Empire Magazine Africa is supported by a Judging Panel constituted to uphold the credibility, authority, and long-term editorial vision of the platform. The Judging Panel ensures that every recognition, ranking, and feature reflects verified impact, ethical leadership, and meaningful contribution to Africa’s global business and leadership narrative. Its purpose is evaluation, oversight, and institutional trust.
The Judging Panel provides independent guidance to Empire Magazine Africa, ensuring that the platform continues to deliver credible, high-quality recognition while evolving responsibly across industries, regions, and leadership sectors.
The Judging Panel safeguards evaluation standards through defined principles of fairness, transparency, and objectivity. This ensures that all features, rankings, and recognitions are conducted with integrity and free from undue influence.
The Judging Panel upholds the criteria that determine who and what is recognised. Individuals and organisations are assessed based on verifiable leadership, measurable outcomes, and sustained influence, rather than visibility, popularity, or promotion.
The Judging Panel plays a critical role in protecting Empire Magazine Africa’s reputation as a trusted authority in leadership, enterprise, and influence. Its presence reinforces seriousness, credibility, and long-term editorial purpose.
The Chair leads the Judging Panel, coordinates evaluation processes, and ensures that review responsibilities are carried out with clarity, balance, and professionalism.
Judging Panel members bring cross-sector expertise, independent judgment, and industry insight. They support the platform’s evaluation processes and contribute to maintaining high editorial and recognition standards.
The Advisory Council consists of subject-matter experts who provide specialised insight across industry sectors, thematic rankings, and recognition categories. The Council supports the Judging Panel with expertise, while final evaluation responsibility rests with the Judging Panel.
Judging Panel appointments reflect standards aligned with Empire Magazine Africa’s values:
• Proven leadership and measurable impact
• Ethical standing and professional credibility
• Cross-sector or regional relevance
• Commitment to Africa’s growth, influence, and excellence
Appointments are made carefully to ensure independence, balance, and credibility.
Empire Magazine Africa operates independently of political, commercial, or personal influence. The Judging Panel is committed to transparent evaluation practices that protect the integrity of outcomes and reinforce trust in the platform.
Profiles of the Judges are published on this page. Each profile highlights professional background, areas of expertise, and contribution to Empire Magazine Africa’s evaluation and recognition processes.
For judging-related correspondence, governance matters, or institutional partnerships, please contact:
editor@empiremagafrica.com
Empire Magazine Africa spotlights leaders, innovators, and organisations shaping Africa’s present and future across business, luxury, real estate, investment, entrepreneurship, and culture.
The platform is built on the belief that recognition must be earned through substance, credibility, and lasting influence.
Rukayat Alabi-Oyelayo, popularly known as Coach Ruky, is a Nigerian-British career strategist, business coach, and tech entrepreneur focused on career transformation and digital upskilling. She is the founder and CEO of the RKY Group, an ecosystem of brands dedicated to helping professionals transition into high-growth careers and build sustainable professional pathways.
Through initiatives such as RKY Careers, RKY Digital, and ApplyBuddy, Rukayat has supported thousands of professionals with digital skills training, CV and LinkedIn optimization, and career placement support, particularly for international students and professionals navigating the UK job market. As a career and business coach, she has coached over 5,000 individuals, guiding them into roles across technology and corporate sectors.
Rukayat is also the author of Limitless and Thriving, a book centered on career reinvention and resilience. Her work has earned recognition at platforms such as the Black Tech Achievement Awards, and she has been featured in publications including Forbes, The Guardian, and Business Insider. She is a sought-after speaker at leadership and technology events across the UK and beyond.
With a background in finance and IT consulting, and a Master’s degree with Distinction from the University of Stirling, Rukayat brings a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic insight, and mentorship to her work, continuing to empower individuals and businesses through technology-driven career solutions.
Deborah Nwankwo is a global supply chain strategist and risk management professional with expertise spanning infrastructure procurement, enterprise risk analytics, and large-scale operational systems. Her work cuts across U.S. retail networks, public-sector procurement, healthcare supply chains, and compliance-driven environments, where she is known for strengthening resilience, transparency, and performance.
At Amazon, Deborah leads supply chain operations supporting nationwide distribution networks. She oversees procurement for critical materials, applies data-driven forecasting and replenishment strategies, and enhances supplier performance to stabilize inventory across complex demand cycles. Her work contributes to continuity, efficiency, and resilience within one of the world’s largest logistics ecosystems.
Previously, she held senior vendor and consulting roles, where she shaped commercial strategy, negotiated long-term supplier agreements, and introduced analytical tools that improved operational decision-making. Her early career in risk consulting and procurement forensics at KPMG Nigeria built a strong foundation in financial controls, compliance, and enterprise risk management. Deborah also brings experience from technology-enabled healthcare and consumer-focused operations.
Beyond her professional career, she is committed to mentorship and social impact, co-founding the Encouragement of the Girl-Child Initiative and supporting youth development through education and mentorship. Deborah holds a STEM-designated MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and is an active member of professional networks including the Forté Fellowship and the National Black MBA Association.
Habeeb Ilufoye is a global business strategist and sustainability-focused technologist with experience spanning the United States, Africa, and Europe. His work integrates digital transformation, clean energy strategy, and high-growth commercial leadership, positioning him as a forward-thinking leader operating at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and enterprise performance.
He currently serves as a Senior Vendor Manager at Amazon in Seattle, where he manages a large commercial portfolio and delivers measurable operational and financial impact. His leadership has driven consistent growth, improved profitability through data-informed partnerships, and introduced technology-enabled workflows that enhance efficiency and decision-making.
Habeeb’s background includes strategy and transformation roles across fintech, e-commerce, education, and digital services. He has led market expansion initiatives, revenue growth strategies, and large-scale digital transformation projects across multiple geographies. His sustainability research at Georgia Tech contributed to clean energy procurement frameworks supporting institutional decision-makers.
With an academic foundation in engineering and business, Habeeb is also deeply committed to mentorship and talent development. He has supported aspiring professionals through academic mentorship, education initiatives, and thought leadership, while contributing to global conversations on innovation, sustainability, and technology-enabled growth.
Ambassador Dr. Temisan O. Louis is a serial entrepreneur, Pan-African development advocate, and governance leader with interests spanning technology, social enterprise, leadership development, and community advancement. Widely known as Amb. Mayorkings, he is recognized for building platforms that promote African excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth.
He is the Founder and President of Mayorkings Agency Group, a leading social enterprise brand responsible for convening high-impact continental initiatives such as Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Awards & Summit, African Women Achievers Awards, and Global Good Governance Ambassadors Awards. He also serves as CEO of Queen Delta International Concept, delivering pageantry and empowerment programs focused on women and youth development.
Dr. Temisan is the Founder of Iconic International Holdings, the parent brand behind the globally recognized Iconic Global, Iconic Africa, and the annual Iconic 500 List, with headquarters in Johannesburg and operations across Africa and the diaspora. Through these platforms, he champions recognition, leadership, and global visibility for African changemakers.
His professional journey includes leadership roles across multiple organizations, board appointments, and service in public-sector advisory capacities, including community development. He is also the President of the African Union Youth Council (AUYC), Nigeria Chapter, and has received several local and international recognitions for his contributions to leadership, youth empowerment, and social impact.
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