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Fresh faces join seasoned achievers in New African’s ‘100 Most Influential Africans’ listing

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Influential Africans

The listing celebrates the achievements of the 100 Africans whose lives and work have created far reaching ripples within the continent and abroad

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 9, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Five heads of state make the list including President Ruto of Kenya; one former head of state makes the list (President Obasanjo) and an aspiring one (Peter Obi) is also included; twenty seven African nationalities in total are represented; Nigerians  dominate the list with 28 entries; followed by South Africa (11); Kenya (9); Ghana (5) and Cameroon (5); there are 62 men and 38 women in the list. Gender parity was achieved in 2018; the creatives lead with 26 entries, followed by entrepreneurs (21); the majority of entries are from Anglophone countries (67).

Africa’s creative talents once again hold centre stage in New African magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) listing. The listing celebrates the achievements of the 100 Africans whose lives and work have created far reaching ripples within the continent and abroad.

The annual listing, which appears in this year’s Christmas (December/January) issue of Africa’s longest established and the world’s most widely read pan-African periodical in English, is highly anticipated and hotly discussed by readers in Africa, the US and Europe.

An entry in the MIA listing is considered Africa’s ultimate stamp of approval for achievement. While the list contains some names that have appeared before, the editor, Anver Versi, notes that it “is a tribute to their staying power that year on year, they do not rest on their laurels but continue with fresh impetus to do more for more people in more areas.” There is nonetheless a fresh and exciting crop of fresh achievers making their name in the listings for the first time.

This year’s listing, as previous listings have done, reflects the changing emphasis and priorities on the continent. As normal life begins to reassert itself after the Covid ravages, Africa’s entrepreneurs, innovators, social and environmental activists, scientists and opinion shapers make a strong comeback into the ranks.

The continent’s fountainhead of creative talent continues to give generously and Africa’s writers, singers, actors, designers, editors, journalists, chefs and even Tiktokers continue to dominate the listing with 26 entries. Their influence in changing the African narrative is today undisputed.

Some, like the Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o and UK Vogue editor Edward Enninful, have become international stars and celebrities and are reshaping their respective industries and the way Africa is now viewed internationally. Entertainers such as Burna Boy not only dominate the world-wide music scene but are recasting global music to the Afrobeat tempo. Similarly, Africa’s best-selling authors and designers are creating a unique African aesthetic that the world cannot have enough of.

There are many others who are working away diligently and ceaselessly but away from the public eye

In the field of sport, the French Algerian football superstar Karim Benzema joins other sporting greats like Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Kenya’s Eluid Kipchoge. Their influence transcends sports and they have become role models for the youth of this young continent. 

The influence of most of the African leaders and entrepreneurs who have made the list also extends beyond their normal framework and has regional and global touch. Afreximbank’s President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, is a case in point as his original approach to finance is making the impossible possible. Many others are involved in cutting edge technology, including Artificial Intelligence and, of course, Elon Musk is not satisfied with what the Earth has to offer and is aiming for Mars.

In the leaders section, among others, Kenya’s new President William Ruto takes his place alongside Rwanda’s Paul Kagame – who year in, year out cannot be left out of the reckoning – and Sierra Leone’s Maada Bio, whose bold decision to allocate over 20% of his country’s budget to education is exemplary.

But these are only some of the people featured in the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2022 listing; it has been described as “like a very large chocolate tray full of tempting individual items, to be picked, explored and savoured at leisure.” 

In his introduction to the listing, the Editor of New African magazine, Anver Versi, says that in addition to the many easily recognised names, “there are many others who are working away diligently and ceaselessly but away from the public eye. Some are making far reaching changes at the grassroots, some are beavering away in laboratories or obscure sites – their influence is understated and yet fundamental to our progress.”

