakeholders to turn the artisanal gold sector into a shared development driver.

2. Authenticity and Cultural Diversity: Through his respect for local traditions and his promotion of African craftsmanship, Tidiane Koita illustrates the importance of preserving cultural identity while integrating modern and inclusive approaches.

3. Resilience and Innovation: Faced with socio-economic challenges, Tidiane Koita has shown remarkable capacity for innovation, turning constraints into opportunities. He introduced innovative practices to maximize the benefits of the gold sector, contributing to Guinea’s sustainable prosperity.

4. Vision and Responsibility for the Future: With a forward-looking perspective, Tidiane Koita has invested in educational initiatives and sustainable development projects, reflecting his commitment to building a better future for Africa.

By honoring Tidiane Koita, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting talents and initiatives that enhance Africa’s prominence on the global stage.