2023’s 100 Most Influential Africans List – Dominated by Nigerians and South Africans

Africa is renowned for producing outstanding talents in various industries, including entertainment, sports, media, politics, and science.

To highlight these exceptional individuals, New African Magazine annually curates the “100 Most Influential Africans” list. The 2023 edition, as reported by a Nigerian news publication,

This prestigious list celebrates a diverse and inspiring collection of African men and women who have excelled in their fields.

These individuals are recognized for their excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision.

The list includes a wide range of professions such as politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, and sports personalities.

Furthermore, the list mirrors the evolving trends and priorities in Africa, especially in the context of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen in the post-pandemic era.

This compilation serves as a testament to the significant impact these influential Africans have had both on the continent and globally.

Also Read: Top 10 Richest African Countries by Overall GDP, GDP per Capita & GNI

Top 10 Richest African Countries by Overall GDP, GDP per Capita & GNI

Ibrahima Cheikh Diong(Senegal)

Dr Sidi Ould Tah(Mauritania)

President William Ruto(Kenya)

Tidjane Thiam(Côte D’Ivoire)

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala(Nigeria)

President Bola Tinubu(Nigeria)

Mamady Doumbouya(Guinea)

Nadia Fettah Alaoui(Morocco)

Tsitsi Masiyiwa(Zimbabwe)

Ousmane Sonko(Senegal)

Akinwumi Adesina(Nigeria)

Didier Acouetey(Togo)

Bahija Jallal(Morocco)

André De Ruyter(South Africa)

Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah(Nigeria)

Riham ElGizy(Egypt)

Samaila Zubairu(Nigeria)

Simon Tiemtoré(Burkina Faso)

Ham Serunjogi(Uganda)

Karim Beguir(Tunisia)

Ralph Mupita(Zimbabwe)

Aliko Dangote(Nigeria)

Mohamed Kande(Côte D’Ivoire)

Ibrahim Sagna(Senegal)

Shola Akinlade(Nigeria)

Serge Ekué(Benin)

Jules Ngankam(Cameroon)

Hassanein Hiridjee(Madagascar)

Sim Tshabalala(South Africa)

Bernard Koné Dossongui(Côte D’Ivoire)

Coura Sène(Senegal)

Pascal Agboyibor(Togo)

Olugbenga Agboola(Nigeria)

James Mwangi(Kenya)

Moungi Bawendi(Tunisia)

Nemat Talaat Shafik(Egypt)

Timnit Gebru(Eritrea)

Ismahane Elouafi(Morocco)

Chao Tayiana Maina(Kenya)

Anna Adeola Makanju(Nigeria)

Ali Said Alamin Mandhry(Kenya)

Teju Cole(Nigeria)

DJ Snake(Algeria)

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah(Ghana)

Omoyemi Akerele(Nigeria)

David Diop(Senegal)

Aïda Muluneh(Ethiopia)

Tems(Nigeria)

Pierre Thiam(Senegal)

Serge Attukwei Clottey(Ghana)

Bassem Youssef(Egypt)

Editi Effiong(Nigeria)

Burna Boy(Nigeria)

Tyla Laura Seethal(South Africa)

Alice Diop(Senegal)

Kaouther Ben Hania(Tunisia)

Gims(DRC)

Thebe Magugu(South Africa)

Danai Gurira(Zimbabwe)

Mulenga Kapwepwe(Zambia)

Ncuti Gatwa(Rwanda)

Pretty Yende(South Africa)

Black Coffee(South Africa)

Mariam Issoufou Kamara(Niger)

Wanuri Kahiu(Kenya)

Malenga Mulendema(Zambia)

Abel Tesfaye(Ethiopia)

Victor Ekpuk(Nigeria)

Jadesola Osiberu(Nigeria)

Julie Mehretu(Ethiopia)

Lesley Lokko(Ghana)

Rashid Sumaila(Nigeria/Ghana)

Irungu Mwangi(Kenya)

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema(Tanzania)

Dr Musonda Mumba(Zambia)

Ephraim Mwepya Shitima(Zambia)

Wanjira Mathai(Zambia)

Fabrice Sawegnon(Côte D’Ivoire)

Wode Maya(Ghana)

Edward Enninful(Ghana)

Charity Ekezie(Nigeria)

Uncle Mo(Uganda)

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard(Gabon)

Alan Kasujja(Uganda)

Khaby Lame(Senegal)

Chioma Nnadi(Nigeria)

Anton Harber(South Africa)

Daniel Ahaoussa(Côte D’Ivoire)

Marie Mbullu(Tanzania)

Tomiwa Aladekomo(Nigeria)

Claude Grunitzky(Togo)

Branko Brkic(South Africa)

Yassine Bounou(Morocco)

Francis Ngannou(Cameroon)

Kelvin Kiptum(Kenya)

Patrice Motsepe(South Africa)

Victor Osmihen(Nigeria)

Faith Kipyegon(Kenya)

Biniam Girmay(Eritrea)

The Springboks(South Africa)