BUSINESS
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 announced

The London-based New African magazine (www.NewAfricanMagazine.com) today released its highly anticipated annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.
The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world over the past year.
One of New African’s readers likened the Most Influential Africans feature to a ‘large family get-together, where we come together at the end of the year and share their various achievements throughout the year.’

The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 announced
Anver Versi, Editor of New African commented “I had never thought of our 100 Most Influential Africans (MIA) feature in quite that way 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. We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.”
Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change: Africa at the forefront
With Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominating the technology headlines this year, the Science and Academia section is replete with a number of African experts deeply involved in the subject.
While the technology can bring numerous opportunities to tackle some of the endemic issues, it is not without its pitfalls. Ethiopian-born, Abeba Birhane, conducted research that revealed how large-scale image datasets commonly used to develop AI systems contained racist and misogynistic labels as well as offensive images. Also addressing the ethical concerns around AI and inherent biases in the algorithm are fellow experts Rediet Abebe and Joy Buolamwini.
Climate Change remains a pressing issue, and Africa’s leaders, from Public Office to Business to Civil Society are fully engaged in tackling this vital concern.
For example, Senegalese Ibrahima Cheikh Diong entered the list after taking on the role of executive director for the newly formed Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which will have a direct impact on how developing nations will be able to respond to the worst effect of the climate crisis.
Michael Kakande was also nominated for being a fierce campaigner for climate justice and facilitating the participation of Africa’s youth in the global conversation.
A defining year for Development Finance Institutions
This year was in many ways a defining year for Development Financial Institutions, exemplified by the sheer number of entries in the Business section of the list. Dr Sidi Ould Tah from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Samaila Zubairu from the Africa Finance Corporation, Thierno-Habib Hann of Shelter Afrique, Akinwumi Adesina and Hassatou Diop N’Sele from the African Development Bank, Prof Benedict Oramah from the African Export-Import Bank, Alain Ebobissé from Africa50 and Manuel Moses from African Trade & Investment Development Insurance, all feature.
Olympic Glory: Celebrating Africa’s sports heroes
In the year of the Paris Olympics, there is a special salute to the Olympic medallists in our sports category. Letsile Tebogo, who stole the show at the 200m final to bring Botswana its first Gold medal; Sifan Hassan, who became the first female athlete to win medals in the 5K, 10K and Marathon (Olympic Record) events in the same game; and also Imane Khelif, who’s gold medal was a victory not just in boxing but also racial prejudice.
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.
See below the list in full or visit https://apo-opa.co/
The 100 Most Influential Africans 2024 List
Politics and Public Service
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Kemi Badenoch
- Muhammad Ali Pate
- Claver Gatete
- Ali Mohamed
- King Mohamed VI
- Ronald Lamola
- Yemi Osinbajo
- Nardos Bekele-Thomas
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
- Robins Tchale-Watchou
- Fatima Tambajang
- Dr Sidi Ould Tah
- Samaila Zubairu
- Thierno-Habib Hann
- Akinwumi Adesina
- Tariye Gbadegesin
- Adebayo Ogunlesi
- Wale Tinubu
- Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
- Prof Benedict Okey Oramah
- Moulay Hafid Elalamy
- Olugbenga Agboola
- Alain Ebobissé
- Tunde Olanrewaju
- Nassef Sawiris
- Aliko Dangote
- Ismael Belkhayat
- Hassatou Diop N’sele
- Jeremy Awori
- Manuel Moses
- Hassanein Hiridjee
- Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
- Joseph Moses Oleshangay
- Mohamed Adow
- Michael Kakande
- Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
- William Asiko
- Eva Omaghomi
- Nelson Amenya
- Helmy Abouleish
- Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
- Elhadj As Sy
- Chinasa T. Okolo
- Tshilidzi Marwala
- Prof Colleen Masimirembwa
- Prof Moses Obimbo Madadi
- Rediet Abebe
- Rachid Guerraoui
- Abdoulaye Diabaté
- Joy Buolamwini
- Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
- Miatta Fahnbulleh
- Olajide Olatunji
- Carlos Lopes
- Zain Verjee
- John-Allan Namu
- Vera Songwe
- Nesrine Malik
- Tayo Aina
- Thebe Ikalafeng
- Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
- Hannah Ryder
- Ayman Mohyeldin
- Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative
- Zineb Sedira
- Rita Mawuena Benissan
- Iansmith Mwenda
- Idris Elba
- Ken Wakia
- Adejoké Bakare
- Ayra Starr
- Selma Feriani
- DJ Edu
- Eugene Mbugua
- Chigozie Obioma
- Kamel Daoud
- Tesfaye Urgessa
- Mehdi Qotbi
- DBN Gogo
- Yinka Ilori Amina
- Lola Shoneyin
- Ekow Eshun
- Zhong FeiFei
- Mati Diop
- Hassan Hajjaj
- Koyo Kouoh
- Mo Harawe
- Victoria Kimani
Sports
- Patrice Motsepe
- Letsile Tebogo
- Imane Khelif
- Tunde Onakoya
- Gelson Fernandes
- Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
- Biniam Girmay
- Ademola Lookman
- Ruth Chepng’etich
- Omar Berrada
- Sifan Hassan
More from my site
BUSINESS
Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Furniture enhances a home’s beauty, as it tends not just to occupy space but to give it a look that exudes comfort. But there has always been a narrative that high-quality furniture comes with a high cost, as it is mostly for high-end users—this is not entirely true, as you can get furniture pieces within your budget without breaking the bank. One furniture store that is changing this narrative and making affordable, top-quality furniture available to the residents of Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and its environs is Cozi Furniture.
Who Is Cozi Furniture?
Cozi Furniture is the leading furniture store in the DMV area, offering quality home furniture at affordable prices. It has a physical store in New Carrollton, Maryland, and an online store where you can conveniently shop for your furniture products. These are furniture from reputable brands like Ashley Furniture, Crown Mark, and Coaster 22 Premium.

