Prominent Nigerians, including Wale Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, and footballer Ademola Lookman, have been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by the New African magazine. The prestigious list, revealed on Friday, celebrates trailblazers across politics, business, science, sports, and the creative industry who have made remarkable contributions to the continent and the global stage.
Wale Tinubu, nephew of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, joined Africa’s richest man, Dangote, and Lookman, who has been a key figure in sports, in representing Nigeria on the list. Other honorees include influential figures like Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, science innovator Joy Buolamwini, and internationally acclaimed actor Idris Elba.
Speaking on the release, New African editor Anver Versi emphasized the significance of such recognition during divisive times globally. “The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative. Their resilience and ingenuity inspire millions,” Versi stated.
The list features luminaries across diverse fields. In politics and public service, figures like Kemi Badenoch and Yemi Osinbajo were honored. The business category highlighted industry leaders such as Akinwumi Adesina and Olugbenga Agboola, while science and academia celebrated visionaries like Tshilidzi Marwala and Chinasa T. Okolo.
In the creative industry, stars like Ayra Starr and DJ Edu stood out for their contributions to Africa’s global cultural influence. The sports category included trailblazers like Ademola Lookman and Patrice Motsepe, underscoring their roles in elevating African talent on the world stage.
The annual recognition underscores Africa’s dynamism and the diverse contributions of its leaders and innovators. This year’s honorees are celebrated not just for their accomplishments but for embodying the resilience and creativity that define the African spirit.
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
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
