Renowned Zimbabwean playwright and Hollywood actress, Danai Jekesai Gurira, has secured a spot on the prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon her by New African, one of the continent’s leading publications.
New African’s annual listing celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of exceptional individuals hailing from various fields and sectors. These individuals have made a profound impact on both Africa and the world. The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 serves as a comprehensive showcase of their lives and achievements, offering readers valuable insights and inspiration.
Gurira, currently based in the United States, gained prominence for her remarkable role in the American superhero film, Black Panther. Beyond her acting prowess, she is the co-founder and executive artistic director of Almasi, a collaborative Zimbabwean-American drama arts organization.
New African highlights Gurira’s outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, as well as her unwavering advocacy for women’s rights and social justice. Her portrayal of Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje warriors in the Black Panther films, garnered universal acclaim. Furthermore, her play Eclipsed made history as the first Broadway production to feature an all-female, all-Black cast and creative team.
Gurira’s career is a testament to her multifaceted talents and her dedication to effecting positive change. She continues to inspire others through her impactful work in both the entertainment industry and activism.
Joining Gurira on the list is her compatriot Tsitsi Masiyiwa, the wife of business mogul Strive Masiyiwa. Tsitsi Masiyiwa is recognized under the Politics and Public Service category.
The list encompasses individuals from diverse domains such as politics, entrepreneurship, industry, environmentalism, creativity, science, education, and sports. Each honoree has demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective fields.
Creatives dominate the rankings, with 31 representatives, closely followed by business leaders with 25 entries. Notably, Nigeria emerges as the most represented country on the list, underscoring its influence in the creative sector and business landscape.
The Creative section features notable personalities like singer Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weekend), filmmaker Alice Diop, and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah. The Business section includes prominent figures such as Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest person, and Ralph Mupita, CEO of a major telecommunications company.
The list extends its recognition to exceptional individuals in science and academia, environmental conservation, and media. It also acknowledges influential figures in politics and public service, including William Ruto, the President of Kenya.
With climate change at the forefront of global concerns, the list features key players committed to the environment, such as James Mwangi and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, who are actively involved in climate-related initiatives.
In the media sector, the list includes Claude Grunitzky, founder of communications agency Voodoo, and Alan Kasujja, a prominent BBC journalist. Sports icons like Faith Kipyegon and Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springboks rugby team, are also recognized for their record-breaking achievements.
Below the list in full.
Politics and Public Service
William Ruto
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Sidi Ould Tah
Akinwumi Adesina
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Bola Tinubu
Mamady Doumbouya
Ousmane Sonko
Nadia Fettah Alaoui
Tsitsi Masiyiwa
Tidjane Thiam
Business
Mohamed Kande
Sim Tshabalala
Karim Beguir
Didier Acouetey
Olugbenga Agboola
Samaila Zubairu
Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
Ralph Mupita
Ibrahim Sagna
Simon Tiemtoré
Jules Ngankam
Riham ElGizy
André de Ruyter
Aliko Dangote
Ham Serunjogi
Serge Ekué
Bahija Jallal
Coura Sène
Bernard Koné Dossongui
Hassanein Hiridjee
Shola Akinlade
James Mwangi
Pascal Agboyibor
Science and Academia
Anna Adeola Makanju
Chao Tayiana Maina
Nemat Talaat Shafik
Ismahane Elouafi
Moungi Bawendi
Timnit Gebru
Environmental
James Irungu Mwangi
Ephraim Mwepya Shitima
Wanjira Mathai
Rashid Sumaila
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
Dr Musonda Mumba
Creative
Kaouther Ben Hania
Danai Gurira
Ncuti Gatwa
Black Coffee
Tyla Laura Seethal
Temilade “Tems” Openiyi
Lesley Lokko
Mulenga Kapwepwe
Alice Diop
Wanuri Kahiu
Bassem Youssef
Malenga Mulendema
Jadesola Osiberu
Editi Effiong
Ali Said Alamin Mandhry
Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye
Pretty Yende
Julie Mehretu
Pierre Thiam
Teju Cole
Thebe Magugu
David Diop
Burna Boy
Serge Attukwei Clottey
Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Aïda Muluneh
Omoyemi Akerele
Mariam Issoufou Kamara
Victor Ekpuk
DJ Snake
Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna
Media
Claude Grunitzky
Chioma Nnadi
Edward Enninful
Alan Kasujja
Wode Maya
Anton Harber
Khabane “Khaby” Lame
Charity Ekezie
Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka
Branko Brkic
Tomiwa Aladekomo
Marie Mbullu
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Daniel Ahaoussa
Fabrice Sawegnon
Sports
Francis Ngannou
Faith Kipyegon
The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi
Patrice Motsepe
Kelvin Kiptum
Victor Osmihen
Biniam Girmay
Yassine Bounou
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