Grammy Award-winning singer Tems, World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah have been named among Africa’s 100 Most Notable Peace Icons for 2025 — an honor celebrating individuals who have significantly advanced peace, development, and unity across the continent.
The full list, which includes distinguished Africans from various fields, was unveiled during a press conference held Wednesday in Abuja by the organisers of the initiative.
Also featured on the list are prominent figures such as Nigerian businessman Femi Oyetola, Dr. Angel Josephat Natianota, CEO of HR World Limited (Tanzania), Dr. Abdelhak Najib, Dr. Imane Kendili (both from Morocco), Prof. Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, and Munyakazi Sadate, CEO of Karame Rwanda Group.
According to Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, the honorees were carefully selected for their commitment to humanitarian causes, community impact, youth empowerment, and their use of personal platforms and resources to promote peace.
“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to recognizing and celebrating individuals whose work inspires unity, economic growth, and harmony across Africa,” said Amafibe.
The Peace Icons will be formally honored at the 100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda this July.
The summit, themed “Leadership Frameworks for Governance, Business Growth, Investment Opportunities, and Sustainable Development in Africa”, will convene top economic minds, government officials, entrepreneurs, and policy influencers to explore practical solutions to Africa’s economic challenges.
Amafibe emphasized the need for open dialogue and strategic collaboration as Africa navigates complex global economic pressures. He noted that the upcoming summit will serve as a powerful platform for cross-border partnerships, policy reform discussions, and investment drives aimed at creating a more unified and economically resilient Africa.
“By sharing their stories, these Peace Icons are inspiring a new wave of leadership and social transformation. Their legacies reflect Africa’s core values — unity, progress, and perseverance,” he added.
The summit will also feature panel discussions, keynote lectures, and high-level networking aimed at reinforcing transparent governance, boosting investor confidence, and strengthening regional cooperation in sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare.
The 2025 Peace Icons list serves as a reminder of the diverse leadership and quiet strength shaping the continent’s future — from music and sports to business and diplomacy.
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