South African Magazine Names Gen Kainerugaba Among Top 50 Influential Africans for 2023

The Senior presidential advisor for special operations has been named among the top fifty most influential Africans for the year 2023/24.

In a South African magazine of January 15, the article highlights Gen Kainerugaba's work as a military officer and his impact through his social development causes focused on youth empowerment in general.

According to the magazine edition published on January 15, the list comprises presidents, diplomats, and business magnates among others.

“In a continent pulsating with vitality and diversity, we unveil our comprehensive list of the Top 50 Most Influential Individuals in Africa (2023/2024). From visionary presidents and accomplished diplomats to shrewd business magnates and esteemed government officials, this compilation celebrates the remarkable impact of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the African landscape,” the magazine notes before unveiling the list of 50.

“Our curated selection not only recognizes political prowess but also acknowledges the dynamic contributions of those shaping Africa’s socio-economic and cultural spheres steering the continent towards a future defined by innovation, diplomacy, and progress,” the Magazine notes further," the article mentioned.

Other Africans on the list are; football legends Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon and Didier Drogba from Ivory Coast while Mohammed Salah from Egypt also makes the list. The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan is also recognised for her unique role as the country's first female president and John Kufuor former President of Ghana is also recognised. 

Full list (obtained from Fortune Africa)

1. Name: President Samia Suluhu Hassan

Country: Tanzania

Profile: Samia Suluhu is the President of Tanzania. She assumed office in 2021, becoming the first female president of the country. Before her presidency, she served as the Vice President of Tanzania from 2015 to 2021.

2. Name: Ambassador Dr. Edd Branson

Country: Zimbabwe

Profile: Ambassador Dr. Edd Branson is the Chairman of the AfriUSA Business Initiative. He is an investor and citizen diplomat, working towards fostering economic development and diplomatic relations between Africa and the United States.

3. Name: Akinwumi Adesina

Country: Nigeria

Profile: Akinwumi Adesina is the President of the African Development Bank. He has been instrumental in promoting economic growth and development in Africa through various initiatives and programs.

4. Name: Wemkele Mene

Country: South Africa

Profile: Wemkele Mene is the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He plays a key role in advancing the objectives of boosting intra-African trade and economic integration.

5. Name: Luul Siciid Jaamac

Country: Somaliland

Profile: Luul Siciid Jaamac is the Chairperson of Beeyo Maal in Somaliland. She is involved in philanthropic activities and works towards empowering women and promoting their rights in her community.

6. Name: Eric Omondi

Country: Kenya

Profile: Eric Omondi is a Kenyan businessman, actor, and comedian. He has gained popularity for his comedic acts and has ventured into various business endeavors.

7. Name: Wokie Kou Dolo

Country: Liberia

Profile: Wokie Kou Dolo is a Liberian philanthropist and model. She is known for her charitable work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare, improving lives in her community.

8. Name: Cuthbert Ncube

Country: Zimbabwe

Profile: Cuthbert Ncube is the President of the Africa Tourism Board. He works towards promoting tourism and travel in Africa, aiming to enhance economic growth and create sustainable tourism practices.

9. Name: Malangu Kabedi Mbuyi

Country: Congo

Profile: Malangu Kabedi Mbuyi is the Governor of the Central Bank of Congo. She is responsible for overseeing monetary policies and financial stability in the country.

10. Name: Folorunso Alakija

Country: Nigeria

Profile: Folorunso Alakija is a Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist. She has made significant contributions to various industries, including fashion, oil, and printing, and is involved in numerous charitable initiatives.

11. Name: Muse Bihi Abdi

Country: Somaliland

Profile: Muse Bihi Abdi is the President of Somaliland. He has led the region through various development projects and initiatives, focusing on improving infrastructure and fostering economic growth.

12. Name: Dr. Ashatu Kijaji

Country: Tanzania

Profile: Dr. Ashatu Kijaji is the Minister of Industry and Trade in Tanzania. She plays a vital role in promoting trade and industrial development, aiming to stimulate economic growth in the country.

