The Convener of Africa Women Summit, Ambassador Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, has been nominated as 100 Iconic African Leaders 2023 by the organizers of the New African Magazines among other renowned African leaders that have greatly reshaped the continent through their different works of life.
In statement signed for Engage Empower Educate Initiative, Ibrahim Abwage stated that the nomination comes as a result of Amb. Belema’s tireless work toward reshaping the core ideas and values of the African continent through his annual event, the African Women Summit, a brand that operates under the Umbrella of his Non Government Organization (NGO), Engage Empower Educate Initiative.
The summit seeks to gather influential leaders to address critical issues, foster open dialogue, drive knowledge-based initiatives, and encourage collaborative actions to enhance women’s health, education, peace and promote sustainable development in the continent.
Dr. Gift Chidima Nnamoko Orairu, founder of New African Magazine, noted, “We celebrate the enduring legacy of visionaries who have transcended boundaries and redefined the course of history. We are proud to celebrate the legacy of iconic leaders who have shaped the African continent through their unwavering commitments to progress and unity, leaving an indelible mark on the course of history.”
The nominees of the 100 Iconic African Leaders will be inducted into the African Leaders Hall of Fame 2024.
Some of the nominees include Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah for his missionary zeal for African prosperity, Paul Kagame for pioneering African politics, Oulimata Sarr for juggling growth with equality, Macky Sall for preaching reform from AU chair, William Arap Ruto for his hustler statesmanship, Wamkele Mene for running the AfCFTA juggernaut, Peter Obi for unsettling the balance of power, Monde Muyangwa for recalibrating US-Africa relations, Hakainde Hichilema for slaying the corruption dragon, Akinwumi Adesina for setting the record straight, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin for championing the ‘loss and damage’ fund, Mahamudu Bawumia for unleashing tech for development, Olusegun Obasanjo for still being on the front line, Aliko Dangote as CEO of Dangote Group, Goodluck Jonathan for his tenure as Nigerian President (2010-2015), Prince Arthur Eze as CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum.
Others on the list include Tony Elumelu, philanthropist and Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Mike Adenuga, CEO of Globacom, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank, Obinna Iyiegbu, Chairman of Cubana Group, Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, one-time president of Mauritius, Prof. Patrick L.O. Lumumba, Kenyan Lawyer Professor and Pan African, and the late Herbert Wigwe, colossus of African finance and CEO of Access Holdings PLC.
Others who made the list also included: Femi Otedola, a business mogul with wide appeal; Strive Masiyiwa, known for rewiring African development; Elon Musk, President of the Musk Foundation; George Weah, the 25th President of Liberia; Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of Gambia; Ali Bongo Ondimba, the Third President of Gabon; Otunba Taiwo Joseph, an activist; Mrs. Nene C. Oluwagbohun; and Cosmas Maduka, a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist.
Kalada expressed his appreciation to the organizers for considering him worthy of this great honor and pledged his commitment to fostering an Africa driven by ideas that can restore its dignity, culture, peace, and sustainable development in women’s health and political participation.
