13 most politically influential Africans in 2017, Buhari not among but his vice makes the list

shakirudeen taiwo

December 8, 2017 11:07 AM

These men wield the most political powers in the continent.

The African New Magazine has published 13 most influential African in 2017. On the list, it is surprising that Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari Rtd, was not mentioned while his deputy had a place among politically powerful persons in Africa.

According to Mr Omar Ben Yedder, the group publisher and Managing Director of IC Publications, this list shows the power of diversity that defined Africa.

"What our readers will find pleasing is the almost bewildering diversity of this list - in terms of race, ethnic and national diversity. This list, if nothing else, displays the beauty and power of the diversity that makes the Africa we all love," he said.

This list is made up of highly important Africans who are nominated by their peers and industry insiders.

"Our criteria for 'influential' this year was a fairly simple one – it is applied to people whose work or activity has had some sort of transformative effect outside their main calling. This effect results in a change of perception or provides inspiration to others,” said Anver Versi, the editor of the magazine.

Here is the list of the 13 most influential Africans for 2017.

1. Mrs Amina Mohammed – United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (Nigeria)

2. George Weah – Football legend and aspiring President (Liberia)

3. Yemi Osinbajo – Vice President (Nigeria)

4. Alpha Condé – President (Guinea)

5. Mohammed VI – King (Morocco)

6. Justice David Maraga – Supreme Court Judge (Kenya) Kenya's supreme court judge named among the influential people

7. Nana Akufo-Addo – President (Ghana)

8. Sophia Abdi Noor – Politician (Kenya)

9. Akinwumi Adesina – President Africa Development Bank (Nigeria)

10. Vanessa Moungar – Director of Gender AfDB (Chad)

11. Vera Songwe – New head – UN Economic Commission for Africa (Cameroon)