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland
Cozi Furniture offers bedroom sets, living room sets, mattresses, home office sets, dining room sets, entertainment sets, outdoor furniture, and accessories in various forms and styles.
What Makes Cozi Furniture The Best Furniture Store For Every Budget?
1. Affordable Prices
Cozi Furniture understands that budget is a top concern for many customers. Hence, it is committed to offering affordable prices on all the furniture pieces at its store. From sofas and loveseats to dining tables and bedroom sets, there is a wide range of furniture for every budget.
Notably, the furniture prices at Cozi Furniture are not what you can describe as “too good to be true” because all the products at the store are of high quality. Its furniture is made with top-quality materials and crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is stylish and durable. This makes Cozi Furniture the best place to buy furniture in Maryland.
2. Furniture Financing Program
In its bid to make high-quality furniture available to everybody, Cozi Furniture introduced a financing program called “Buy Now Pay Later” that allows you to get your preferred furniture and pay over 48 months with 0% interest. This means that you can purchase any furniture at the store without any down payment, with the opportunity to spread your payment across about four (4) years.
Therefore, you can get the furniture and pay monthly until you complete the payment. This flexible payment plan enables you to afford that comfy Warnerton Living Room Set or the 12-inch Ashley Hybrid King Mattress at the store.
3. Discounted Sales
Cozi Furniture is offering its furniture pieces at discounted prices. So you can save up to 23% on the furniture you buy from the store—both online and offline. For instance, the Mindanao Power Reclining Sofa that used to sell for $1,538 will be available for $1,183. This also applies to the Bolanburg Dining Set and other accessories at the store.
4. Return And Refund Policy
While Cozi Furniture upholds the sale and delivery of top-quality furniture, the company also has a return and refund plan in the event that you’re unsatisfied with the furniture delivered to you. Therefore, you can either request an exchange or ask for a refund. All these are to ensure the optimum satisfaction of its customers.
Cozi Furniture clearly understands the value of spending money on a product, which is why ensuring that the furniture gets a high-quality product in a good state is a greater priority.
Conclusion
Cozi Furniture is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for affordable, high-quality furniture in Maryland. The store is open to customers of every budget, and various features ensure that you create a beautiful and functional home.
Contact Cozi Furniture today to furnish your home with style and class.
More from my site
BUSINESS
DealMakers AFRICA Recognizes Top Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dealmakers in West Africa