13. Name: Patrice Motsepe

Country: South Africa

Profile: Patrice Motsepe is a South African businessman and the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He has achieved significant success in various industries, including mining, and is actively involved in promoting African football.

14. Name: Fatou Bensouda

Country: Gambia

Profile: Fatou Bensouda is the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. As a renowned jurist, she is dedicated to fighting against international crimes and seeking justice for victims.

15. Name: Fatou Fall

Country: Senegal

Profile: Fatou Fall is a medical doctor and army general in Senegal. She has made notable contributions to the healthcare sector and serves her country by combining her medical expertise with a military career.

16. Name: Gary Nkombo

Country: Zambia

Profile: Gary Nkombo is a politician from Zambia. He is actively involved in politics and represents his constituency, working towards the betterment of his community.

17. Name: Muhoozi Kainerugaba

Country: Uganda

Profile: Muhoozi Kainerugaba is an army general and philanthropist from Uganda. He has served in the military and is also involved in charitable activities, particularly focused on education and youth empowerment.

18. Name: Eudoxie Mbouguiengue

Country: Gabon

Profile: Eudoxie Mbouguiengue is a model and philanthropist from Gabon. She is dedicated to empowering women and promoting education and healthcare in her country.

19. Name: Serge Ibaka

Country: Republic of Congo

Profile: Serge Ibaka is a professional basketball player and philanthropist. He has showcased his talent in the NBA and is actively involved in supporting various humanitarian causes, particularly in his home country.

20. Name: Didier Drogba

Country: Côte d’Ivoire

Profile: Didier Drogba is a former professional footballer and philanthropist. He has had an illustrious football career and devotes his time and efforts to charitable activities, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

21. Name: Sucex Bright

Country: Nigeria

Profile: Sucex Bright is the President of Focus Africa, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting development and progress in Africa.

22. Name: Boniface Mwangi

Country: Kenya

Profile: Boniface Mwangi is a highly acclaimed photojournalist and social activist known for using his photography to shed light on social and political issues in Kenya.

23. Name: Angélique Kidjo

Country: Benin

Profile: Angélique Kidjo is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and activist who has made significant contributions to African music. She is also known for her advocacy work in promoting girls’ education and women’s rights.

24. Name: Matshela Koko

Country: South Africa

Profile: Matshela Koko is an energy entrepreneur , technocrat and investor from South Africa. He has played a vital role in the energy sector, contributing to the development of sustainable energy solutions.

25. Name: Kemo Bojang

Country: Gambia

Profile: Kemo Bojang is an activist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to social development and empowerment initiatives in West Africa.

26. Name: Genevieve Nnaji

Country: Nigeria

Profile: Genevieve Nnaji is a renowned actress and filmmaker from Nigeria. She has received international acclaim for her talent and contributions to the African film industry.

27. Name: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Country: Nigeria

Profile: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a distinguished economist and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. She has made significant contributions to global economic governance and development.

28. Name: Neville Mutsvangwa

Country: Zimbabwe

Profile: Neville Mutsvangwa is the Chairman of Mumba Money International, a financial institution operating in 10 countries. He has played a vital role in the growth and development of the money transfer sector.

29. Name: Rasha Kelej

Country: Egypt

Profile: Rasha Kelej is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist from Egypt. She has made significant contributions to various social and humanitarian causes, focusing on healthcare and education.

30. Name: Amadou Mahtar Ba

Country: Senegal

Profile: Amadou Mahtar Ba is a renowned journalist and the co-founder of AllAfrica Global Media, a leading news organization in Africa. He has played a significant role in promoting African journalism and media development.

31. Name: Charlotte Dipanda

Country: Cameroon

Profile: Charlotte Dipanda is a talented musician and philanthropist from Cameroon. Her music has gained international recognition, and she actively participates in initiatives that seek to drive positive change in her community.

