The list highlights evolving trends and priorities across Africa, showcasing how the continent is navigating emerging challenges and seizing new opportunities.
The London-based New African magazine (www.NewAfricanMagazine.com) has released its much-anticipated annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024. This prestigious selection celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Africans across various sectors, showcasing those who have significantly impacted the continent and the world over the past year.
Describing the list, a loyal reader likened it to a “large family gathering, where we come together at the end of the year to share the diverse achievements made throughout the year.”
Anver Versi, Editor of New African, shared his reflection:
“I had never thought of our 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) feature in quite that way, but now I think this perspective truly captures its essence. It gives the list a unique African identity, embodying the Ubuntu philosophy: ‘I am because we are.’ In a world increasingly divided and facing unprecedented challenges, such unity and celebration of shared achievements are more critical than ever.”
Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change: Africa Leading the Conversation
With Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominating global headlines in 2024, Africa has emerged as a hub of expertise and innovation in this space. The Science and Academia section of the list features prominent African figures addressing the opportunities and ethical challenges of AI.
Ethiopian-born researcher Abeba Birhane uncovered troubling biases in large-scale image datasets used for AI systems, revealing racist and misogynistic labels alongside offensive images. Similarly, experts Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini continue to highlight the inherent biases in AI algorithms and advocate for more ethical frameworks.
Meanwhile, Climate Change remains an urgent priority for the continent. Leaders from public office, business, and civil society have stepped up to address the escalating crisis. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, now executive director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, plays a critical role in shaping how developing nations mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis.
Michael Kakande, another honoree, has been a powerful voice for climate justice, empowering African youth to take an active role in global discussions about sustainability and environmental advocacy.
A Pivotal Year for Development Finance in Africa
The Business category this year reflects a transformative moment for Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in Africa. Visionary leaders like Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Samaila Zubairu of the Africa Finance Corporation, and Akinwumi Adesina of the African Development Bank are spearheading initiatives that shape the continent’s economic future. Other notable entries include Thierno-Habib Hann of Shelter Afrique, Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Prof. Benedict Oramah, Alain Ebobissé, and Manuel Moses, each contributing to Africa’s financial resilience and development.
Olympic Glory: Africa’s Sports Icons Shine Bright
The Paris Olympics of 2024 brought Africa’s sporting excellence to the global stage. In the Sports category, trailblazers like Letsile Tebogo made history, clinching Botswana’s first Gold medal in the 200m final. Sifan Hassan etched her name into history as the first female athlete to win medals in the 5K, 10K, and Marathon events in a single Olympics, setting an Olympic Record. Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a gold medal, marking a victory not just for sports but against racial prejudice.
Celebrating African Excellence
From groundbreaking innovations in technology and climate action to remarkable achievements in business, sports, and civil society, the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 encapsulates the diversity, resilience, and brilliance of Africa. As the continent continues to navigate its challenges, these individuals serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, driving progress and fostering unity.
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.
“We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities”
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
