Most Influential African People: Shaping the Future

Nov 29, 2025 0

The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) proudly announces the complete list of honorees for the 2025 Most Influential Global Editions for UK's Next Generation, Finance, Social Impact, and Under 40.

In support of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2035), proclaimed by UN resolution 68/237, the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) recognizes high achievers of African descent globally. This esteemed recognition celebrates young leaders who are making significant strides in advancing the growth and development of Africa, showcasing their exceptional contributions across various sectors.

New African magazine also releases their annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans. 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.”

This year's list features an exceptional group of individuals who exemplify innovation and leadership.

Business Honorees

These individuals are recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit and significant contributions to the economic landscape of Africa.

Eniolorunda (Nigeria): Recognized for empowering financial transactions and enhancing banking accessibility in Nigeria through innovative fintech solutions.
Sara Menker (Ethiopia) - CEO, Gro Intelligence: Menker leads a data platform that tackles food security challenges by providing critical agricultural data and enhancing supply chain management.
Temitope Ogunsemo (Nigeria) - CEO, Krystal Digital: Ogunsemo has made significant strides in digital transformation, offering innovative technology solutions that empower local businesses.
Jessica Anuna (Nigeria) - Founder, Klasha: Anuna is pioneering payments technology that simplifies cross-border transactions, enhancing e-commerce access for businesses in Nigeria and West Africa.
Charlot Magayi (Kenya) - Founder, Mukuru Stoves: Magayi is a climate activist and designer of affordable stoves that combat climate change, recognized for her impactful work in improving energy access.
Ashish Thakkar (Uganda) - Founder, Mara Group: Thakkar is known for establishing one of Africa’s first smartphone manufacturers, contributing significantly to the tech ecosystem on the continent.
Ntsiki Biyela (South Africa) - Founder, Aslina Wines: Biyela, the first Black female winemaker in South Africa, promotes diversity in the wine industry and serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ibidapo Lawal (Nigeria) - CEO and Founder, Neveah Limited: Ibidapo Lawal is recognized for his leadership in driving innovation and growth within Nigeria's export sector through his company, Neveah Limited.
Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Nigeria) - Founder, LifeBank: Giwa-Tubosun is acknowledged for her work in healthcare innovation, particularly in improving blood and oxygen delivery systems in hospitals.
Rapelang Rabana (South Africa) - Founder, Rekindle Learning: Rapelang Rabana is a thought leader in the education technology sector, known for founding Rekindle Learning, which provides innovative learning solutions to businesses and individuals. Her commitment to making learning accessible and engaging is advancing workforce development in South Africa and beyond.

Political Honorees

These leaders are shaping policy and advocating for change across the African continent.

Julius Malema (South Africa) - Leader, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): Malema is a prominent political figure advocating for land reform and economic justice, engaging and mobilizing the youth in South Africa.
Bobi Wine (Uganda) - Opposition Leader & Activist: Wine is recognized for his grassroots activism that champions democracy and human rights in Uganda, resonating with the youth and marginalized communities.
Phumzile Van Damme (South Africa) - Anti-Corruption Advocate: Van Damme's dedication to exposing corruption and promoting government accountability positions her as a critical voice for transparency in politics.
Nadia Ahmed Abdalla (Kenya) - Former ICT Chief Administrative Secretary: Abdalla has played a vital role in advancing Kenya's digital transformation agenda, advocating for technology access and digital literacy.
Rama Yade (Senegal/France) - Human Rights Advocate: Yade's work in addressing social justice and civic engagement issues has made her an influential figure in both African and global contexts.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal) - President focused on agricultural policies: Faye is making significant strides in food security and rural development through sustainable agricultural reforms in Senegal.
Tulia Ackson (Tanzania) - Speaker of the National Assembly: Ackson advocates for increased women’s representation in politics and legal reforms that enhance democratic governance in Tanzania.
Ibrahim Traore (Burkina Faso) - Young Military Leader: Traore has emerged as a leader advocating against corruption and ineffective governance, resonating with citizens seeking change.
Dickson Mitchell (Grenada) - Prime Minister: Mitchell engages in influential policy shaping within the Caribbean and African diaspora, focusing on economic development.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Nigeria) - Senator / Leader in Renewable Energy: Akpoti-Uduaghan is recognized for her work in sustainable development and community empowerment through clean energy projects.

Sports Honorees

These athletes are achieving greatness on the field and inspiring future generations.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) - Footballer ( Super Eagles): Osimhen is recognized for his exceptional skill on the field and his commitment to youth development through sports initiatives.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) - Footballer ( Super Falcons): Oshoala is a trailblazer in women's football, advocating for gender equality and inspiring young female athletes across Africa.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) - World Record-Holding Runner: Kipyegon is celebrated for her exceptional achievements in athletics, serving as a role model for aspiring female runners.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) - Footballer (Liverpool): Salah is not only a phenomenal athlete but also a cultural icon known for his philanthropy and contributions to education and health initiatives.
Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) - Footballer (Galatasaray & Atlas Lions): Ziyech serves as an inspiration to young athletes with his creativity and skill on both club and international stages.
Marie-Josée Ta Lou (Côte d'Ivoire) - Olympic Sprinter: Ta Lou is recognized for her exceptional performance and as a source of pride for Côte d'Ivoire in athletics.
Sadio Mané (Senegal) - Footballer (Al Nassr & Teranga Lions): Mané is celebrated for his contributions to football and his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare in Senegal.
Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) - Marathon Legend: Kipchoge has set world records and serves as an ambassador in promoting athletics and social impact projects.
Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa) - Former Rugby Player: Mtawarira is known for his impact on rugby and advocacy for sports development in underprivileged communities.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) - International Football Star: Hakimi engages in humanitarian efforts that empower youth through sports and education.