32. Name: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

Country: Ethiopia

Profile: Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of soleRebels, a renowned Ethiopian footwear brand. She is highly committed to sustainable business practices and job creation in her community.

33. Name: Mohammed Osman Saeed

Country: Somaliland

Profile: Mohammed Osman Saeed is a distinguished technocrat from Somaliland. He has made significant contributions to the technological and innovation landscape of the region.

34. Name: Mohamed Salah

Country: Egypt

Profile: Mohamed Salah is a professional footballer who has achieved remarkable success in his career. He is widely regarded as one of the best African footballers and has represented Egypt at the international level.

35. Name: Pastor E A Adeboye

Country: Nigeria

Profile: Pastor E A Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a prominent religious institution in Nigeria. He is highly respected for his spiritual leadership and philanthropic endeavors.

36. Name: Alikiba

Country: Tanzania

Profile: Alikiba is a popular musician and songwriter from Tanzania. He has made significant contributions to the African music industry and has garnered a wide fan base across the continent.

37. Name: Tasha de Vasconcelos

Country: Mozambique

Profile: Tasha de Vasconcelos is a humanitarian from Mozambique. She actively engages in philanthropic work, particularly in areas related to healthcare and social development.

38. Name: John Kufuor

Country: Ghana

Profile: John Kufuor is a former President of Ghana who has left a lasting impact on the country’s governance and development. He is highly regarded for his leadership skills and commitment to democratic values.

39. Name: Ndanatsiwa Tagwireyi

Country: Zimbabwe

Profile: Ndanatsiwa Tagwireyi is a media and communication practitioner from Zimbabwe. She has played a significant role in shaping public discourse on environmental issues , mining and promoting effective communication.

40. Name: João Pereira Massano

Country: Angola

Profile: João Pereira Massano is the head of military intelligence in Angola. He plays a crucial role in ensuring national security and defense.

41. Name: Victor Ochen

Country: Uganda

Profile: Victor Ochen is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the Founder of the African Youth Initiative Network. He has dedicated his life to advocating for peace building, youth empowerment, and the rights of refugees.

42. Name: Samuel Eto’o

Country: Cameroon

Profile: Samuel Eto’o is a former professional footballer and philanthropist from Cameroon. He is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers and has used his influence to support various social causes.

43. Name: James Alex Michel

Country: Seychelles

Profile: James Alex Michel is a former President of Seychelles. He has made significant contributions to the political and social development of the country.

44. Name: Sbu Leope

Country: South Africa

Profile: Sbu Leope is a prominent entrepreneur and media personality from South Africa. He has achieved notable success in both the business and media sectors, making him a prominent figure in the country.

45. Name: Aya Chebbi

Country: Tunisia

Profile: Aya Chebbi is an activist and the first African Union Youth Envoy. She actively works on empowering the youth, promoting gender equality, and advocating for social change across Africa.

46. Name: Ozwald Boateng

Country: Ghana

Profile: Ozwald Boateng is a renowned fashion designer from Ghana. He has made significant contributions to the fashion industry, combining African and European styles to create unique and elegant designs.

47. Name: Tiesiogine Azhago

Country: DR Congo

Profile: Tiesiogine Azhago is an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She actively works to raise awareness and address issues related to gender-based discrimination and violence.

48. Name: Awatif Baroud

Country: Chad

Profile: Awatif Baroud is a successful entrepreneur from Chad. She has played a significant role in promoting economic development and business opportunities in her country.

49. Name: Rose Mukankomeje

Country: Rwanda

Profile: Rose Mukankomeje is an environmentalist from Rwanda. She actively works on environmental conservation and sustainability, promoting green initiatives and raising awareness about climate change.

50. Name: Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima

Country: Benin

Profile: Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima is an educationist and politician from Benin. She has devoted her career to improving access to education and advocating for educational reforms in her country.