The New African magazine, based in London, has released its highly anticipated annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, celebrating remarkable individuals from across the continent who have made significant impacts in their respective fields over the past year.
This year’s list includes prominent Nigerians such as Muhammad Ali Pate, Kemi Badenoch, Yemi Osinbajo, and Aliko Dangote, alongside other influential Africans from diverse sectors, including business, politics, sports, science, and the arts.
A Celebration of African Excellence
The New African list showcases the achievements of individuals who embody the resilience, innovation, and unity of the African spirit. Editor Anver Versi likened the feature to a “large family get-together,” where the continent’s accomplishments are shared and celebrated, emphasizing the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because we are.”
Versi highlighted the significance of this recognition, particularly in a polarized global climate, stating, “The world is so divided and stone-faced in the face of man-made atrocities. This feature is a testament to Africa’s unity and ingenuity.”
Spotlight on Key Themes
Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change
This year’s list places significant emphasis on pressing global issues, with African leaders and innovators at the forefront.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Ethiopian-born Abeba Birhane made the list for her groundbreaking research exposing biases in AI systems, alongside fellow experts Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini, who addressed ethical concerns surrounding AI algorithms.
Climate Change: Leaders such as Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, and activist Michael Kakande, were recognized for their contributions to climate justice and youth engagement in global conversations.
Development Finance Institutions
The Business category was dominated by leaders from Development Finance Institutions, highlighting a transformative year for the sector. Notable figures include:
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa)
Akinwumi Adesina (African Development Bank)
Prof. Benedict Oramah (African Export-Import Bank)
Aliko Dangote (Dangote Group)
Olympic Glory and Sports Achievements
The Sports category celebrated African athletes who excelled at the Paris Olympics, including:
Letsile Tebogo (Botswana), winner of the 200m gold medal.
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Sifan Hassan (Ethiopia), who broke Olympic records in the 5K, 10K, and Marathon events.
Imane Khelif (Algeria), a boxing gold medalist and advocate against racial prejudice.
An Inspiring Showcase of African Leadership
The 2024 edition of the New African list is a testament to the extraordinary contributions of Africans shaping the continent’s narrative on the global stage. From public service to creative arts, these individuals exemplify the spirit of progress, unity, and resilience.
Full List of 100 Most Influential Africans 2024
The list is organized into categories such as Politics and Public Service, Business, Civil Society, Science and Academia, Opinion Shapers, Creative, and Sports. Highlights include:
Politics and Public Service
Kemi Badenoch
Muhammad Ali Pate
Yemi Osinbajo
King Mohamed VI
Business
Aliko Dangote
Akinwumi Adesina
Wale Tinubu
Prof. Benedict Oramah
Science and Academia
Abeba Birhane
Joy Buolamwini
Rediet Abebe
Sports
Letsile Tebogo
Sifan Hassan
Ademola Lookman
For the full list, visit New African magazine’s website. This year’s honorees represent the best of African ingenuity and serve as an inspiration for the continent’s future.