The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2022 in numbers

Categories:
Creatives 26, Entrepreneurs 21, Opinion Shapers 16, Leaders 15, Changemakers 12, Sports 10
 
Gender
62 male, 38 female

By Country 
Nigeria 28, South Africa 11, Kenya 9, Cameroon 5, Ghana 5, Senegal 4, Zimbabwe 4, Morocco 3, Tunisia 3, Zambia 3, Algeria 2, Côte d’Ivoire 2, Ethiopia 2, Mali 2, Rwanda 2, Sierra Leone 2, Somalia 2, Uganda 2, Botswana 1, Burkina Faso 1, Burundi 1, Congo 1, Egypt 1, Guinea-Bissau 1, Madagascar 1, Mozambique 1, Togo 1
Total, 27 nationalities represented.
 
By Languages
Anglophone 67, Francophone 18, Arabic 9, Lusophone 2, Amharic 2, Somali 2

The Dec/Jan issue also features profiles and interviews of a number of prominent personalities including the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi AdesinaBineta Diop, Special Envoy of the African Union, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD and Francesca Chiejina, one of the rising stars of opera.

The issue is available online https://bit.ly/3HralBp and also in news kiosks in over 70 countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of New African Magazine.

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Forging Sustainable Partnerships in Africa’s Mining Sector: A High-Level Reception for Global Industry Leaders

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Mining

Key areas of focus will include the role of policy stability in driving investor confidence, the impact of ESG compliance on financing and operations, and the growing importance of local beneficiation and value addition

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ — 

As Africa’s mining industry navigates an era of transformation, CLG (www.CLGGlobal.com) will host an exclusive gathering of global investors, government representatives, legal experts, and energy industry leaders on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, to explore pathways for sustainable partnerships that drive long-term value creation.

Under the theme “African Mining Investors and Government: Forging Sustainable Partnerships,” the reception will serve as a premier platform for dialogue on the evolving regulatory environment, investment climate, and critical policy frameworks shaping the future of mining in Africa. With the continent’s vast mineral wealth presenting unparalleled opportunities, the ability to strike a balance between investment attractiveness, sustainability, and equitable resource governance remains at the forefront of industry discussions.

Key areas of focus will include the role of policy stability in driving investor confidence, the impact of ESG compliance on financing and operations, and the growing importance of local beneficiation and value addition. As governments refine their regulatory approaches to enhance sector transparency and long-term growth, legal expertise plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring that agreements, policies, and partnerships are structured for resilience and mutual benefit.

With global demand for critical minerals on the rise, Africa’s ability to position itself as a reliable and competitive supplier will depend on well-structured partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders. The event will highlight innovative approaches to cross-border collaboration, risk mitigation in mining investments, and strategies for ensuring resource nationalism policies align with sustainable economic development.

At CLG, we are committed to shaping the conversations that drive responsible and transformative mining investments on the continent

Bringing together high-profile decision-makers from across the global mining value chain, this reception will provide unparalleled networking opportunities, facilitating meaningful engagement on how best to harness Africa’s mineral wealth for long-term prosperity.

Zion Adeoye, Chief Executive Officer at CLG, emphasized the importance of robust legal frameworks in fostering investor confidence and ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Africa’s mining sector is entering a crucial phase where collaboration between investors and governments must be guided by well-defined legal and policy structures. Sustainable resource development requires not just capital investment, but strategic alignment between regulatory certainty, environmental stewardship, and local economic growth. At CLG, we are committed to shaping the conversations that drive responsible and transformative mining investments on the continent.”

Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, a Partner at CLG, underscored the firm’s commitment to bridging the gap between legal innovation and industry growth.

“As the mining industry evolves, the need for strategic legal and regulatory guidance has never been greater. Investors and governments alike must adopt proactive legal frameworks that not only mitigate risk but also foster innovation and long-term sustainability. CLG is at the forefront of these discussions, ensuring that mining agreements, policies, and partnerships are structured to create lasting value for all stakeholders.”

Hosted by CLG, this reception underscores the firm’s leadership in navigating the legal, financial, and regulatory complexities of Africa’s mining sector. As a trusted advisor to investors, governments, and industry stakeholders, CLG remains committed to fostering strategic conversations that drive sustainable development and long-term economic success in the industry.

