The evening will celebrate the positive impact that the innovativeproducts and services offered by these companies are making across a range ofmarkets, including energy, healthcare, ICT and industrial automation.

"It's very exciting for us to be hosting our first African awardsbanquet," says Frost & Sullivan Consulting Manager Hendrik Malan. "Our awardsprogramme is globally recognised for identifying industry leaders, and webring those same high standards to the African programme."

The Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards Programme is a leading platformfor recognising both international and local companies active on thecontinent. Awards to be given on the night will honour accomplishments incategories such as customer service leadership, market leadership, growthstrategy leadership and product innovation leadership.

The keynote address for the banquet will be delivered by Johan Dekker,Divisional Director of Barloworld Logistics. Dekker is expected to addresssupply-chain strategies in Africa and how to implement best practices on thecontinent.

"Even though 2008 has been a challenging year, we have continued to seegrowth and excellent performance from a number of outstanding companies inAfrica," says Malan. "It's an honour for us to highlight these achievementsand recognise the companies that are demonstrating best practices in thisenvironment."

The presentation of the Awards will be preceded by a champagne receptionfrom 18h00 in the Michaelangelo Hotel Atrium. The awards ceremony and dinnerwill take place from 19h00 in the L'Incontro Ballroom.

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a varietyof regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement andsuperior performance. Industry analysts compare market participants andmeasure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensivesecondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

Complimentary seating for the banquet is available to members of thepress. Seating is limited. Please send any requests for information toPatrick Cairns - patrick.cairns@frost.com.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients toaccelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting andGrowth Team Membership(TM) empower clients to create a growth-focused culturethat generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost &Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan'sGrowth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

Contact: Patrick Cairns Corporate Communications - Africa P: +27 18 468 2315 E: patrick.cairns@frost.comSOURCE Frost & Sullivan