Celebrating Tanzanian Excellence at the Boston Awards for Excellence 2025
Cambridge, Massachusetts – April 11, 2025
The historic halls of the Harvard Club at Harvard University lit up with prestige and pride as the Boston Awards for Excellence 2025 recognized outstanding global changemakers in education, innovation, leadership, and social impact. Hosted by the London Institute of Skills Development (LISD) and sponsored by the Oxford Club, UK, the ceremony was a melting pot of global brilliance, uniting visionaries from more than 15 countries.
Among the stars of the evening were four exceptional Tanzanian leaders, honored with Honorary Doctorates for their contributions to media, entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and innovation. Their stories of resilience, transformation, and visionary leadership stood out on this international stage.
Dr. (H.C) Bakari Steven Machumu, Founder and CEO of BSM Washauri (TZ) Ltd, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Media Leadership & Innovation. With over 27 years of experience, Machumu has been instrumental in shaping the media landscape in Tanzania. His transformative leadership steered a major media house from post-pandemic crisis into a profitable, digitally-adapted enterprise, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in media strategy and innovation.
Dr. (H.C) Fuad Ahmed Edha, the dynamic Group CEO of Azania Group, received an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship. Celebrated for leading strategic growth across East and Central Africa, Fuad has spearheaded Azania’s evolution into a leading FMCG powerhouse. His efforts in corporate governance, digital transformation, and social impact have empowered over 2,000 employees across six countries and improved livelihoods in countless communities.
Dr. (H.C) Hilda Joseph Nakajumo, a telecommunications expert and Group Home Broadband Product Lead at Airtel Africa, was honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Emerging Women Leadership. With a career spanning 18 years across the ICT sector, Hilda is a recognized force in shaping Africa’s digital landscape. Her accolades, including being named one of Africa’s Top 50 Women in Management, reflect her drive to break ceilings and inspire future generations of women leaders.
Dr. (H.C) Monica Joseph, CEO of Mokasi Medical Systems and Board Chair of Labtech Tanzania, received the Honorary Doctorate in Business Women Leadership. With over two decades of experience in finance, healthcare, and innovation, Monica’s visionary leadership has amplified access to quality medical solutions in Tanzania. A Harvard alumna and advocate for gender equality, her influence extends across boardrooms, policy platforms, and grassroots initiatives.
The awards ceremony was enriched by keynote addresses and research presentations by distinguished scholars including Prof. Edward J. Lee, Prof. Marcus Goncalves, and Prof. Michael Del Rossi, emphasizing the global importance of leadership rooted in purpose and impact.
As the applause echoed through Harvard’s halls, it was clear: Tanzanian excellence had left an indelible mark on Boston. The 2025 Boston Awards for Excellence did not just honor achievements—it amplified the power of leadership to transform communities, nations, and futures.