Kemi Badenoch makes 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 list

UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has been named in New African magazine’s The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024.

Born Olukemi (Kemi) Olufunto Adegoke to Nigerian parents, and married to Hamish Badenoch, the 44-year-old made history by becoming the first Black person to lead a major UK political party when she was elected by the Conservatives to replace the outgoing Prime Minister and leader of the party, Rishi Sunak.

New African hails Badenoch for gradually proving a formidable personality in UK politics, adding that “if she can polish up her debating style rather than trying to emulate former PM Margaret Thatcher, she will stretch Starmer and Labour to the limit and cement an iconic place for herself. Watch this space.”

The London-based magazine placed her in the category of public office holders. Also in the category is former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Others include Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Muhammad Ali Pate, Claver Gatete, Ali Mohamed, King Mohamed VI, Ronald Lamola, Nardos Bekele-Thomas and Ibrahima Cheikh Diong.

Nigeria remains the country most represented in the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 list, closely followed by Kenya.

The list reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities

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