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The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 announced

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2 years ago

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Influential Africans

The list reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities

LONDON, United Kingdom, December 27, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The London-based New African magazine (www.NewAfricanMagazine.com) today released its highly anticipated annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024. 

The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world over the past year.

One of New African’s readers likened the Most Influential Africans feature to a ‘large family get-together, where we come together at the end of the year and share their various achievements throughout the year.’

Anver Versi, Editor of New African commented  “I had never thought of our 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) feature in quite that way but now I think our friend has really nailed it and given it a special African flavour, the Ubuntu motto – I am because we are. 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.”

Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change: Africa at the forefront

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominating the technology headlines this year, the Science and Academia section is replete with a number of African experts deeply involved in the subject. 

While the technology can bring numerous opportunities to tackle some of the endemic issues, it is not without its pitfalls. Ethiopian-born, Abeba Birhane, conducted research that revealed how large-scale image datasets commonly used to develop AI systems contained racist and misogynistic labels as well as offensive images. Also addressing the ethical concerns around AI and inherent biases in the algorithm are fellow experts Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini.

Climate Change remains a pressing issue, and Africa’s leaders, from Public Office to Business to Civil Society are fully engaged in tackling this vital concern.

For example, Senegalese Ibrahima Cheikh Diong entered the list after taking on the role of executive director for the newly formed Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which will have a direct impact on how developing nations will be able to respond to the worst effect of the climate crisis.

Michael Kakande was also nominated for being a fierce campaigner for climate justice and facilitating the participation of Africa’s youth in the global conversation.

A defining year for Development Finance Institutions

This year was in many ways a defining year for Development Financial Institutions, exemplified by the sheer number of entries in the Business section 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 of 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, all feature.

Olympic Glory: Celebrating Africa’s sports heroes

In the year of the Paris Olympics, there is a special salute to the Olympic medallists in our sports category. Letsile Tebogo, who stole the show at the 200m final to bring Botswana its first Gold medal; Sifan Hassan, who became the first female athlete to win medals in the 5K, 10K and Marathon (Olympic Record) events in the same game; and also Imane Khelif, who’s gold medal was a victory not just in boxing but also racial prejudice.

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 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.

See below the list in full 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

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of New African Magazine.

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Business

CGTN: Navigating the South China Sea Before GPS

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11 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

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South China Sea

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – Ten years after the South China Sea arbitration, CGTN has published an article exploring the story of the Genglubu – a handwritten navigation manual that guided generations of Hainan fishermen long before GPS, shedding light on a chapter of South China Sea history unfamiliar to many outside the region.

How did generations of Chinese sailors find their way across the South China Sea, one of the world’s busiest and most challenging waterways?

A new CGTN documentary, Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea, explores the answer through a little-known ancient navigation manual passed down for generations of fishermen in Tanmen, Hainan Province. The Genglubu recorded routes, compass bearings and sailing distances, helping fishermen navigate reefs, islands and open seas. The documentary follows the fishermen who crossed the sea, the families who preserved their knowledge and a maritime tradition that connected China with Southeast Asia and beyond.

The People Who Brought the Genglubu to Life

To outsiders, the Genglubu looks like a secret code. A single line of just fourteen Chinese characters can contain an entire sea route: the departure point, direction, destination, distance and estimated sailing time.

“Generation after generation, Hainan fishermen rode the waves – not to rule the sea, but to make their living from it.”

Xin Lixue, Curator, China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

The documentary follows veteran fishing boat captains whose lives were inseparable from the sea. Wang Shitao first went to sea at the age of nine. At twelve, his fishing boat was caught in a typhoon. Everyone else on board died. Clinging to a piece of floating timber, he drifted alone for three days. Four years later, another violent storm struck. Once again, he was the only survivor. Yet each time, he returned to the sea. Late in life, reflecting on decades spent sailing the South China Sea, he summed up his feelings:

“I love the South China Sea. I hate it. I miss it.”

Wang Shitao, fishing boat captain

The sea demanded sacrifice even as it provided a livelihood. A storm or mishap could wipe out an entire crew.

“Children and brothers should never sail on the same boat.”

Wang Shubao, fishing boat captain

A Maritime Tradition Connecting Asia

The documentary challenges the common assumption that the Genglubu was only about the South China Sea. Research on the Liang Family Genglubu reveals routes extending to Singapore, Malacca and Indonesia, showing that Hainan fishermen also played a role in regional maritime trade.

“Hainan fishermen also took part in overseas trade.”

Zhao Jueqi, China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

Not every route was written in words. Some Genglubu manuscripts contain mountain-and-water charts. They combine sketches of coastlines with compass bearings, water depth and sea conditions. These drawings helped sailors identify islands, reefs and coastlines and determine their position at sea.

“The Americans and the British produced their own navigational records, which identify the Chinese as being engaged very heavily in fishing on these islands and other forms of economic activity.”

Anthony Carty, International Law Sholar

Today, satellites, weather stations and lighthouses have transformed navigation across the South China Sea. But the purpose remains the same: helping sailors travel safely and return home. Genglubu: Charting the South China Sea traces a maritime tradition shaped by generations of ordinary people. It is a story of navigation, memory and resilience, one that forms part of the shared maritime heritage of Asia.

 

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Business

Renew Capital Narrows 500+ African Companies to 15 Embedded Finance Investment Candidates

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12 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

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SMEs

From 48 countries, selected companies are using existing customer relationships, data and distribution to expand financial access for African SMEs

The next generation of Africa’s small business banks won’t be banks

KIGALI, Rwanda, July 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Renew Capital (http://RenewCapital.com/) has selected 15 companies from more than 500 applicants across 48 African countries to advance through its inaugural Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series.

