The London-based New African magazine has unveiled its highly anticipated annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans for 2024. This prestigious list celebrates the remarkable achievements and contributions of Africans across various fields who have made a significant impact on both the continent and the world in the past year.
One of the unique aspects of the Most Influential Africans feature is its ability to bring together a diverse group of individuals from different sectors and backgrounds. As one reader of the magazine put it, the list is akin to a “large family get-together,” where the accomplishments of Africans are shared, celebrated, and acknowledged at the end of the year.
Anver Versi, Editor of New African, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the warmth and unity that the list brings. “I had never thought of our 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) feature in quite that way,” Versi commented. “But now I think our friend has really nailed it and given it a special African flavour, the Ubuntu motto – I am because we are.” He emphasized the importance of celebrating these individuals, especially in a time when the world seems increasingly polarized and divided by man-made tragedies.
Among the many celebrated figures in this year’s list is Botswana’s very own Letsile Tebogo, who has earned a place in the spotlight for his groundbreaking achievements in athletics. Tebogo made history by clinching Botswana’s first-ever Gold medal at the 200m final, a remarkable feat that earned him well-deserved recognition on the global stage. His victory was not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Botswana in the world of athletics.
Tebogo’s success comes in the same year as the Paris Olympics, and in the special sports category of New African’s list, the magazine also saluted other Olympic medallists, including Sifan Hassan, the first female athlete to win medals in the 5K, 10K, and Marathon events, and Imane Khelif, whose victory in boxing was hailed as a triumph over racial prejudice.
The 2024 edition of New African’s “100 Most Influential Africans” offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of extraordinary individuals shaping Africa’s narrative both on the continent and abroad. These stories serve as a source of inspiration, showcasing the resilience, determination, and ingenuity that define the African spirit.
As Botswana continues to garner international recognition, Letsile Tebogo’s inclusion in this prestigious list highlights the growing prominence of the nation’s contributions to global sports and the ongoing rise of African talent in the international arena.
Botswana’s achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the collective spirit of the African continent. The inclusion of Tebogo on the list is not only a personal milestone for the athlete but also a symbol of the broader positive strides being made by Botswana and Africa as a whole in various sectors.
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential and talent that continues to emerge from Africa, bringing the continent’s unique narratives to the forefront of global discussions. As the year draws to a close, it is clear that the influence of these trailblazers will be felt for years to come, and their stories will continue to inspire generations to come.
