New African Magazine Unveils the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024

...Celebrating trailblazers shaping the continent's future amidst evolving challenges and opportunities

The London-based New African magazine has released its much-anticipated annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, spotlighting individuals across various fields whose work has made a profound impact on Africa and beyond over the past year.

Described by a reader as a “large family get-together,” the list celebrates the spirit of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—by highlighting shared achievements that inspire unity and progress in a divided world. Editor Anver Versi emphasized its relevance: “In times of global division, it’s important to showcase the incredible contributions of Africans working tirelessly to uplift our continent.”

Innovation and Leadership: Addressing AI and Climate Challenges

This year’s list reflects Africa’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Climate Change.

AI advancements dominated headlines, with African experts leading critical discussions on ethics and inclusivity. Ethiopian researcher Abeba Birhane uncovered discriminatory biases in AI datasets, while peers Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini continue to advocate for accountability in algorithm development. Their work highlights Africa’s leadership in ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly.

On the climate front, figures like Senegalese Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, now executive director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, are shaping global strategies to combat climate crises. Meanwhile, activist Michael Kakande champions climate justice by empowering Africa’s youth to join the global conversation.

The New African’s 2024 list not only celebrates individual excellence but also underscores the collective resolve of Africans to innovate, lead, and create a better future for the continent and the world.

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.

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.

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