The Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been named alongside grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems in the 2025 ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa’.
Other prominent Africans like Egyptian football star, Egyptian footballer Mohammed Salah of Liverpool FC also made the list.
Other recipients of the peace icon recognition across Africa include Nigerian businessman Femi Oyetola, Dr Angel Josephat Natianota, Chief Executive Officer, HR World Limited Tanzania, Dr Abdelhak Najib and Dr Imane Kendili (Morocco).
Prof Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Zimbabwe, and Munyakazi Sadate, Chief Executive Officer, Karame Rwanda Group, among others, are also on the list.
Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa, 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, said they made the list for their commitment to courses that promote development and peace.
According to Amafibe, the peace icons are Africans drawn from different backgrounds, who have used their talents, positions and resources to build and promote peace across the continent.
He explained that those who made the list were selected based on their commitment to humanitarian initiatives, positive influence on communities and youth empowerment, among other criteria.
“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and applauding remarkable individuals and the key roles they play in nurturing peace, harmony, and positive change on the African continent.
“These individuals have showcased unwavering resilience and commitment to nurturing new leaders, fueling economic growth, and uplifting positive changes across various sectors
“By sharing their narratives, our intention is to amplify the ripples of their endeavors, produce a collective resolve to foster a more calm and prosperous Africa.
“Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs and traditional rulers.
“They have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave inerasable legacies, with each narrative as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosed in the cherished values of Africa – unity, harmony, and progress,” he said.
The 2025 Peace Icons will receive the award at the ‘100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit’ scheduled for July in Kigali, Rwanda.
The event, themed ‘Leadership Frameworks for Governance, Business Growth, Investment opportunities and Sustainable Development in Africa’, will bring together economic experts, government officials, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other stakeholders to foster inclusive discussions on Africa’s economic growth.
Amafibe said Africa is currently experiencing its share of global economic challenges, and stakeholders needed to embrace open dialogue to foster collaboration and partnerships essential for achieving economic growth.
“Africa, with its diverse people, landscapes and dynamic population, presents a compelling invitation, and this event is a dynamic platform for us to come together and explore significant trends, challenges, and opportunities for collaborations.
“This will help to create an environment conducive for investment opportunities, promoting communication and collaboration among leaders.
“The summit will feature insightful lectures, high impact networking, and engaging panel discussions which will ensure stable political campaigns with transparent governance, which will build investors’ confidence.
“It will also promote cross-border initiatives that allow nations to share best practices in areas like agriculture, education, and health.
“This can help African leaders leverage their collective efforts and ease border restrictions to boost trade while maintaining a security framework that addresses common threats,” he added.
