2017 List of 100 Most Influential Young Africans: Youth from around the world are making positive impact on issues ranging from governance to innovation. African boasts of one the most vibrant youth populations across the globe. Young persons from the vast continent are making their presence felt in business, politics, education, activism, entertainment and innovation. This is attributable to improving education, internet connectivity and gains made on freedom of expression.
Kenya is not exempt from the growing impact youth are making. There is a visible increase in youth participation in matters previous generations of young people shied from or did not have the ability or opportunity to participate in. For instance, the just concluded general elections saw several young people, in their early twenties, floor perennial political heavyweights to make it to County and National Assemblies.
The Africa Youth Awards started out in 2014 in a bid to recognize and appreciate contributions made by young Africans, both at home and abroad. The award scheme states on its website that their mission is to “transform the perception of the future of Africa in creating hope in young individuals who in various ways are contributing to the developmental success of the African Continent.”
The list is made up of African youth aged between 15 and 36 years old. Finalists came from 28 countries with Nigeria leading the pack with 19 representatives. Other countries with huge representation include South Africa which has 18, Ghana with 10 and Kenya with 7. The awards jury comprised of young Africans from across the globe.
Some Kenyans who have made it to the 2017 list of 100 Most Influential Young Africans include:
Cyprian Nyakundi – Political and social justice blogger
Boniface Mwangi – Politician cum activist
Larry Madowo – Media
Eric Kinoti – Entrepreneur
Gakii Biriri – Social enterprise and philanthropist
Jessica Francisca – Science and technology
Johnson Sakaja – Politician
Mumbi Ndung’u – Social enterprise and philanthropy
Below is the full list
- Achaleke Christian Leke
- Aigbe Omoregie
- AKA
- Akani Simbine
- Albert Kusi
- Ali Kiba
- Alloysius Attah
- Almaz Ayana
- Amel Bouchoucha
- Ameyaw Debrah
- Amr Sobhy
- Anta Babacar Ngom Bathily
- Asamoah Gyan
- Asma Khalifa
- Bashir Ahmad
- Berla Mundi
- Bonang Matheba
- Bongani Baloyi
- Boniface Mwangi
- Bosun Tijani
- Cassper Nyovest
- Caster Semenya
- Catherine Constantinides
- Mutoba Ngoma
- Cyprian Nyakundi
- Damien Mouzoun
- Damilola Oluwatoyinbo
- Davido
- Diamond Platnumz
- Diana Elizabeth Michael
- DJ Arafat
- DJ Zinhle
- Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng
- Kelechi Anyikude
- Ehiz
- Ekow Mensah
- Elijah Amoo Addo
- Ellen Chilemba
- Eric Kinoti
- Flaviana Matata
- Francine Muyumba
- Frederick Bohasu
- Gakii Biriri
- Gigi Ibrahim
- Gwendolyne Halle
- Hlomela Bucwa
- Samaila Suleiman
- Ibtissam Tiskat
- Ilwad Elman
- Ines Boubakri
- Itumeleng Khune
- Jean Bosco Nzeyimana
- Jessica Francisca Colaço
- Jimi Tewe
- Johnson Sakaja
- Jokate Mwegelo
- Julius Malema
- Kansiime Anne
- Kelvin Doe
- Khoudia Diop
- Knight Ganje
- Larry Madowo
- Lilian Makoi
- Ludovic Biyong
- Maps Maponyane
- Mark Angel
- Mercy Johnson Okojie
- Mike Chilewe Jnr
- Millard Ayo
- Mumbi Ndungu
- Muna Onuzo-Iyanam
- Nana Diaby
- Nancy Sibo
- Nancy Sumari
- Nasty C
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Randy Osae Bediako
- Riyad Mahrez
- Robtel Neajai Pailey
- Sadio Mane
- Salimatou Fatty
- Samson Itodo
- Sandile Shezi
- Sarkodie
- Shatta Wale
- Siyanda Mohutsiwa
- Sonia Mugabo
- Souhila Ben Lachhab
- Sylvia Kakyo
- Teacher Mpamire
- Tebogo Ditshego
- Thabo Msibi
- Toke Makinwa
- Tonye Rex Idaminabo
- Toyosi Akerele
- Uche Pedro
- Victoria Ibiwoye
- Wizkid
- Yasmin Mahfouz
- Yasmine El Baggari
Source: Africa Youth Awards
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Do not miss our latest update of the most influential students in Kenya, 2017
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