Nigerian global music star Temilade Openiyi, fondly called Tems, and WTO’s Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala have secured a place among Africa’s 2025 ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons.’
They are part of a lineup that honours individuals driving change and peace across the continent. The announcement came during the ‘Unveiling News Conference’ held in Abuja on the 28th of May, 2025.
Liverpool’s Egyptian forward, Mohammed Salah, also made the list.
The recognition cuts across various sectors and countries. Other honorees include Nigerian entrepreneur Femi Oyetola, Dr Angel Josephat Natianota of Tanzania’s HR World Limited, Morocco’s Dr Abdelhak Najib and Dr Imane Kendili.
From Zimbabwe, Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube made the cut, along with Rwanda’s Karame Group CEO, Munyakazi Sadate.
Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons Africa, explained the selection process: “They made the list for their commitment to courses that promote development and peace.”
He said the awardees reflect Africa’s diversity. Each has used their influence, skills, or platforms to strengthen peace efforts across communities:
“The peace icons are Africans drawn from different backgrounds, who have used their talents, positions and resources to build and promote peace across the continent.”
Selection focused on individuals with a track record in humanitarian work, youth empowerment, and positive community impact.
“This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to acknowledging and applauding remarkable individuals and the key roles they play in nurturing peace, harmony, and positive change on the African continent.
“These individuals have showcased unwavering resilience and commitment to nurturing new leaders, fueling economic growth, and uplifting positive changes across various sectors.
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“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.
“Within this illustrious roster of 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, we encounter a rich shade of leaders, economists, financial experts, sports personalities, religious leaders, industrialists, entertainment entrepreneurs and traditional rulers.
“They have transcended boundaries and overcome challenges to leave inerasable legacies, with each narrative as a tribute to perseverance and determination, enclosed in the cherished values of Africa unity, harmony, and progress.”
Awardees will be celebrated in July at the ‘100 Most Notable Africans Leadership and Business Summit’ in Kigali, Rwanda. Themed ‘Leadership Frameworks for Governance, Business Growth, Investment Opportunities and Sustainable Development in Africa,’ the summit is expected to attract leaders across sectors.
Amafibe described the event as timely, given Africa’s current economic hurdles: “Africa is currently experiencing its share of global economic challenges, and stakeholders needed to embrace open dialogue to foster collaboration and partnerships essential for achieving economic growth.”
He called the summit a shared space for forward-thinking:
“Africa, with its diverse people, landscapes and dynamic population, presents a compelling invitation, and this event is a dynamic platform for us to come together and explore significant trends, challenges, and opportunities for collaborations.
“This will help to create an environment conducive for investment opportunities, promoting communication and collaboration among leaders.
“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.
“It will also promote cross-border initiatives that allow nations to share best practices in areas like agriculture, education, and health.
“This can help African leaders leverage their collective efforts and ease border restrictions to boost trade while maintaining a security framework that addresses common threats.”