 

The size and breadth of the applicant pool point to a larger shift underway across Africa: some of the continent’s most promising embedded finance opportunities may come not from traditional fintechs, but from tech companies already serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Africa’s SMEs are the main creators of jobs, yet they face an estimated $330B annual credit gap. However, Africa is rapidly becoming a global center for technology innovation and currently boasts the world’s largest mobile money market. Meanwhile, SMEs are becoming more tech-enabled as smartphone adoption across sub-Saharan Africa is projected to rise from 54% in 2024 to 81% by 2030 and data costs plummet.

These trends open new opportunities to embed financial products in mobile applications to reach the world’s most capital-constrained private sectors, unlocking growth and job creation. As Africa’s startup ecosystems grow, technology companies powering digital payments, organizing smart distribution, optimizing logistics, improving healthcare, and digitizing agriculture value chains have the potential to reach millions of SMEs that banks are not serving and use their customer data to underwrite financial products.

All 500+ applicants were invited to exclusive expert sessions with founders from some of Africa’s fastest-growing companies and gained advice from some of the world’s leading embedded finance and Web3 companies. Forty-seven companies were selected for a pitch competition and given a startup package valued at more than $250,000. From this group, 15 were selected to advance to deeper technical training and investment consideration. The 15 companies represented Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.

Matthew Davis, Co-CEO of Renew Capital, said: “The next generation of Africa’s small business banks won’t be banks. They’ll be startups that already understand how SMEs operate, have their data and have earned their trust. These 15 companies are building from that advantage. That’s why we’re paying attention.”

THE TOP 15 COMPANIES

Company Country Founder Website
AgroCenta Ghana Francis Obirikorang (https://apo-opa.co/4vTsP3Q) https://apo-opa.co/4vW91No
Boost Technology Ghana Mike Quinn (https://apo-opa.co/4vWkAEm) https://apo-opa.co/4vWkE74
Dots for Africa Senegal Carlos Oba (https://apo-opa.co/4peki9h) http://DotsFor.com
Fanaka Zambia Hillary Sang (https://apo-opa.co/4h7E1oS) https://apo-opa.co/4h3rkvj
Kutana Ghana Samuel Opoku (https://apo-opa.co/4vW923U) https://apo-opa.co/4fnYapA
MajibuAfrica Uganda Janis Zicans (https://apo-opa.co/4f3YGrg) https://apo-opa.co/4aGskSe
Marakisoft Ethiopia Alemayehu Seifu (https://apo-opa.co/4eSIN8o) https://apo-opa.co/3R1TAUI
Oze Ghana Meghan McCormick (https://apo-opa.co/4paWgf9) https://apo-opa.co/4vXKbN6
Regxta Nigeria Rukayat Bello (https://apo-opa.co/4vSdMaz) https://apo-opa.co/4h28bdg
Rigo Nigeria Olukayode Odeyinde (https://apo-opa.co/4aJjcfF) https://apo-opa.co/4w2UbEP
Shiprazor South Africa Lesego Tladinyane (https://apo-opa.co/3SU3hVK) https://apo-opa.co/4aGsl8K
Solimi Togo Gael Egbidi (https://apo-opa.co/3SSjZor) https://apo-opa.co/4vWkFIa
Tradevu Nigeria Nkiru Amadi-Emina (https://apo-opa.co/4aGsadA) https://apo-opa.co/4eS7dPl
Z Systems Morocco Samer Choumar (https://apo-opa.co/4bd4PQU) https://apo-opa.co/4vUQUYf
Zendawa Kenya Wilfred Njuguna (https://apo-opa.co/4pavJyx) https://apo-opa.co/4eREuKE

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Renew Capital.

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Energy

Makor Resources CEO to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 Amid $30M Copper Strategy and Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Formalization Drive

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12 hours ago

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July 9, 2026

By

Etu Energias

Brooke Bibeault’s participation at African Mining Week will highlight Makor Resources’ Zambia strategy, its approach to ASM formalization and the role of copper projects in supporting long-term critical minerals growth

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Brooke Bibeault, CEO of copper-focused exploration and development company Makor Resources, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place October 14–16 in Cape Town. The event brings together global mining investors, developers and policymakers to discuss opportunities shaping Africa’s next generation of critical minerals projects.

 

Bibeault will participate in a panel discussion on Accelerating the Formalization of Artisanal Miners, where industry stakeholders will explore pathways to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) into formal mining value chains while improving productivity, environmental standards and community development outcomes.

The discussion aligns with Makor Resources’ approach in Zambia, where the company is supporting ASMntegration through its MineHive program. The initiative provides funding and technical support to ASM operators, strengthening local participation in the copper sector while creating structured pathways into formal supply chains.

Alongside its ASM-focused initiatives, Makor Resources is advancing a district-scale copper exploration strategy across Zambia, supporting the country’s long-term ambition to significantly increase annual copper output. The company is progressing the Muli Copper Project in Central Zambia, while also advancing exploration at the Kangili Copper Project in the Mkushi District.

In early 2026, Makor Resources announced plans to invest up to $3 million by the end of the year to enhance geological understanding across its asset portfolio. The program includes integrated geophysical surveys, remote sensing and systematic sampling campaigns designed to support target definition and resource delineation. These activities form part of a broader investment framework estimated at between $20 million and $30 million over the medium term.

With global copper demand projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, attention is increasingly turning to new supply sources. At AMW 2026, Bibeault is expected to outline how Makor Resources’ Zambia portfolio is positioned to contribute to both national economic development and the broader global energy transition through expanded copper supply.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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