The New Africa has released this year’s list of the 100 Most Influential Personalities in Africa with personalities cutting across diverse fields of endeavours from politics, to economy to social and sports. The list has notable personalities such as the Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who was re-appointed as the Co-Chair of Sustainable Development Goals Advocate Group by UN Secretary General.
Also, the President of Rwanda, Mr. Paul Kagame made the cut for his sheer dynamism and the impact his decisions have on other countries. Notable footballer like Egypt and Liverpool’s Mohamed ‘Mo’ Salah made the list for showcasing extra ordinary talent in the game. He has so many followers that he no longer belongs to Liverpool or for that matter, Egypt – he belongs to the world, the publication notes.
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Another notable presence on the list was Alaa Salah, an activist from Sudan who is called ‘Lady Liberty’, one of the iconic symbols of Sudan Uprising, also Siya Kolisi, Captain of South African Rugby team that won the Rugby World Cup made the list for his dexterity and grass to grace story, coming from a desperately poor beginning, his parents could not afford basic school fees, let alone his rugby kit, and now he captained a World Cup winning team. Expectedly, the Male Athlete of the Year by World Athletes, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya made the list for being voted Male Athlete of the Year by World Athletics.
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Nigeria’s Amina J. Mohammed who is the Deputy Secretary General of United Nations was recognized for being one of the most respected female figures in the world today for her determination to advance poverty eradication, gender equality and inclusive development in a peaceful world.
Activist, Thando Hopa of South Africa, a model and professional lawyer who was born with Albinism, and has became a powerful voice and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the beauty and fashion industry, among others especially for people living with albinism was recognized for her activism. Then the CEO of Merck Foundation who has been empowering many women through the Merck More Than a Mother Movement which has touched women across the continent of Africa. Rasha Kelej has been recognized for her efforts to empower women in general and infertile women in particular through the “Merck More Than a Mother” campaign.
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Speaking about the recognition, Rasha Kelej, who hails from Egypt, said that she was thrilled and honored to receive this recognition and to be included in this prestigious list among such an eminent group of people. “As an African and an Egyptian woman, I strongly feel the need to empower girls and women, to be able to help them reach their true potential”, she said. She noted that through the Merck Mother Than a Mother Campaign, “we have always strived to bring a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility on all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses, in addition to empowering girls in Education and women in STEM fields”. According to her, it is all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry