London – The New African magazine, based in London, has officially released its highly anticipated yearly roundup of the 100 Most Influential Africans for 2024. www.NewAfricanMagazine.com
This prestigious compilation celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various sectors who have significantly impacted the continent and the world over the past year.
A reader of the magazine likened the Most Influential Africans feature to a ‘large family gathering, where we come together at the end of the year to recognize the various accomplishments achieved throughout the year.’
Anver Versi, the Editor of New African, commented: “I had never thought of our 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) feature in such a way, but I believe our friend has truly captured its essence, infusing it with a unique African spirit—reflecting the Ubuntu philosophy: I am because we are.”
“This perspective is critical as I can scarcely remember a time when the world has been as divided, polarized, and resistant in the face of severe human-induced crises.”
Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change: Africa at the Forefront
This year, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominates discussions in technology, the Science and Academia sector showcases numerous African professionals actively contributing to this vital field.
While technology brings forth various opportunities to tackle ongoing challenges, it also introduces considerable risks.
Research conducted by Ethiopian-born Abeba Birhane revealed that many large-scale image datasets, often used to develop AI technologies, contained racist and misogynistic labels along with offensive images.
Alongside her, experts Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini investigate the ethical issues surrounding AI and the biases inherent in algorithms.
Climate Change remains a pressing issue, with Africa’s leaders from Public Office, Business, and Civil Society dedicated to confronting this urgent challenge.
For instance, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong from Senegal was acknowledged for his new role as executive director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, impacting how developing nations will handle the effects of the climate crisis.
Michael Kakande was recognized as a strong proponent of climate justice, advocating for the active involvement of Africa’s youth in the global dialogue.
A Crucial Year for Development Finance Institutions
This year has been a turning point for Development Financial Institutions, as reflected in the numerous entries within the Business category of the list.
Dr Sidi Ould Tah from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Samaila Zubairu from the Africa Finance Corporation, Thierno-Habib Hann from Shelter Afrique, Akinwumi Adesina and Hassatou Diop N’Sele from the African Development Bank, Prof Benedict Oramah from the African Export-Import Bank, Alain Ebobissé from Africa50, and Manuel Moses from African Trade & Investment Development Insurance are all featured on the list.
Honoring Africa’s Sports Legends: Olympic Highlights
In the year of the Paris Olympics, the sports category pays special tribute to Olympic medallists.
Among them, Letsile Tebogo captivated audiences at the 200m final, earning Botswana’s first Gold medal; Sifan Hassan became the first female athlete to win medals in 5K, 10K, and Marathon (Olympic Record) events during the same competition; and Imane Khelif not only clinched a gold medal in boxing but also stood against racial discrimination.
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers a thorough overview of the lives and achievements of remarkable individuals shaping the African narrative both within the continent and globally.
Their stories inspire and embody the resilience and creativity of the African spirit.
Discover the complete list below or visit https://apo-opa.co/4iVuMqk
The 100 Most Influential Africans 2024 List
Politics and Public Service
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Kemi Badenoch
- Muhammad Ali Pate
- Claver Gatete
- Ali Mohamed
- King Mohamed VI
- Ronald Lamola
- Yemi Osinbajo
- Nardos Bekele-Thomas
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
- Robins Tchale-Watchou
- Fatima Tambajang
- Dr Sidi Ould Tah
- Samaila Zubairu
- Thierno-Habib Hann
- Akinwumi Adesina
- Tariye Gbadegesin
- Adebayo Ogunlesi
- Wale Tinubu
- Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
- Prof Benedict Okey Oramah
- Moulay Hafid Elalamy
- Olugbenga Agboola
- Alain Ebobissé
- Tunde Olanrewaju
- Nassef Sawiris
- Aliko Dangote
- Ismael Belkhayat
- Hassatou Diop N’Sele
- Jeremy Awori
- Manuel Moses
- Hassanein Hiridjee
- Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
- Joseph Moses Oleshangay
- Mohamed Adow
- Michael Kakande
- Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
- William Asiko
- Eva Omaghomi
- Nelson Amenya
- Helmy Abouleish
- Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
- Elhadj As Sy
- Chinasa T. Okolo
- Tshilidzi Marwala
- Prof Colleen Masimirembwa
- Prof Moses Obimbo Madadi
- Rediet Abebe
- Rachid Guerraoui
- Abdoulaye Diabaté
- Joy Buolamwini
- Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
- Miatta Fahnbulleh
- Olajide Olatunji
- Carlos Lopes
- Zain Verjee
- John-Allan Namu
- Vera Songwe
- Nesrine Malik
- Tayo Aina
- Thebe Ikalafeng
- Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
- Hannah Ryder
- Ayman Mohyeldin
- Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative
- Zineb Sedira
- Rita Mawuena Benissan
- Iansmith Mwenda
- Idris Elba
- Ken Wakia
- Adejoké Bakare
- Ayra Starr
- Selma Feriani
- DJ Edu
- Eugene Mbugua
- Chigozie Obioma
- Kamel Daoud
- Tesfaye Urgessa
- Mehdi Qotbi
- DBN Gogo
- Yinka Ilori Amina
- Lola Shoneyin
- Ekow Eshun
- Zhong FeiFei
- Mati Diop
- Hassan Hajjaj
- Koyo Kouoh
- Mo Harawe
- Victoria Kimani
Sports
- Patrice Motsepe
- Letsile Tebogo
- Imane Khelif
- Tunde Onakoya
- Gelson Fernandes
- Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
- Biniam Girmay
- Ademola Lookman
- Ruth Chepng’etich
- Omar Berrada
- Sifan Hassan
The leading commentator on African issues, New African is also the best-selling magazine in Africa.
The December/January 2025 issue of New African is anticipated to be one of the largest of the year, featuring fascinating profiles and stunning portraits of Africa’s most exceptional individuals for 2024.
This edition is sure to ignite stimulating conversations both within Africa and globally as readers reflect on the selections for the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.
