Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, and Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, have been named among the 2025 ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa.’ The prestigious list, unveiled on May 28, 2025, in Abuja, celebrates Africans whose contributions to peace, development, and empowerment have left an indelible mark across the continent.
The 2025 roster includes a wide spectrum of leaders and influencers, spanning sectors such as business, sports, governance, and entertainment. Alongside Okonjo-Iweala and Tems, notable figures like Egyptian football superstar Mohamed Salah and Nigerian businessman Femi Oyetola feature prominently, underscoring the diversity of talent driving Africa’s peaceful progress.
Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa initiative, explained the rigorous selection criteria. Candidates were chosen based on their dedication to humanitarian work, youth empowerment, and sustainable development efforts that foster harmony across their communities and nations.
“Africa’s peace icons symbolize resilience, visionary leadership, and a relentless commitment to uplifting their people. Their stories are a beacon of hope, showcasing unity and progress that transcend borders,” Amafibe said during the unveiling news conference.
This year’s awardees also include Dr. Angel Josephat Natianota, CEO of HR World Limited in Tanzania; Dr. Abdelhak Najib and Dr. Imane Kendili from Morocco; Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance Prof. Mthuli Ncube; and Rwanda’s Karame Group CEO Munyakazi Sadate. Together, they represent a powerful force for peace and growth on the continent.
The ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’ will be formally honored at the upcoming Leadership and Business Summit scheduled for July 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The summit’s theme, “Leadership Frameworks for Governance, Business Growth, Investment Opportunities, and Sustainable Development in Africa,” aims to unite stakeholders for robust dialogue on Africa’s future amid global economic headwinds.
Amafibe emphasized the summit’s role as a critical platform for fostering partnerships and promoting transparent governance. He added, “This event will catalyze cross-border collaboration in agriculture, education, health, and trade, strengthening Africa’s collective economic resilience and security framework.”
