Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have been named among the 2025 ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa’. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the official ‘Unveiling News Conference’ held in Abuja.
The prestigious list features distinguished Nigerians and other prominent Africans from various sectors who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to peace, development, and humanitarian initiatives across the continent.
Egyptian football star Mohamed Salah of Liverpool FC also earned a spot on the list, alongside other notable figures such as Nigerian businessman Femi Oyetola, Dr. Angel Josephat Natianota (CEO, HR World Limited Tanzania), Dr. Abdelhak Najib and Dr. Imane Kendili from Morocco, Prof. Mthuli Ncube (Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion), and Munyakazi Sadate, CEO of Karame Rwanda Group.
Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director for Africa’s 100 Most Notable Peace Icons, explained that the honorees were selected for their significant contributions to peacebuilding, community empowerment, and economic growth. He said the initiative highlights Africans who have used their talents, resources, and leadership positions to foster harmony and positive change.
“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging remarkable individuals who nurture peace, harmony, and progress across Africa. Their resilience and dedication to empowering communities and driving sustainable development inspire us all,” Amafibe stated.
The 2025 Peace Icons will be officially honored at the ‘100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit’ set for July in Kigali, Rwanda. The summit, themed ‘Leadership Frameworks for Governance, Business Growth, Investment Opportunities and Sustainable Development in Africa,’ will convene economic experts, government officials, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss Africa’s economic challenges and opportunities.
Amafibe emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration amid global economic pressures, noting that the summit aims to create an environment conducive to investment, governance transparency, and cross-border cooperation in agriculture, education, health, and trade.
“With Africa’s diverse population and dynamic landscapes, this event will facilitate partnerships that promote growth, stability, and shared prosperity, reinforcing the continent’s path toward unity and progress,” he added.
