The annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans, published by New African Magazine in December 2024, honors people who have made noteworthy contributions in a variety of fields. The list is divided into sections like Politics and Public Service, Business, Civil Society, Science and Academia, Opinion Shapers, Creative Arts, and Sports, but the magazine does not assign specific ranks.
Here are a few noteworthy individuals from each group.
- Politics and Public Service:
Kemi Badenoch: Elected leader of the Conservative Party in the UK, becoming the first Black woman to lead a major political party there.
Muhammad Ali Pate: Renowned for his work in public health and service in various governmental roles.
King Mohamed VI: The monarch of Morocco, recognized for his influence in African and global affairs.
- Business:
Aliko Dangote: Nigerian billionaire and industrialist, known as Africa’s richest person with an estimated net worth of $13.9 billion in 2024.
Akinwumi Adesina: President of the African Development Bank, instrumental in driving economic growth and development across the continent.
Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah: President of Afreximbank, recognized for his efforts in promoting African trade and receiving multiple awards, including the 2024 Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Civil Society:
Victor Ochen: Founder of the African Youth Initiative Network (AYINET), nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 and recognized for his peacebuilding efforts.
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli: A social entrepreneur committed to addressing food insecurity and promoting agriculture in Africa.
Michael Kakande: Climate justice advocate facilitating youth participation in global environmental discussions.
- Science and Academia:
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala: Renowned for his extensive application of artificial intelligence across multiple fields, including healthcare and aerospace engineering.
Prof. Lesley Lokko: Ghanaian-Scottish architect and academic, awarded the 2024 Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté: Leading figure in malaria research, recognized for his work in genetic approaches to malaria control in Africa.
- Opinion Shapers:
Miatta Fahnbulleh: Economist and CEO of the New Economics Foundation, influencing public policy and economic discussions.
Olajide Olatunji (KSI): British-Nigerian YouTuber, musician, and boxer, impacting entertainment and digital media.
Vera Songwe: Economist and diplomat, serving as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa.
- Creative Arts:
Chigozie Obioma: Nigerian author and professor, recognized for his literary contributions, including novels shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
“Other Genres Of Music Are Great, But There’s Nothing Like Afrobeat” – Ayra Starr
Idris Elba: British-Sierra Leonean actor and filmmaker, known for his roles in film and television.
Ayra Starr: Nigerian singer and songwriter, gaining international acclaim for her music.
- Sports:
Letsile Tebogo: Botswana sprinter who secured the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the 200m event at the Paris Olympics.
Sifan Hassan: Dutch-Ethiopian athlete, notable for winning medals in the 5K, 10K, and Marathon events in the same Olympic Games.
Imane Khelif: Algerian boxer who won a gold medal, symbolizing victory over racial prejudice. This diverse group of individuals exemplifies the remarkable talent and influence emanating from Africa, impacting various sectors globally.
