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AUDA-NEPAD CEO Earns Spot on New African’s 100 Most Influential Africans List 2024

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Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has been named one of New African magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.

Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)

The London-based publication recently released its annual list, highlighting remarkable individuals from 29 countries whose work has significantly advanced Africa’s development and global influence across diverse sectors from politics to business and sports to the creative industries. 

Among this year’s honorees is Bekele-Thomas, who earned a spot on the coveted list according to a press release by AUDA-NEPAD thanks to her “pivotal role in policy innovation and the implementation of transformative programs in critical sectors such as health, artificial intelligence, agriculture, climate change, skills development, and infrastructure, including energy, water, information technology, and transport.”

The statement adds that Bakele-Thomas’s efforts have been instrumental in aligning AUDA-NEPAD’s initiatives with the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the continent’s 50-year blueprint for sustainable development. In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Bekele-Thomas expressed her delight at being named among the 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA).

“ This recognition is not just a testament to my efforts but also to the collective achievements of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD and our partners across the continent. It affirms the progress we are making toward creating a united, prosperous, and self-reliant Africa. To be recognized among leaders driving meaningful change inspires me to continue working toward achieving The Africa We Want and ensuring a better future for all Africans,” the AUDA-NEPAD CEO was quoted to have said.

The New African’s Editor Anver Versi described the list as a “large family get-together,” embodying the Ubuntu philosophy of “I am because we are.” He remarked, “I had never thought of our 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) feature in quite that way, but now I think our friend has really nailed it and given it a special African flavor. We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarized, divided, and stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.”

The annual New African MIA list recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Africans across various sectors – from politics and business to arts, culture, and technology. Versi emphasized that the list is a “celebration of excellence” and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the African experience, deeply rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu. 

AUDA-NEPAD believes Bekele-Thomas’s inclusion on the list underscores her standing as “one of Africa’s most influential leaders, exemplifying the power of collaboration and visionary leadership in addressing the continent’s challenges and unlocking its vast potential for growth and development.”

This year’s list also highlights the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate action in African affairs. Accordingly, MIA’s science and academia section features African experts like Abeba Birhane, whose research exposed biases in large-scale image datasets used in AI systems, and Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini, who have addressed ethical concerns in AI algorithms. The climate section leaders such as Ibrahima Cheikh Diong of Senegal and Michael Kakande are recognized for their efforts in combat climate challenges and promoting youth participation in global climate discussions.

Likewise, the business section shines a light on the influential role of African Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) in 2024, with individuals like Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and Samaila Zubairu of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) making notable contributions. The sports category featured Olympic medalists such as Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, who won his country’s first gold in the 200m, and Sifan Hassan, who made history with medals in the 5K, 10K, and marathon events.

Below is a Full List of 100 Most Influential Africans for 2024

Politics and Public Service: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Kemi Badenoch, Muhammad Ali Pate, Claver Gatete, Ali Mohamed, King Mohamed VI, Ronald Lamola, Yemi Osinbajo, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong.
Business: Robins Tchale-Watchou, Fatima Tambajang, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Samaila Zubairu, Thierno-Habib Hann, Akinwumi Adesina, Tariye Gbadegesin, Adebayo Ogunlesi, Wale Tinubu, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Olugbenga Agboola, Alain Ebobissé, Tunde Olanrewaju, Nassef Sawiris, Aliko Dangote, Ismael Belkhayat, Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Jeremy Awori, Manuel Moses, Hassanein Hiridjee, Rene Awambeng.


Civil Society: Joseph Moses Oleshangay, Mohamed Adow, Michael Kakande, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, William Asiko, Eva Omaghomi, Nelson Amenya, Helmy Abouleish, Binaifer Nowrojee.


Science & Academia: Elhadj As Sy, Chinasa T. Okolo, Tshilidzi Marwala, Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa, Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi, Rediet Abebe, Rachid Guerraoui, Abdoulaye Diabaté, Joy Buolamwini, Abeba Birhane.
Opinion Shapers: Miatta Fahnbulleh, Olajide Olatunji, Carlos Lopes, Zain Verjee, John-Allan Namu, Vera Songwe, Nesrine Malik, Tayo Aina, Thebe Ikalafeng, Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, Hannah Ryder, Ayman Mohyeldin, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard.


Creative: Zineb Sedira, Rita Mawuena Benissan, Iansmith Mwenda, Idris Elba, Ken Wakia, Adejoké Bakare, Ayra Starr, Selma Feriani, DJ Edu, Eugene Mbugua, Chigozie Obioma, Kamel Daoud, Tesfaye Urgessa, Mehdi Qotbi, DBN Gogo, Yinka Ilori Amina, Lola Shoneyin, Ekow Eshun, Zhong FeiFei, Mati Diop, Hassan Hajjaj, Koyo Kouoh, Mo Harawe, Victoria Kimani.
Sports: Patrice Motsepe, Letsile Tebogo, Imane Khelif, Tunde Onakoya, Gelson Fernandes, Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane, Biniam Girmay, Ademola Lookman, Ruth Chepng’etich, Omar Berrada, Sifan Hassan.

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