THE chief executive officer of Rwanda Development Bank (BRD), Jack Kayonga, has scooped an award as East African Young Business Leader of the year 2012, in the All African Business leader Awards 2012 (AABLA). The awards ceremony, took place at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya on August 23.It acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the business world."We perform our job not expecting to be awarded but once you get the award, it’s an inspirational that people out there appreciate what you do. So the award is for team BRD,” said Kayonga on telephone.During the final round, he defeated Kenya’s Wambua Kimeu of Trans Century Ltd.Nominees had to display exceptional vision, leadership and the driving force of a company that has made a major contribution to an industry and notable commercial success in revenue and profit growth in the past year.The awards were in five categories including East Africa Business Leader of the Year, East Africa Business Woman of the Year, East Africa Young Business Leader of the Year, East Africa Entrepreneur of the Year and East Africa Lifetime Achievement Award.Kayonga’s category considered professionals who have reached a significant level of success in their careers and who are also making a difference in the community through their work.The other criteria were managers leading their organisations in innovation, special advancements in technology, business practices, management, production and operations."About changing the lives in the community, I am confident that my institution has achieved this through different activities as well as complying with environmental issues,” he said.The winners will later this year travel to Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the AABLA grand finale.The East African Business Leaders Awards is an initiative by CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa with the aim of promoting excellence in leadership and outstanding business performance in Africa.All nominees in the five categories should have increased shareholder value in their institutions, sound management, proven corporate governance, demonstrated innovation, best business practices and accountability, together with intangible qualities such as integrity and vision.BRD’s priority field of intervention covers key areas of the economy, including agriculture and livestock, manufacturing industry, education and health care, energy and water among others.The bank plans to inject Rwf160 billion into the Rwanda’s economy over 2010-2014 through lending from Rwf36.1 billion in 2009 to over 178 billion in 2014. The investment is expected to create about 150, 000 jobs which will impact livelihoods of more than 1 million people.