Nairobi, Kenya December 19, 2025-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-new african magazine today announced the 2025 edition of its annual 100 Most Influential Africans list. This year, business and finance has overtaken the creative sector, highlighting how the continent's dynamic business community continues to shape its agenda.
new african magazine's annual 100 Most Influential Africans celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from different fields and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world over the past year.
“Based on our feedback, this list has become more than just a ranking. For many, it is a life-changing realization,” says Anvel Velshi, editor of The New African. “This year, amidst global turmoil, we are seeing a trend of Africans articulating their philosophical undercurrents. Whether in AI ethics or art, these people are reclaiming the African narrative.”
Highlights of the Most Influential Africans of 2025:
- Business leaders in the spotlight: Reflecting the maturation of the economic landscape, this section features stalwart survivors along with influential newcomers. Notable entries include: George Elombithe new president of Afreximbank, and Hazem Ben Qassema Tunisian investor known for his “magic touch” in scaling global ventures.
- AI ownership and sovereignty: Reflecting the times we live in, this year's technology sector is dominated by individuals actively working on the global development of artificial intelligence. These leaders are developing uniquely African AI solutions that address the continent's unique challenges so that Africa becomes a creator, not just a consumer, of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Historical “firsts” in art: The Creative category continues to perform well, receiving the second highest number of entries. Perhaps the most notable names in this year's rankings are: nene kaluA British sculptor of Nigerian descent who won the highly prestigious 2025 Turner Prize. Karoo is the first person with a severe learning disability to win the award, inspiring hundreds of thousands of people with similar disabilities to explore their abilities.
- New York's political breakthrough: The surprising inclusions are Zoran Mandaniof Ugandan descent, was recently elected mayor of New York. Considering his family is African, he is considered a major supporter of African causes in the United States.
Quick stats:
- 32 African countries represented
- 64 men and 36 women are listed.
- Number categories:
- business 21
- change maker 9
- creative 19
- Government offices 15
- Sports 13
- Technology 8
- Thinkers and opinion formers 15
- Top 5 countries represented:
- nigeria 21
- south africa 10
- kenya 7
- ghana 7
- Tunisia 5
The complete list is now available at https://100.newafricanmagazine.com/.
Read the entire issue of The New African here.
Distributor african media agency. On behalf of New Africans
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