The London-based New African magazine 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.

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.