The first-ever “Trade Champions of African Descent Worldwide” list, released by the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), honors 100 remarkable people who are advancing economic development throughout continents.
This special list is all about amazing Africans and people who are related to Africans. They are doing really great things in areas like money, computers, power, and farming. They include bosses who make really big money deals and people who help solve big problems in the world. These special people show that Africans are really smart and can make the world a better place.
This list serves as a tremendous source of inspiration for Africans, particularly those in Nigeria, and serves as evidence of the enormous potential the African diaspora has to propel economic progress and prosperity. The exhibition presents a united front exhibiting the multifarious contributions of individuals of African origin to the global commerce environment, showcasing the numerous faces of success representing different sectors, nations, and generations.
Nigerians are proud to have leaders such as Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African woman to chair the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite among their ranks of honored champions. They are joined by Kemi Arosanyin, the World Trade Center’s Director of Trade Development (Africa & Caribbean); Kemi Badenoch, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fidelity Bank; The U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s director, Enoh T. Ebong, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s executive director, Nonye Ayeni, respectively.
Other notable figures are Sand Mba Kalu, the Executive Director of the Africa International Trade & Commerce Research, and Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, the President of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank).
Rezig, the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion of Algeria, 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 others are included in the list, which goes beyond Nigeria. Every champion contributes a different tale of tenacity, inventiveness, and steadfast commitment to strengthening bonds and promoting international trade.
The Trade Champions list from MIPAD is a strong call to action as well as a cause for celebration. MIPAD is encouraging all Africans and their descendants to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and help create a more affluent and fair global economy by showcasing these inspirational individuals.
Global Trade Champions of African Descent Announced by MIPAD accompanied by a press release. More than that, it wished everyone a happy new year and a successful 2024! In honor of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) yearly establishment anniversary on January 1st and in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), MIPAD is pleased to present the inaugural Winners of the Most Influential 100 Export and International Trade Edition.
For the remaining awardees to round up the distinguished 100 in this special edition, nominations are still being accepted. On May 1st, 2024, when the whole Class of 2024 Honorees in all editions will be disclosed, the comprehensive Global Top 100 Honorees will be unveiled. MIPAD is pleased to announce the inaugural group of Honorees, which includes well-known figures in trade and export, in the spirit of appreciation.
Bravo to these first-ever 2024 MIPAD Honorees for their beneficial contributions to commerce in Africa and throughout the Diaspora! MIPAD asks to join them in celebrating them! Once again, congratulations to the exceptional people influencing the direction of international trade.
On Friday, April 19, in Geneva, Switzerland, we are excited to host these inaugural Honorees for a private reception honoring the recipients of the 2024 Hall of Fame Awards, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and other Honorees in the Trade Edition. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization (WTO), is the recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
