December 20, 2025 — The influence in Africa’s business, technology, and leadership landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, as underscored by the latest release of New African magazine’s 2025 “100 Most Influential Africans” (MIA) list. This edition, which draws attention today, highlights a notable shift towards boardrooms and advancements in artificial intelligence as key drivers of change across the continent.
The annual MIA list, which has traditionally showcased individuals shaping Africa’s socio-economic and cultural narrative, reveals a particularly pronounced emphasis on business and finance this year. For the first time in several years, the Business and Finance category has outstripped the Creative category in representation, signaling a decisive pivot in how Africa’s economic agenda is being dictated by corporate strategies, capital investment, and industrial execution.
New African editor Anver Versi remarked that the list is more than just a ranking; it serves as a “life-changing recognition” for many honorees, acting as both a career catalyst and a reflection of current power dynamics.
As the 2025 MIA list reveals, the narrative surrounding influence is not solely about individual achievements but also about the sectors gaining prominence. The list comprises entries from 32 African nations, featuring 64 men and 36 women. Business leads with 21 entries, followed by Creatives (19), Public Office (15), and Thinkers & Opinion Shapers (15). Nigeria remains the most represented nation with 21 names included.
These figures highlight a growing trend where economic leadership is becoming a cornerstone of Africa’s sovereignty agenda, an evolution that encompasses industrialization, infrastructure development, and advancements in digital technology and artificial intelligence.
A significant theme in this year’s coverage is the increasing prominence of technology — specifically artificial intelligence — as a foundational element of continental strategy. The emphasis on “AI Ownership & Sovereignty” spotlights leaders dedicated to developing African-specific AI solutions that cater to local needs, aiming to position the continent as a creator rather than merely a consumer in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
This focus on AI is crucial, linking it to critical issues such as data governance, public-sector digital infrastructure, local language models, and applications in health and agriculture. The broader narrative questions whether African economies can fully capture the value from technologies that are reshaping global productivity.
Another prominent storyline surrounding the MIA list is the ongoing debate over energy policy within Africa. Advocates for energy sovereignty argue that development priorities must originate from the continent itself, a sentiment strongly articulated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC). His recognition in connection with the MIA list emphasizes Africa’s right to define its energy future, a crucial point as the continent grapples with its energy-access challenges.
The International Energy Agency estimates that nearly 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, and similar figures from the World Bank highlight the severe impact on socio-economic development. Ayuk contends that hydrocarbons, particularly natural gas, still play a vital role in the energy mix for many African states as they transition to renewable sources.
In Ethiopia, Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), also gained recognition in the MIA list. His role in driving Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda highlights a broader challenge facing African nations: how to manage and monetize public assets without compromising long-term national value. Taye’s approach is characterized by a methodical opening of the economy, emphasizing governance and competitive market structures across various sectors.
The Creatives category remains a substantial part of the MIA list, exemplifying Africa’s cultural influence on a global stage. This year, Nnena Kalu, celebrated for her groundbreaking win at the Turner Prize 2025, emerged as a notable honoree. Kalu’s achievement, as the first artist with a learning disability to win the award, bridges African heritage with global cultural recognition, demonstrating the expansive reach of influence beyond traditional metrics.
The MIA list also reflects the growing significance of diaspora politics, with figures like Zohran Mamdani gaining attention. His election in New York is seen as a potential avenue for advancing African interests in the U.S., illustrating how influence is increasingly recognized not only within Africa but also in global capitals where economic and political power converges.
As discussions surrounding the MIA list continue to evolve, it has become clear that it transcends a mere magazine feature. It is a real-time reflection of Africa’s current priorities, focusing on capital execution, technological agency, energy access, and cultural breakthroughs. Looking ahead, the debates surrounding AI governance, energy access as a competitive issue, and public asset reform will likely intensify, shaping the trajectory of African influence into 2026 and beyond.
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