The New African magazine has announced its highly anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, recognizing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to politics, business, science, sports, and civil society.

The annual compilation celebrates achievements by Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of African talent.

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In a statement, Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine, emphasized the importance of the list in today’s divided global climate.

She said, “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.

“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.”

Spotlighting African Excellence Across Fields

Politics and Public Service

1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye

2. Kemi Badenoch

3. Muhammad Ali Pate

4. Claver Gatete

5. Ali Mohamed

6. King Mohamed VI

7. Ronald Lamola

8. Yemi Osinbajo

9. Nardos Bekele-Thomas

10. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong

Business

11. Robins Tchale-Watchou

12. Fatima Tambajang

13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah

14. Samaila Zubairu

15. Thierno-Habib Hann

16. Akinwumi Adesina

17. Tariye Gbadegesin

18. Adebayo Ogunlesi

19. Wale Tinubu

20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah

22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy

23. Olugbenga Agboola

24. Alain Ebobissé

25. Tunde Olanrewaju

26. Nassef Sawiris

27. Aliko Dangote

28. Ismael Belkhayat

29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele

30. Jeremy Awori

31. Manuel Moses

32. Hassanein Hiridjee

33. Rene Awambeng

Civil Society

34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay

35. Mohamed Adow

36. Michael Kakande

37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli

38. William Asiko

39. Eva Omaghomi

40. Nelson Amenya

41. Helmy Abouleish

42. Binaifer Nowrojee

Science and Academia

43. Elhadj As Sy

44. Chinasa T. Okolo

45. Tshilidzi Marwala

46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa

47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi

48. Rediet Abebe

49. Rachid Guerraoui

50. Abdoulaye Diabaté

51. Joy Buolamwini

52. Abeba Birhane

Opinion Shapers

53. Miatta Fahnbulleh

54. Olajide Olatunji

55. Carlos Lopes

56. Zain Verjee

57. John-Allan Namu

58. Vera Songwe

59. Nesrine Malik

60. Tayo Aina

61. Thebe Ikalafeng

62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi

63. Hannah Ryder

64. Ayman Mohyeldin

65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard

Creative Arts

66. Zineb Sedira

67. Rita Mawuena Benissan

68. Iansmith Mwenda

69. Idris Elba

70. Ken Wakia

71. Adejoké Bakare

72. Ayra Starr

73. Selma Feriani

74. DJ Edu

75. Eugene Mbugua

76. Chigozie Obioma

77. Kamel Daoud

78. Tesfaye Urgessa

79. Mehdi Qotbi

80. DBN Gogo

81. Yinka Ilori

82. Amina Lola Shoneyin

83. Ekow Eshun

84. Zhong FeiFei

85. Mati Diop

86. Hassan Hajjaj

87. Koyo Kouoh

88. Mo Harawe

89. Victoria Kimani

Sports

90. Patrice Motsepe

91. Letsile Tebogo

92. Imane Khelif

93. Tunde Onakoya

94. Gelson Fernandes

95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane

96. Biniam Girmay

97. Ademola Lookman

98. Ruth Chepng’etich

99. Omar Berrada

100. Sifan Hassan

Prominent activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that over N180 million was stolen from the account of his NGO, the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, following a cyberattack.

Otse, who launched the initiative in October, initially raised over N35 million within hours of its debut.

The campaign gained further momentum when celebrated music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, contributed N100 million.

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In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Otse disclosed that the NGO’s funds were diverted into an unknown account.

He said, “Honestly, I’ve not been myself for the past few days. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and N180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested.”

Otse revealed that the NGO’s bank account has been placed on Post No Debit (PND) status to prevent further withdrawals.

According to him, while N20 million remains in the account, N160 million was siphoned. He added that steps are being taken to recover the money.

“We’re heading to Jos to recover the money,” he stated.

As a precaution, Otse confirmed that the NGO’s app has been temporarily shut down for maintenance and enhanced security measures.

He assured supporters of regular updates on the situation.

The Martins Vincent Osei Initiative was created to support vulnerable populations and address societal issues.

Embattled Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has defended his opulent lifestyle, claiming it serves to inspire young people rather than flaunt wealth.

This statement comes amid a UK Immigration Upper Tribunal ruling ordering his deportation over visa violations.

Adegboyega, 44, faced accusations of overstaying his visitor visa, which expired after he arrived in the UK in 2005.

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He had applied to remain in the country on human rights grounds. The tribunal, however, ruled against him, citing his failure to regularize his status.

The pastor’s luxurious lifestyle, including designer clothing and expensive cars, was a focal point of the case.

Addressing the tribunal, Adegboyega stated that his lifestyle is fully funded by his wife, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 annually at AON.

He said, “I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary. I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria, but I have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”

Defending his appearance, Adegboyega emphasized the importance of projecting success to his young congregation.

The court noted, “For instance, people have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all of his personal possessions had been paid for by Mary.

“He believes it is important for him to dress the way that he does because he needs to inspire these young people – they need to understand that there are legitimate ways of making money, for instance through entrepreneurship.”

Despite the ruling, Adegboyega dismissed the deportation concerns as insignificant.

“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression; every Nigerian should be proud of me. Living in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating is the smallest matter,” he said.

He further expressed confidence in his resilience. “No panic, I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here – pastors and leaders – I have survived everything. I’m here, I am at home, nobody should panic for me.

“I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of people you look up to. I have survived that well; nothing has changed, nothing will change,” he added.