Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have been named in the prestigious '100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa' list for 2025.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja during an 'Unveiling News Conference' organized by the award committee. The list features prominent individuals from across Africa who have contributed significantly to peace-building initiatives.
Among other notable figures recognized is Egyptian football star Mohammed Salah of Liverpool FC. Additional Nigerian honorees include businessman Femi Oyetola, while other African recipients include Dr. Angel Josephat Natianota, CEO of HR World Limited Tanzania, Dr. Abdelhak Najib and Dr. Imane Kendili from Morocco.
Zimbabwe's Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Prof. Mthuli Ncube, and Munyakazi Sadate, Chief Executive Officer of Karame Rwanda Group, were also recognized among others.
Selection Criteria
Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director Africa for the initiative, explained that honorees were selected based on their commitment to humanitarian initiatives, positive influence on communities, youth empowerment, and other peace-promoting activities.
"These individuals have showcased unwavering resilience and commitment to nurturing new leaders, fueling economic growth, and uplifting positive changes across various sectors," Amafibe stated.
"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."
The honorees represent diverse fields including leadership, economics, sports, religion, entertainment, and traditional governance, all united by their contributions to peace and development across the continent.
Upcoming Award Ceremony
The 2025 Peace Icons will receive their awards 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,' aims to bring together economic experts, government officials, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Amafibe emphasized that the summit will serve as a platform for addressing Africa's economic challenges through open dialogue, collaboration, and partnerships essential for achieving sustainable growth.
"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," he added.
The event will also promote cross-border initiatives to help African leaders leverage collective efforts, ease border restrictions to boost trade, and maintain security frameworks that address common threats.
