In 2024, African business leaders made significant contributions to the continent’s economy, driving job creation and leaving lasting legacies.
- African business leaders made significant contributions to the continent’s economy in 2024
- Key businesses that shaped Africa in 2024 include Nigerian-based Flutterwave and Access Bank
- 23 individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to business in Africa in 2024
This role, as business leaders transcends mere profit generation, encompassing the ability to inspire, innovate, and address Africa’s unique challenges while contributing to its global competitiveness.
These private investments not only boosted Africa’s economy but also drove innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
The most influential Africans 2024
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, as curated by New African Magazine, highlights remarkable leaders shaping the continent’s future.
This annual recognition, featuring 23 outstanding business leaders, honors not only their financial achievements but also their transformative impact on industries and communities across Africa.
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From fintech, AI development to industrial manufacturing and telecommunications, these key players have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a commitment to addressing Africa’s pressing challenges while unlocking its vast opportunities.
Some of the key businesses deals that shaped Africa in 2024 include;
The expansion of Nigerian-based Flutterwave into e-commerce, among other notable developments.
The fintech giant secured $250 million in private funding, boosting its valuation to over $3 billion.
Access Bank, a prominent Nigerian financial institution, made strategic moves to expand its footprint in sub-Saharan Africa. Key acquisitions include:
– Uganda’s Finance Trust Bank, prioritizing financial inclusion for women-led businesses.
– Acquisition of Bidvest Bank in South Africa.
The completion of the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, the largest single-train refinery in the world, has transformed Africa’s oil and gas sector.
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NVIDIA’s project to create an ecosystem of 50,000 NVIDIA-certified developers across Africa is also a major initiative aimed to boost tech talent and drive innovation in areas like AI and cloud computing in Africa
The 23 individuals honored for their exceptional contributions to business in Africa, listed in no particular order, include:
| SN | Country | Country | Organization | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robins Tchale-Watchou | Cameroon | Videndi Sports | Managing Director |
| 2 | Fatima Tambajang | Kenya | Nvidia | Head of Developer Relations for Africa, Middle East |
| 3 | Dr Sidi Ould Tah | Mauritania | Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). | President |
| 4 | Samaila Zubairu | Nigeria | Africa Finance Coporation | CEO |
| 5 | Thierno-Habib Hann | Guinea | Shelter Afrique | CEO |
| 6 | Akinwumi Adesina | Nigeria | African Develpment Bank | President |
| 7 | Tariye Gbadegesin | Nigeria | Climate Investment Funds (CIF) | Chief Executive |
| 8 | Adebayo Ogunlesi | Nigeria | Global Infrastructure Partners | Managing Partner |
| 9 | Wale Tinubu | Nigeria | Oando PLC | Group CEO |
| 10 | Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede | Nigeria | Access Holdings and Coronation Group | Chairman |
| 11 | Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah | Nigeria | African Export-Import Bank | Chairman |
| 12 | Moulay Hafid Elalamy | Morocco | Saham Group | Founder |
| 13 | Olugbenga Agboola | Nigeria | Flutterwave | Co-Founder |
| 14 | Alain Ebobissé | Cameroon | Africa50 | CEO |
| 15 | Tunde Olanrewaju | Nigeria | McKinsey | Senior Partner |
| 16 | Nassef Sawiris | Egypt | Orascom Construction | CEO |
| 17 | Aliko Dangote | Nigeria | Dangote Group | President |
| 18 | Ismael Belkhayat | Morocco | Chari | Co-Founder |
| 19 | Hassatou Diop N’Sele | Senegal | African Development Bank | Vice President for Finance |
| 20 | Jeremy Awori | Kenya | ECOBANK | Group CEO |
| 21 | Manuel Moses | Zimbabwe | African Trade And Investment Insurance | CEO |
| 22 | Hassanein Hiridjee | Madagascar | Axian | CEO |
| 23 | Rene Awambeng | Cameroon | Premier Invest | Founder |
Nigeria topped the list with 10 influential business leaders, solidifying its position as a hub for business excellence.
Cameroon trailed with three leaders, while Kenya and Morocco each had two.
Additionally, several countries had one representative each on the list, including Mauritania, Guinea, Egypt, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar.
The overall list features individuals from 31 African countries, including 19 from Anglophone Africa and 12 from Francophone Africa.
As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria accounted for over a fifth of the recognized personalities, contributing 21 individuals. South Africa followed in a distant second place with 15 representatives.
