100 Most Influential Africans announced

Nigeria leads the way with the highest number of influential figures, taking up 23 spaces on the list with an incredibly wide spread over all categories, as well as dominating the business scene.

South Africa occupies 22 spaces on the list. Founder/CEO of pan-African branding and reputation advisory firm, Brand Leadership Group and founder/chairman of Brand Africa, SA-born brand authority Thebe Ikalafeng, features in the business list, along with others such as former President Thabo Mbeki, AFI founder, Dr. Precious Motsepe, political firebrand, former minister in the Mandela presidency Jay Naidoo, Julius Malema, comedian, Trevor Noah and Richemont CEO, Johann Rupert, are included in the list of influential South Africans.

A small contribution

"While what we do is not for the glory but a small contribution to changing the narrative and image of Africa, it is a humbling honour to be recognised along these giants of Africa," says Ikalafeng. "As the fastest growing continent with raw potential, there is much interest in Africa today. To build a sustainable reputation and competitiveness for Africa requires committed and passionate Africans and the diaspora in the service of Africa. I'm inspired by the many men and women in this list because they're doing just that."

Of the 32 women on the list, Zuriel Oduwole from Nigeria has at the young age of 11 been making waves across Africa in the fight for women's education. Her accomplishments to date include having interviews with eight African heads of state and the launch of a mentorship programme for girls.

Former foreign minister of Somaliland, Edna Adan, 76, a pioneer for women's rights and women's health, is the oldest female on the list. As director and founder of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital she remains an activist in the struggle for the abolition of female circumcision.

For more, access the full list in the December issue of New African.