West Africa’s most significant mergers and acquisitions, along with the financial and legal advisers behind them, have been recognised in the recently released 2024 DealMakers AFRICA Annual Awards. The awards highlight transactions that have shaped the region’s corporate landscape, acknowledging the firms and individuals driving complex deals across industries.
The DealMakers AFRICA awards are determined primarily by objective criteria, assessing the value and number of transactions recorded. However, three categories—Deal of the Year, Private Equity Deal of the Year, and Individual DealMaker of the Year—are selected based on nominations from advisory firms. These are evaluated based on factors such as deal complexity, transformational impact, and potential value creation.

DealMakers AFRICA Recognizes Top Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dealmakers in West Africa
In the West Africa Deal of the Year category, four major transactions were shortlisted. These included Olam Agri’s acquisition of Avisen, Chappal Energies’ purchase of Equinor’s Nigerian business, Renaissance Africa Energy’s acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, and the acquisition of Flour Mills by Excelsior Shipping. The winning deal in this category was the acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company by Renaissance Africa Energy, a transaction that aligns with Nigeria’s broader objective of increasing local participation in the energy sector. The deal saw ownership of critical onshore assets consolidated under a consortium of Nigerian companies, reinforcing local players’ roles in the industry. PwC Nigeria, Banwo & Ighodalo, Clifford Chance, White & Case, and G. Elias served as advisers on the transaction.
For the Private Equity Deal of the Year, three deals were in contention, including CardinalStone Partners’ exit from i-Fitness to Verod, Verod and its partners’ investment in Moniepoint, and Adenia Partners’ sale of Cresta Paints to Uhuru Investment Partners. The award was given to CardinalStone Partners for its exit from i-Fitness to Verod, a deal expected to drive i-Fitness’ next growth phase through Verod’s operational expertise and financial backing. The transaction was facilitated by Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, CardinalStone Capital Partners, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, and Olaniwun Ajayi.
The Individual DealMaker of the Year award, sponsored for the second consecutive year by PSG Capital, recognised five shortlisted professionals: Akinola Akinboboye of Deloitte, Ayotunde Owoigbe of Banwo & Ighodalo, Azeezah Muse-Sadiq of Banwo & Ighodalo, Daniel Adeoye of Verod, and Yewande Senbore of Olaniwun Ajayi. The award went to Daniel Adeoye, a partner at Verod, for his role in executing high-value transactions in the region.
Adenia Partners’ acquisition of Air Liquide subsidiaries across Africa was recognised with the DealMakers AFRICA Special Recognition award. The deal spanned 12 countries across three regions, with Adenia committing up to €30 million over the next five years to strengthen and expand the newly formed entity, Erium. The transaction was advised by Decrop Consulting, Asafo & Co, Fidal Avocats, Deloitte, DPGS & Alliance Partners, and ClassM.
The awards also acknowledged the top-performing financial and legal advisory firms in West Africa’s mergers and acquisitions landscape. PwC emerged as the leading financial adviser by deal value, followed by Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria, Citigroup Global Markets, and Treadstone Resource Partners. Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria and Stanbic IBTC Capital shared the top spot for financial advisory by deal activity.
Banwo & Ighodalo was named the top legal adviser by deal value, ahead of Clifford Chance, G. Elias, and White & Case. In terms of deal flow, Banwo & Ighodalo secured the top position, followed by Olaniwun Ajayi and Herbert Smith Freehills.
For equity transactions, Stanbic IBTC Capital was ranked the top financial adviser by transaction value, while Templars led as the top legal adviser in the same category. In debt transactions, Afreximbank ranked highest by value, while Olaniwun Ajayi led in legal advisory.
DealMakers AFRICA, which launched its awards in 2000 in South Africa and expanded to the rest of the continent in 2008, continues to highlight key transactions that shape African economies. The latest rankings reflect the growing sophistication of West Africa’s mergers and acquisitions landscape, as local and international firms navigate complex deals that are reshaping industries across the region.
More from my site
BUSINESS
African Development Bank signs $45 million grant agreement with Chad for asphalting of the Kyabé-Mayo road section

