The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) has unveiled its inaugural “Trade Champions of African Descent Worldwide” list, recognising 100 exceptional individuals driving economic progress across continents.
This groundbreaking list celebrates the achievements of Africans and their descendants who are making waves in diverse sectors like finance, technology, energy, and agriculture. From CEOs forging billion-dollar deals to social entrepreneurs tackling global challenges, these Trade Champions are proving that African ingenuity is a driving force for positive change in the world economy.
For Nigerians and Africans across the continent, this list is a powerful source of inspiration and a testament to the immense potential of the African diaspora in driving economic growth and prosperity. It showcases the diverse faces of success, representing various industries, countries, and generations – a united front showcasing the multifaceted contributions of people of African descent to the global trade landscape.
Among the celebrated champions, Nigerians take pride in the inclusion of individuals like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Joining them are Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank (IATB); Kemi Arosanyin, the Director, Trade Development (Africa & Caribbean) at the World Trade Center; Kemi Badenoch, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade & President of the Board of Trade; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fidelity Bank; Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and Enoh T. Ebong, the Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
Others include Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, the President of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), and Sand Mba Kalu, the Executive Director of the Africa International Trade & Commerce Research.
The list extends beyond Nigeria, encompassing notable figures like Wamkele Mene, the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); Wanjiru Machugu-Zenz, the CEO of African Women in Trade (AfWITrade); Florizelle Liser, the President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, and Algeria’s Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig. Each champion brings a unique story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to building bridges and boosting trade across borders.
MIPAD’s Trade Champions list is not just a celebration, it’s a powerful call to action. By highlighting these inspiring figures, MIPAD is urging all Africans and their descendants to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and contribute to building a more prosperous and equitable global economy.
Explore the full list here and discover the inspiring stories of these Trade Champions on MIPAD’s blog.
