New African Magazine reveals the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

New African magazine has released its annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. 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.

The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.

The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives, including singer Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weekend, filmmaker Alice Diop and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.

The second category with the highest number of entries was the Business section, with 25 entries. The section included two behemoths from development finance institutions, supporting a private sector approach to investing: Samaila Zubairu from Africa Finance Corporation and the president of Afreximbank Benedict Oramah, undoubtedly Africa’s juggernaut from the last few years leading Africa’s transformation.

Also on the list is the former CEO of Eskom and whistleblower who nearly paid with his life: André de Ruyter.

Nigeria was the country most represented on the list, highlighting the country’s dominance in the creative sector and business.

William Ruto, the president of Kenya, and Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria, were the only heads of state to make it, along with the Guinean military leader Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya created quite a stir at this year’s United Nations General Assembly and appears to have found a solution around the Simandou mining saga.

With climate change at the top of the agenda, the list features several players in the environmental space, such as James Mwangi, formerly from Dalberg Group who has set up his own venture fund investing in climate-related businesses; and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

In the media, we have two media leaders from Côte d’Ivoire: Fabrice Sawegnon, founder of communications agency Voodoo, and Daniel Ahaoussa, serial entrepreneur and founder of a number of websites in West and Central Africa. Also included are BBC journalist Alan Kasujja and Branko Brkic, founder of Daily Maverick, arguably the most powerful media in South Africa today.

And in sports, record breakers Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum make it, as well as the Springboks team, under the leadership of their captain Siya Kolisi. Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, a close friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and an increasingly influential voice in sports, is also included.

The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 is a special edition of New African magazine, which offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the lives and achievements of the selected individuals. The magazine also provides a platform for the readers to learn from their stories, and to be inspired by their examples.

Published continuously since 1966, the English language monthly has consistently brought an African point of view to international news. It is the essential magazine for government officials, businessmen, professionals and Africa-watchers. New African is distributed in over 100 countries, and consulted whenever Africa is mentioned. 

Find the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 special edition of New African here.