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the government of Chad have signed a grant agreement worth $44.9 million to finance the asphalting of the 49.5-kilometre Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road, including the construction of a 55-metre bridge.
The agreement was signed in N’Djamena on 19 February 2025 by Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State for Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, and Claude N’Kodia, the Bank’s Acting Representative in Chad. Several members of the Chadian government were also present, including the Minister for Infrastructure, Access-Improvement and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, and the Secretary of State for Finance and Budget, Ali Djadda Kampard. Also present was a delegation from the International Monetary Fund, led by its head of mission for Chad, Julien Reynaud,

African Development Bank signs $45 million grant agreement with Chad for asphalting of the Kyabé-Mayo road section
The funding will support one of the Chadian government’s key development objectives through strategic infrastructure improvement.
“The [Moyen-Chari] region, including Kyabé, Singako and Am Timan, has strong economic potential. It is Chad’s main agricultural basin and livestock area, rich in fish resources. Fish are supplied from Moyen-Chari to a large part of the country’s south and even to foreign markets,” stated Nguilin, also the Bank’s Governor for Chad.
The road project will open up southern and eastern regions of Chad, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen the resilience of local populations, especially women and young people. It will improve the transportation of goods and people between Kyabé and Singako by providing an all-weather road, facilitating the flow of agricultural and animal products from the rich areas of Moyen-Chari and Salamat to the consumer centers of Sarh, Moundou, N’Djamena and Abéché. It will also enhance accessibility to Moyen-Chari from neighboring Sudan.
The agreement paves the way for support from the Islamic Development Bank to finance the second section of the 205-kilometer Mayo-Singako-Am Timan at an estimated cost of $275.5 million.
“The African Development Bank is a strategic partner of Chad, particularly in the transport sector. The construction of the road section will reduce the overall cost of transport in Moyen-Chari […] and improve the living conditions of local people thanks to easier access to health and education facilities and to the country’s main consumer centers,” said N’Kodia.
The Kyabé-Mayo section of the Kyabé-Singako road is one of the missing links in the N’Djamena-Moundou-Sarh-Kyabé-
The African Development Bank Group remains a strategic financial partner for Chad, with its strategy paper focusing on two priority pillars: developing infrastructure to achieve strong and diversified economic growth and promoting good governance to increase the effectiveness of public action and the attractiveness of the economic environment.
More from my site
-
EDUCATION3 years ago
Jamb Cut-Off Mark for A Law Degree in Nigerian Universities
-
BANKING3 years ago
POLARIS Bank Transfer Code| How to Activate the USSD Banking Code
-
BANKING3 years ago
Union Bank Transfer Code| How to Activate the USSD Banking Code
-
BANKING3 years ago
FIRST Bank Transfer Code| How to Activate the USSD Banking Code
-
BANKING3 years ago
How to Check UBA Account Balance From Anywhere
-
BANKING3 years ago
GT Bank Transfer Code| How to Activate the USSD Banking Code
-
BANKING3 years ago
Check GTB Account Balance via Internet and USSD Code
-
BANKING3 years ago
ZENITH Bank Transfer Code| How to Activate the USSD Banking Code