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The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 announced

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1 year 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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Events

As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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Business

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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