To be part of this high-level Reception, confirm your attendance by registering here: https://apo-opa.co/40KJQPE

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

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Driving Africa’s Open Skies: Aircraft Manufacturers, Catalysts for Progress (By Henok Teferra Shawl)

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Henok Teferra Shawl

Significant progress has already been achieved; 37 African countries, representing over 80% of the continent’s aviation market, have joined the SAATM initiative

DAKAR, Senegal, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ — 

By Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing Africa Managing Director (www.Boeing.com).

The liberalization of Africa’s air transport market, as envisioned through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), is not just an aspirational goal — it is an economic necessity. A unified African sky, underpinned by the Joint Prioritized Action Plan (JPAP), promises to reduce travel costs for passengers, enhance connectivity, and catalyze economic growth and cultural exchange across the continent. The success of this initiative hinges on the active support and collaboration of governments, airlines and aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing.

The need for SAATM stems from longstanding challenges in Africa’s aviation sector: limited intra-African connectivity, high travel costs, fragmented regulations, constrained aircraft financing, and underdeveloped aviation infrastructure. These barriers have confined trade, tourism, economic and social integration for decades.

Aircraft manufacturers have a responsibility to help address these issues through policy engagement, partnerships, capacity building, and technology. We take pride in our role not just as fleet suppliers but critical enablers of the ecosystem and skills that Africa’s aviation industry needs to thrive.

Significant progress has already been achieved; 37 African countries, representing over 80% of the continent’s aviation market, have joined the SAATM initiative. Key regulatory frameworks are in place, including those for fair competition and consumer protection. Capacity-building programs for aviation professionals and improvements in safety standards are now aligned with international benchmarks.

Partnering with African airlines helps renew fleets with fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft designed to meet the continent’s unique operational requirements

However, to unlock SAATM’s full potential, sustained efforts are needed to address lingering challenges such as high operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and protectionist policies. Boeing is committed to contribute meaningfully in this regard.

Collaboration is a major lever. Aircraft manufacturers partner with governments and regional bodies to highlight the benefits of a liberalized air transport market. As an example, Boeing is an active participant in the African Aviation Industry Group. The group encourages more countries to commit to SAATM and work towards harmonizing regulatory standards, creating a more unified and efficient aviation ecosystem in Africa.

Air safety is one more area of collaboration across the continent. Aircraft manufacturers including Boeing support African countries in achieving the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and help enhance regional air safety working closely with airlines and organizations like African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

Fleet modernization is another key area where aircraft manufacturers can make a significant impact. Partnering with African airlines helps renew fleets with fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft designed to meet the continent’s unique operational requirements. Modernized fleets reduce operational costs and emissions and make air travel more competitive, accessible, and sustainable, a critical factor for the success of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Capacity building is another essential contribution. Training programs for pilots, engineers, airline management, and other aviation professionals are vital to supporting the sector’s rapid growth and elevating passenger experience. Aircraft manufacturers, with their expertise and resources, are well-positioned to deliver world-class training and share best practices – and we are spearheading these efforts. Additionally, community engagement programs for African youth provide systemic improvement in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education and economic empowerment, directly feeding the talent pipeline. All these initiatives equip Africa’s aviation workforce with the skills needed to ensure a robust, safe and capable industry.

Finally, infrastructure enhancement is another important building block to SAATM. By providing counsel and data-driven analytics, aircraft manufacturers can assist in modernizing airports and air traffic management systems. This ensures the infrastructure is prepared to handle the anticipated increase in air traffic, enhancing safety and facilitating smoother, more efficient operations across the continent.

A fully realized SAATM will enable seamless travel and economic growth, fostering unity, and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global aviation industry. The collaborative efforts of the African Union Commission and its implementing agency, the African Civil Aviation Commission, national governments, civil aviation authorities, the African Development Bank, African Airlines Association, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers through the Joint Prioritized Action Plan in support of SAATM are pivotal in achieving this vision.

Working together, we can ensure Africa’s aviation renaissance and the realization of the African Union vision, Agenda 2063: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Boeing.

