How Africa
These men wield the most political powers in the continent.
The African New Magazine has published 13 most influential African in 2017. On the list, it is surprising that Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari Rtd, was not mentioned while his deputy had a place among politically powerful persons in Africa.
According to Mr Omar Ben Yedder, the group publisher and Managing Director of IC Publications, this list shows the power of diversity that defined Africa.
“What our readers will find pleasing is the almost bewildering diversity of this list – in terms of race, ethnic and national diversity. This list, if nothing else, displays the beauty and power of the diversity that makes the Africa we all love,” he said.
This list is made up of highly important Africans who are nominated by their peers and industry insiders.
“Our criteria for ‘influential’ this year was a fairly simple one – it is applied to people whose work or activity has had some sort of transformative effect outside their main calling. This effect results in a change of perception or provides inspiration to others,” said Anver Versi, the editor of the magazine.
Here is the list of the 13 most influential Africans for 2017.
1. Mrs Amina Mohammed – United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (Nigeria)
Mrs Amina Mohammed is the most powerful political personality in Africa.
2. George Weah – Football legend and aspiring President (Liberia)
George Weah leads other contesters in the last presidential elections in Liberia.
3. Yemi Osinbajo – Vice President (Nigeria)
Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa (Lamido Adamawa), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar
4. Alpha Condé – President (Guinea)
Guinean President, Alpha Condé
play
5. Mohammed VI – King (Morocco)
Morocco government adopts draft bill on pension reform
6. Justice David Maraga – Supreme Court Judge (Kenya)
playJustice David Maraga made history for annulling Kenya’s Presidential election in 2017 which was won by a sitting president.
7. Nana Akufo-Addo – President (Ghana)
playBuhari at the inauguration ceremony of President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana
(Vanguard)
8. Sophia Abdi Noor – Politician (Kenya)
playSophia Abdi Noor is the first female Senator in the Kenya parliament.
9. Akinwumi Adesina – President Africa Development Bank (Nigeria)
playPresident, African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina
10. Vanessa Moungar – Director of Gender AfDB (Chad)
playShe is a leading CSO leader in Africa.
11. Vera Songwe – New head – UN Economic Commission for Africa (Cameroon)
playVera Songwe
12. Moussa Faki Mahamat – African Union Commission Chairperson (Chad)
Moussa Faki Mahamat
13. Paul Kagame – President (Rwanda)
President Paul Kagame (above) is seeking a third term in office in 2017 after the approval of constitutional amendments in Rwanda.
(Reuters)