Entertainment Honorees

These artists are shaping culture, promoting African identity, and using their platforms for social good.

Burna Boy (Nigeria) - Grammy-Winning Afrobeats Star: He is at the forefront of the global music scene and is known for using his platform to promote African culture and advocate for social justice.
Davido (Nigeria) - Afrobeats Superstar: Davido is recognized for his impactful music career and philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare initiatives.
Cynthia Erivo (Nigeria/UK) - Actor & Singer: Erivo leverages her platform to promote health and fitness awareness through the arts.
Pearl Thusi (South Africa) - Actress & Media Personality: Thusi advocates for gender equality and representation of women in media and uses her influence to address social issues.
Thuso Mbedu (South Africa) - Actress (“The Woman King”): Mbedu represents the potential of African talent on international stages, inspiring future generations of actors.
Fally Ipupa (DRC) - Musician & Performer: Ipupa promotes Congolese music globally and engages in charitable endeavors.
Elsa Majimbo (Kenya) - Comedian & Influencer: Majimbo uses her platform to address societal issues with humor while resonating with global audiences.
Trevor Noah (South Africa) - Comedian & Former Daily Show Host: Noah engages discussions about social justice and identity through his acclaimed comedy.
DJ Zinhle (South Africa) - Renowned DJ & Entrepreneur: Zinhle is a prominent figure in music and advocates for female empowerment and entrepreneurship in the industry.
Tems (Nigeria) - Grammy-Winning Artist: Tems has made substantial contributions to Afrobeats and advocates for mental health awareness, inspiring young musicians.

Activism and Social Impact Leaders Honorees

These individuals are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities and beyond.

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Vanessa Nakate (Uganda) - Climate Activist: Nakate highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, advocating for equitable solutions.
Aya Chebbi (Tunisia) - Pan-African Youth Advocate: Chebbi amplifies the voices of youth in governance, advocating for their active participation in shaping Africa's future.
Fatou Jeng (Gambia) - Climate Activist: Jeng engages communities in climate education and action, advocating for sustainable practices and resilience.
Boniface Mwangi (Kenya) - Anti-Corruption Activist: Mwangi is known for his powerful grassroots movements against corruption, inspiring many to join the fight for accountability.
Ilwad Elman (Somalia) - Peace Activist: Elman advocates for gender equality, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution, promoting social justice in Somalia.
Hauwa Ojeifo (Nigeria) - Mental Health Advocate: Ojeifo addresses mental health challenges in Nigeria and champions stigma reduction through community support.
Magatte Wade (Senegal) - Entrepreneur & Policy Advocate: Wade emphasizes local business empowerment and self-sustaining economies to drive economic development.
Farida Nabourema (Togo) - Pro-Democracy Activist: Nabourema fights for human rights and political reform, motivating young activists across West Africa.
Yasmin Belo-Osagie (Nigeria) - Co-founder, She Leads Africa: Belo-Osagie empowers young African women through entrepreneurship and leadership training.
Pappy Orion Rwizibuka - Activist and Humanitarian: Rwizibuka is dedicated to social change, making significant impacts in his community through advocacy and humanitarian efforts.

The Powerlist

The Powerlist is a list of the 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in the United Kingdom. The list is updated annually and has been published in book format by Powerful Media since 2007.

The list was first created in 2007 by Michael Eboda, then editor of the New Nation, a weekly newspaper published in the UK for the Black British community, as a way to profile and celebrate influential Black Britons, and inspire and influence the next generation.

The first Powerlist was compiled after six months of research and debate, during which period 400 people of influence were whittled down to 50 women and 50 men, then ranked into respective top 10s, with the results announced in August 2007.

During the first few editions, separate top-10 rankings were produced for both female and male candidates and top-ranking individuals could continue to be ranked the following year.

From 2012, the 50 highest-rated nominees, along with updates on the previous year's Powerlistees from rank 2-100, are then ranked by an independent panel in the summer, with the list being produced each autumn.

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The 2021 Powerlist came in a year in which public debate on racial injustice had increased, with the Black Lives Matter movement and global protests against police brutality. Therefore, chief executive Michael Eboda decided that the 14th Powerlist would honour those who had used their voice to advocate against racial injustice.

AFRICA 100 [THE EXCEPTIONALS] - 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL YOUNG LEADERS IN AFRICA 2024.

Powerlist Top 10 (Examples from Previous Years)

2023: Dominated by business people.
2021: Honored those who advocated against racial injustice. Lewis Hamilton was named the most influential black person in the UK.
2018: Gina Miller was named as the most influential black person in the UK.