Unveiling the 2024 List of the 50 Most Influential Africans Under 50 Years Old
- PAN AFRICAN MEDIA
- Apr 5
- 7 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nana Tamakloe
African Coalition for Development
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New York 04/05/2025– The African Coalition for Development is proud to announce the unveiling of the 2024 List of the 50 Most Influential Africans Under 50. 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.
The African Coalition for Development is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable progress throughout African nations. With a strong commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, education, eradicating hunger, and community development, we aim to empower African communities and promote social and economic advancement. Our core mission is to create a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous Africa for all its inhabitants.
2024 Highlights:
This year's list features an exceptional group of individuals who exemplify innovation and leadership, including:
Business Honorees:
1. Tosin Eniolorunda (Nigeria) – CEO, Moniepoint Inc.
Why Listed: Eniolorunda is recognized for empowering financial transactions and enhancing banking accessibility in Nigeria through innovative fintech solutions.
2. Sara Menker (Ethiopia) – CEO, Gro Intelligence
Why Listed: Menker leads a data platform that tackles food security challenges by providing critical agricultural data and enhancing supply chain management.
3. Temitope Ogunsemo (Nigeria) – CEO, Krystal Digital
Why Listed: Ogunsemo has made significant strides in digital transformation, offering innovative technology solutions that empower local businesses.
4. Jessica Anuna (Nigeria) – Founder, Klasha
Why Listed: Anuna is pioneering payments technology that simplifies cross-border transactions, enhancing e-commerce access for businesses in Nigeria and West Africa.
5. Charlot Magayi (Kenya) – Founder, Mukuru Stoves
Why Listed: Magayi is a climate activist and designer of affordable stoves that combat climate change, recognized for her impactful work in improving energy access.
6. Ashish Thakkar (Uganda) – Founder, Mara Group
Why Listed: Thakkar is known for establishing one of Africa’s first smartphone manufacturers, contributing significantly to the tech ecosystem on the continent.
7. Ntsiki Biyela (South Africa) – Founder, Aslina Wines
Why Listed: Biyela, the first Black female winemaker in South Africa, promotes diversity in the wine industry and serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
8. Ibidapo Lawal (Nigeria) – CEO and Founder, Neveah Limited
Why Listed: Ibidapo Lawal is recognized for his leadership in driving innovation and growth within Nigeria's export sector through his company, Neveah Limited.
9. Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Nigeria) – Founder, LifeBank
Why Listed: Giwa-Tubosun is acknowledged for her work in healthcare innovation, particularly in improving blood and oxygen delivery systems in hospitals.
10. Rapelang Rabana (South Africa) – Founder, Rekindle Learning
Why Listed: 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:
1. Julius Malema (South Africa) – Leader, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Why Listed: Malema is a prominent political figure advocating for land reform and economic justice, engaging and mobilizing the youth in South Africa.
2. Bobi Wine (Uganda) – Opposition Leader & Activist
Why Listed: Wine is recognized for his grassroots activism that champions democracy and human rights in Uganda, resonating with the youth and marginalized communities.
3. Phumzile Van Damme (South Africa) – Anti-Corruption Advocate
Why Listed: Van Damme's dedication to exposing corruption and promoting government accountability positions her as a critical voice for transparency in politics.
4. Nadia Ahmed Abdalla (Kenya) – Former ICT Chief Administrative Secretary
Why Listed: Abdalla has played a vital role in advancing Kenya's digital transformation agenda, advocating for technology access and digital literacy.
5. Rama Yade (Senegal/France) – Human Rights Advocate
Why Listed: Yade's work in addressing social justice and civic engagement issues has made her an influential figure in both African and global contexts.
6. Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal) – President focused on agricultural policies
Why Listed: Faye is making significant strides in food security and rural development through sustainable agricultural reforms in Senegal.
7. Tulia Ackson (Tanzania) – Speaker of the National Assembly
Why Listed: Ackson advocates for increased women’s representation in politics and legal reforms that enhance democratic governance in Tanzania.
8. Ibrahim Traore (Burkina Faso) – Young Military Leader
Why Listed: Traore has emerged as a leader advocating against corruption and ineffective governance, resonating with citizens seeking change.
9. Dickson Mitchell (Grenada) – Prime Minister
Why Listed: Mitchell engages in influential policy shaping within the Caribbean and African diaspora, focusing on economic development.
10. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Nigeria) – Senator / Leader in Renewable Energy
Why Listed: Akpoti-Uduaghan is recognized for her work in sustainable development and community empowerment through clean energy projects.
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Sports Honorees:
1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Footballer ( Super Eagles)
Why Listed: Osimhen is recognized for his exceptional skill on the field and his commitment to youth development through sports initiatives.
2. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) – Footballer ( Super Falcons)
Why Listed: Oshoala is a trailblazer in women's football, advocating for gender equality and inspiring young female athletes across Africa.
3. Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) – World Record-Holding Runner
Why Listed: Kipyegon is celebrated for her exceptional achievements in athletics, serving as a role model for aspiring female runners.
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Footballer (Liverpool)
Why Listed: Salah is not only a phenomenal athlete but also a cultural icon known for his philanthropy and contributions to education and health initiatives.
5. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco) – Footballer (Galatasaray & Atlas Lions)
Why Listed: Ziyech serves as an inspiration to young athletes with his creativity and skill on both club and international stages.
6. Marie-Josée Ta Lou (Côte d'Ivoire) – Olympic Sprinter
Why Listed: Ta Lou is recognized for her exceptional performance and as a source of pride for Côte d'Ivoire in athletics.
7. Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Footballer (Al Nassr & Teranga Lions)
Why Listed: Mané is celebrated for his contributions to football and his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare in Senegal.
8. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – Marathon Legend
Why Listed: Kipchoge has set world records and serves as an ambassador in promoting athletics and social impact projects.
9. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa) – Former Rugby Player
Why Listed: Mtawarira is known for his impact on rugby and advocacy for sports development in underprivileged communities.
10. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – International Football Star
Why Listed: Hakimi engages in humanitarian efforts that empower youth through sports and education.
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Entertainment Honorees:
1. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Grammy-Winning Afrobeats Star
Why Listed: 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.
2. Davido (Nigeria) – Afrobeats Superstar
Why Listed: Davido is recognized for his impactful music career and philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare initiatives.
3. Cynthia Erivo (Nigeria/UK) – Actor & Singer
Why Listed: Erivo leverages her platform to promote health and fitness awareness through the arts.
4. Pearl Thusi (South Africa) – Actress & Media Personality
Why Listed: Thusi advocates for gender equality and representation of women in media and uses her influence to address social issues.
5. Thuso Mbedu (South Africa) – Actress (“The Woman King”)
Why Listed: Mbedu represents the potential of African talent on international stages, inspiring future generations of actors.
6. Fally Ipupa (DRC) – Musician & Performer
Why Listed: Ipupa promotes Congolese music globally and engages in charitable endeavors.
7. Elsa Majimbo (Kenya) – Comedian & Influencer
Why Listed: Majimbo uses her platform to address societal issues with humor while resonating with global audiences.
8. Trevor Noah (South Africa) – Comedian & Former Daily Show Host
Why Listed: Noah engages discussions about social justice and identity through his acclaimed comedy.
9. DJ Zinhle (South Africa) – Renowned DJ & Entrepreneur
Why Listed: Zinhle is a prominent figure in music and advocates for female empowerment and entrepreneurship in the industry.
10. Tems (Nigeria) – Grammy-Winning Artist
Why Listed: Tems has made substantial contributions to Afrobeats and advocates for mental health awareness, inspiring young musicians.
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Activism and Social Impact Leaders Honorees:
1. Vanessa Nakate (Uganda) – Climate Activist
Why Listed: Nakate highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, advocating for equitable solutions.
2. Aya Chebbi (Tunisia) – Pan-African Youth Advocate
Why Listed: Chebbi amplifies the voices of youth in governance, advocating for their active participation in shaping Africa's future.
3. Fatou Jeng (Gambia) – Climate Activist
Why Listed: Jeng engages communities in climate education and action, advocating for sustainable practices and resilience.
4. Boniface Mwangi (Kenya) – Anti-Corruption Activist
Why Listed: Mwangi is known for his powerful grassroots movements against corruption, inspiring many to join the fight for accountability.
5. Ilwad Elman (Somalia) – Peace Activist
Why Listed: Elman advocates for gender equality, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution, promoting social justice in Somalia.
6. Hauwa Ojeifo (Nigeria) – Mental Health Advocate
Why Listed: Ojeifo addresses mental health challenges in Nigeria and champions stigma reduction through community support.
7. Magatte Wade (Senegal) – Entrepreneur & Policy Advocate
Why Listed: Wade emphasizes local business empowerment and self-sustaining economies to drive economic development.
8. Farida Nabourema (Togo) – Pro-Democracy Activist
Why Listed: Nabourema fights for human rights and political reform, motivating young activists across West Africa.
9. Yasmin Belo-Osagie (Nigeria) – Co-founder, She Leads Africa
Why Listed: Belo-Osagie empowers young African women through entrepreneurship and leadership training.
10. Pappy Orion Rwizibuka – Activist and Humanitarian
Why Listed: Rwizibuka is dedicated to social change, making significant impacts in his community through advocacy and humanitarian efforts.
A Celebration of Achievement:
The recognition of these outstanding individuals highlights their significant contributions to fostering Africa's growth and development. The 50 Most Influential Africans Under 50 will be honored through digital announcements and social media campaigns, further amplifying their impact and inspiring future generations to engage in meaningful change.
Join us in celebrating these remarkable young leaders as they demonstrate that through innovation, dedication, and commitment to social responsibility, we can build a brighter future for Africa.
For more information about the recognition or to learn more about the honorees, please contact info@africandev.org
About African Coalition for Development:
The African Coalition for Development is dedicated to advancing the growth and development of African nations and their people with a focus on gender equality, youth empowerment, education, eradicating hunger, and community development. Our mission is to catalyze sustainable progress by implementing initiatives and policies that address the unique challenges faced by African communities. Together, we strive for a more equitable and prosperous Africa for all.
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