New Magazine lists Ruto among 100 most influential Africans
President William Ruto of Kenya has emerged as the sole head of state to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious “100 Most Influential Africans of 2023” list by New African magazine.
The annual report, released recently, celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding individuals across diverse fields who have left an indelible mark on the continent and the world.
The carefully curated list spans a wide array of sectors, encompassing politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, and sports personalities, among others.
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The honorees represent a beacon of excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision, showcasing the rich tapestry of African talent.
Notable figures dominating the creative sphere include the likes of singer Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, filmmaker Alice Diop, and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah, amounting to 31 representatives in this category alone.
The business domain follows closely, boasting 25 entries. Among them are powerhouses Samaila Zubairu from Africa Finance Corporation, Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, and André de Ruyter, former CEO of Eskom and whistleblower who faced life-threatening challenges.
Nigeria emerges as the most prominently featured country on the list, underscoring its dominance in both the creative sector and business. President William Ruto stands out as the only serving head of state from the African continent to cut, alongside Guinean military leader Mamady Doumbouya.
The report also reflects the growing influence of Africans in addressing global challenges, with several environmental leaders featured, including James Mwangi, founder of a venture fund investing in climate-related businesses, and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Media personalities such as Fabrice Sawegnon and Daniel Ahaoussa from Côte d’Ivoire, journalists Alan Kasujja and Branko Brkic, and sports figures like Faith Kipyegon, Kelvin Kiptum, and the Springboks team, led by captain Siya Kolisi, round out the diverse and illustrious list.
Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, a close associate of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and a growing force in sports leadership, is also recognized for his significant contributions.
The “100 Most Influential Africans of 2023” special edition by New African magazine serves as a comprehensive and insightful overview of the remarkable lives and achievements of these influential individuals.
Beyond celebration, the magazine offers a platform for readers to draw inspiration from the stories of these exceptional Africans, shaping a narrative of success and resilience for generations to come.
The 100 Most Influential Africans 2023 List
Politics and Public Service
- William Ruto
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
- Sidi Ould Tah
- Akinwumi Adesina
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Bola Tinubu
- Mamady Doumbouya
- Ousmane Sonko
- Nadia Fettah Alaoui
- Tsitsi Masiyiwa
- Tidjane Thiam
Business
- Mohamed Kande
- Sim Tshabalala
- Karim Beguir
- Didier Acouetey
- Olugbenga Agboola
- Samaila Zubairu
- Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
- Ralph Mupita
- Ibrahim Sagna
- Simon Tiemtoré
- Jules Ngankam
- Riham ElGizy
- André de Ruyter
- Aliko Dangote
- Ham Serunjogi
- Serge Ekué
- Bahija Jallal
- Coura Sène
- Bernard Koné Dossongui
- Hassanein Hiridjee
- Shola Akinlade
- James Mwangi
- Pascal Agboyibor
Science and Academia
- Anna Adeola Makanju
- Chao Tayiana Maina
- Nemat Talaat Shafik
- Ismahane Elouafi
- Moungi Bawendi
- Timnit Gebru
Environmental
- James Irungu Mwangi
- Ephraim Mwepya Shitima
- Wanjira Mathai
- Rashid Sumaila
- Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
- Dr Musonda Mumba
Creative
- Kaouther Ben Hania
- Danai Gurira
- Ncuti Gatwa
- Black Coffee
- Tyla Laura Seethal
- Temilade “Tems” Openiyi
- Lesley Lokko
- Mulenga Kapwepwe
- Alice Diop
- Wanuri Kahiu
- Bassem Youssef
- Malenga Mulendema
- Jadesola Osiberu
- Editi Effiong
- Ali Said Alamin Mandhry
- Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye
- Pretty Yende
- Julie Mehretu
- Pierre Thiam
- Teju Cole
- Thebe Magugu
- David Diop
- Burna Boy
- Serge Attukwei Clottey
- Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
- Aïda Muluneh
- Omoyemi Akerele
- Mariam Issoufou Kamara
- Victor Ekpuk
- DJ Snake
- Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna
Media
- Claude Grunitzky
- Chioma Nnadi
- Edward Enninful
- Alan Kasujja
- Wode Maya
- Anton Harber
- Khabane “Khaby” Lame
- Charity Ekezie
- Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka
- Branko Brkic
- Tomiwa Aladekomo
- Marie Mbullu
- Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
- Daniel Ahaoussa
- Fabrice Sawegnon
Sports
- Francis Ngannou
- Faith Kipyegon
- The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi
- Patrice Motsepe
- Kelvin Kiptum
- Victor Osmihen
- Biniam Girmay
- Yassine Bounou