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S&P Global Commodity Insights Joins Forces with the African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Accelerate Africa’s Energy Development Through Market Expertise

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African Energy Chamber

S&P Global Commodity Insights has joined the African Energy Chamber as an official partner with aims to deliver market intelligence and expertise throughout the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 30, 2025/APO Group/ — 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) – the voice of the African energy sector – is pleased to announce that energy and commodities information company S&P Global Commodity Insights has joined the Chamber as an official partner. With the partnership, the AEC and S&P Global Commodity Insights aim to deliver high-level market intelligence to attract capital, technology and expertise to markets throughout the continent, with a view to driving socioeconomic development and eradicating energy poverty across Africa by 2030.

S&P Global Commodity Insights is an independent source of information, credit ratings, benchmark prices and analytics for global energy and commodities markets. The company offers market data, expertise and technology solutions to businesses, governments and regulators, helping them make informed decisions and drive sustainable, forward-thinking solutions. Through this partnership, S&P Global Commodity Insights will provide the AEC with access to its research, analysis and market reports, aiming to shape complex discussions on global energy supply chains, sustainability and the energy transition.

Africa’s energy market is expected to face a number of challenges and opportunities in 2025, shaped by domestic and regional energy growth and global trends. The continent is seeing significant additions to refining capacity solutions, notably with the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, the largest in Africa, which is set to come online in 2025. Meanwhile, Senegal and Mauritania achieved a major milestone this year with the start of operations at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development, marking the beginning of gas-drive energy security in West Africa.

Meanwhile, striving to boost natural gas production while maintaining crude output above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2027, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for Angola’s energy industry. S&P Global Commodity Insights has positioned infrastructure-led exploration as the key driver of frontier basin oil and gas development in Angola, with its robust foundation comprising logistics bases, maritime terminals and refining facilities. An upcoming bid round in the country promises to drive exploration and production, bringing additional reserves online while expanding enhanced recovery at producing fields.

This partnership ensures we are not only making informed decisions but also fostering sustainable, impactful solutions for the future of Africa and the world

Libya’s target to boost oil production to 2 million bpd by 2027 has positioned the country on track for a dynamic energy sector transformation. International energy companies like TotalEnergies, Eni, Repsol, Equinor and bp have recommitted to exploration drilling activities in the country while a new oil and gas licensing round and 45 greenfield and brownfield projects are in the pipeline. Meanwhile, large-scale gas development projects are underway – including an $8 billion gas production deal with Eni – to enhance national energy security as well as regional gas trade to Europe.

On the back of a five-year licensing plan, Algeria has positioned itself for increase upstream investment and capital injection to drive new exploration activities. The country plans to inject nearly $50 billion into hydrocarbon projects over the next four years, 71% of which will be directed to exploration and production. With crude oil reserves estimated at 12.2 billion barrels – the third largest in Africa and tenth largest globally – and home to approximately 159 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Algeria offers the change for companies to make high-impact discoveries.

As such, the continent’s oil production in 2025 is projects to stay steady, with key players like Nigeria, Angola and Libya striving to boost production. additionally, natural gas will be vital for Africa’s power generation, with investments in LNG poised to increase, especially in West Africa, and new deepwater regions like Ivory Coast and Namibia further bolstering supply. While investment is cautiously optimistic, the exploration sector has seen increased interest from international companies in the Middle East and Asia, offering Africa opportunities to unlock new reserves and strengthen its position as a key player in the global hydrocarbons market.

“This collaboration with S&P Global Commodity Insights will leverage expertise of the energy sector to help shape the future of energy on the continent, enabling us to tackle the challenges of energy poverty and drive socioeconomic development in line with our 2030 goals. As we work to harness Africa’s vast natural resources, this partnership ensures we are not only making informed decisions but also fostering sustainable, impactful solutions for the future of Africa and the world,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement.

The partnership between the AEC and S&P Global Commodity Insights reaffirms the Chamber’s dedication to propelling Africa’s energy sector forward through impactful discussions, cutting-edge solutions and global market analytics. Through this partnership, S&P Global Commodity Insights will collaborate closely with the AEC by leveraging deep market insights and analysis through research experts and thought leaders, aiming to shape complex discussions on global energy supply chains, sustainability and the energy transition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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