Beirut, February 3rd, 2017 – In recognition of his efforts in strengthening the bonds between Lebanese emigrants and their motherland, Dr. Salim Sfeir - Bank of Beirut Chairman – CEO, received the LDE Africa Lifetime Achievement Award from

Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Hilton Hotel in Johannesburg, in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade H.E. Mr. Raed Khoury, Madagascar Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanese descent Beatrice Atallah, Lebanon’s ambassador to South Africa Mr. Ara Khatchadourian, and a number of eminent economic, banking, commercial, industrial and media figures representing all sectors across Africa.  

The honouring ceremony took place during the Lebanese Diaspora Energy Conference hosted in Johannesburg by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 2nd and 3rd.


Addressing the Lebanese diaspora, Dr. Sfeir said: “Lebanon needs your talent and expertise. We badly need your support to activate modernize and energize our economic infrastructure to keep our children rooted in Lebanon. We are moving from a winter-sunset of adversity to a spring-sunrise of opportunity. We have a new president and a new cabinet and all indications show that the Phoenix shall rise again. Contribute to its rebirth, be the godfathers of Lebanon’s renaissance” Sfeir added.

Commenting on the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him by H.E. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sfeir said: “Being here is a tribute by itself. Thank you Mr. Minister, thank you dear diaspora. I hope I may serve you well in the years to come”.

Speaking at the panels of the Lebanese Diaspora Energy Conference, Mr. Roger Dagher - CFO at Bank of Beirut shared valuable information on “facilitating investment flows between Africa and Lebanon”.

Following the successful LDE Conference, Dr. Salim Sfeir whose bank is one of the few Lebanese institutions operating in Africa, met numerous economic representatives in Lebanon in the presence of both Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants  and Minister of Economy and Trade.