London – The New African magazine, based in London, has unveiled its highly anticipated annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans for 2024. www.NewAfricanMagazine.com

This prestigious compilation recognizes the achievements and influences of Africans from various fields who have made noteworthy contributions to the continent and beyond over the past year.

A reader of the magazine likened the Most Influential Africans feature to a “vast family reunion, where we come together at the end of the year to celebrate the diverse 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 that fashion, but now I see that our friend has genuinely captured its essence, adding a distinctive African flavor—representing the Ubuntu philosophy: I am because we are.”

“This perspective is crucial, particularly considering how rare it is to witness a time in history where the world is so polarized, divided, and resistant amidst severe human-caused crises.”

Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change: Africa at the Forefront

This year, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) takes center stage in technology conversations, the Science and Academia section showcases numerous African professionals engaged in this vital area.

While technology offers various opportunities to tackle ongoing challenges, it also brings significant risks.

Research conducted by Ethiopian-born Abeba Birhane revealed that many large-scale image datasets, commonly used for developing AI technologies, contained racist and misogynistic labels alongside offensive images.

Joining her, experts Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini delve into the ethical challenges associated with AI and the biases inherent in algorithms.

Climate Change remains a critical issue, with African leaders across Public Office, Business, and Civil Society dedicated to confronting this pressing challenge.

For instance, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong from Senegal was acknowledged for his recent appointment as executive director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which significantly affects how developing nations will navigate the repercussions of the climate crisis.

Michael Kakande has been praised as a staunch advocate for climate justice, championing the engagement of Africa’s youth in global discussions.

A Crucial Year for Development Finance Institutions

This year has been pivotal for Development Financial Institutions, as evidenced by the plethora of entries in the Business category.

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 in this year’s list.

Honoring Africa’s Sports Icons: Olympic Highlights

This year’s edition celebrates the Paris Olympics with special recognition for Olympic medalists in the sports category.

Among the honored athletes, Letsile Tebogo amazed spectators in the 200m final, achieving Botswana’s first Gold medal; Sifan Hassan made history as the first female athlete to win medals in the 5K, 10K, and Marathon (Olympic Record) events at the same competition; and Imane Khelif not only clinched a gold medal in boxing but also stood up against racial discrimination.

The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African provides a thorough overview of the lives and achievements of exceptional individuals who are shaping the African narrative both on the continent and globally.

The stories of these individuals inspire and encapsulate the resilience and innovation 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 affairs, New African is also Africa’s best-selling magazine.

The December/January 2025 issue of New African is expected to be one of the most substantial of the year, filled with captivating profiles and striking portraits of Africa’s most remarkable individuals for 2024.

This edition is bound to provoke stimulating discussions both in Africa and worldwide as readers reflect on the selections for the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.